Culture Compass

The Pacific has a rich royal history, but where do monarchies sit today?

"To my knowledge, it was the first time we saw a riot influenced by democracy," says Alice Lolohea, ABC's Tongan presenter for The Pacific. "People asked, if leaders overseas can be held accountable, why can't we hold ours to account?" What does monarchy mean in the Pacific today? How do these systems balance leadership, accountability, and culture, and how do they compare to Western royal ideals? In the Kingdom of Tonga, the last Pacific nation with a ruling monarchy, the royal family still holds real power, but calls for democracy have grown. At the same time, the monarchy remains central to tradition, culture, and community life. In Aotearoa, the Māori monarchy continues today — although it's not officially recognised. Elsewhere in the Pacific, monarchies have taken different paths. In Hawai'i, Tahiti, and Wallis and Futuna, royal families were overthrown by colonisers. Their lines are remembered and communities are pushing for recognition. You'll hear from Noah Hanohano Dolim, assistant professor at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, an expert on the Hawaiian Kingdom era and the turbulent history of unification, resistance, and resilience. Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia. Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios [https://www.deadsetstudios.com/] for ABC Radio Australia.

How Pacific women are reclaiming their rightful place as chiefs

When ancient customs meet modern politics, who holds the power? In certain parts of the Pacific, it's always been the women. They're called matrilineal chiefly societies — where women inherit the land, titles and responsibilities. But those systems were disrupted by the patriarchal structures that followed colonisation and Christianity. Now, women chiefs are navigating their way back to a rightful place in leadership. You'll hear from three women pushing for progress: Janet Sios from New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea, Motari Amua Doreen Le'ona from Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, and NBC reporter Louiseanne Laris from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia. Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios [https://www.deadsetstudios.com/] for ABC Radio Australia.

Where the family line begins: Tracing your genealogy in the modern age

How well do you really know your family tree? Modern life makes it harder to keep tabs on who we're connected to. Not long ago, genealogy wasn't something you had to study — it was simply passed down in conversation. But as we move to cities and drift further from our family base, that tree is becoming harder to map From family reunions to social media groups and even custom-built apps, genealogy is finding fresh ways to stay alive. You'll hear from the voices helping their communities reconnect, Miyamoto Jensen, also known as The Polynesian Genealogist, DNA researcher Elena Falla Fowler, and Sonia Minniecon from Blackbird International. Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia. Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios [https://www.deadsetstudios.com/] for ABC Radio Australia.

Guardians in wood: Protecting Pacific identity through ancestral carving

"They're our ancestors living with us, watching over our lives." Figurines, idols, and carved wooden objects have protected homes and villages for generations. Edgar Hinge from Vanuatu's Cultural Centre says the sacred slit drum, or Tamtam, is more than a carved instrument — it's a bridge to ancestors and a tool for communication. From Vanuatu's Tamtams to Trobriand Island masks and Cook Island's deity figures, carving remains a strong custom practice. But as our items reach galleries and tourist markets, could that shape what they represent? Hear from John Siguria of Trobriand Island Carvers and Cook Islands master carver Papa Mike Tavioni on how they're working to keep these traditions strong. Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia. Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios [https://www.deadsetstudios.com/] for ABC Radio Australia.

Samoan tatau: When a sacred practice goes global, who is responsible for protecting it?

Tatau is one of Samoa’s most sacred cultural practices, a responsibility carried on the body through ink.  The word tatau itself speaks to duty and connection. For men, the tattoo is called the pe’a; for women, it is the malu. Receiving one is shaped by culture, identity, and service, and all traditions are guided by an ancient Samoan legend. For generations, this knowledge was held by only two families entrusted with the tools, the ceremony, and the authority to tattoo.  Today, tatau is more visible than ever across Samoa and our diaspora communities. With that visibility comes concerns — stories of poorly performed tattoos and urgent questions about how a sacred practice can be protected in a modern world.  To understand what is at stake, we travelled to Faleasi‘u on the west coast of Upolu to speak with Su‘a Suluape Ala‘iva‘a Petelo Suluape, a retired master tattooist and elder from one of the families.   Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.   Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios [https://www.deadsetstudios.com/] for ABC Radio Australia.