Updated at 7:19 am on 4 October 2011
New Zealand has sent aid to Tuvalu after a warning that current water shortages there could become serious.
An RNZAF Hercules arrived on Monday afternoon to deliver two desalination units, water containers and personnel after Tuvalu declared a state of emergency.
Tuvalu has been hit by an intense dry period, with countries in the eastern and north-eastern regions of the south-west Pacific experiencing arid conditions also, Radio New Zealand International reports.
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says a decision was made at the weekend to send a Hercules after a message was received that some places were down to two days of water.
Mr McCully says New Zealand is also keeping an eye on other island nations that facing water shortages, including Tokelau.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand
Audio is categorised based on the frequency of the programme it was heard in. Click on the headings below to access the programmes. For the most recently published audio, go to the latest audio page.
Streams are in Windows Media format. Mac and Linux users may need to install additional software. Get help with audio
A selection of music interviews, reviews, videos, concerts, sessions, and performances.
Downloads and podcasts are available for selected programmes. Our podcast page has a complete list of feeds.
Help on using online audio: formats, software, podcasts, downloading, and troubleshooting.