Veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala has been elected as the new President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA). Moala won the election with 22 out of 36 votes, defeating the incumbent president Kora Nou from Papua New Guinea.
Leilani Reklai from Palau was elected Vice President, receiving 29 votes and surpassing her opponent Iliesa Tora. The elections took place at the picturesque Okioki Mai Clifftop Cafe and Bar during the final day of the week-long PINA Media Summit, which featured important discussions on key media topics including press freedom, the challenges posed by new technologies, and the role of women in Pacific media.
The newly elected board reflects a change in leadership dynamics, now including three women among its seven members, an increase from two in the previous term. Moala expressed his appreciation for the confidence bestowed upon him, acknowledging the significant contributions of the outgoing president Kora Nou.
“I accepted this nomination with some hesitation,” Moala commented, expressing hope for a younger candidate, potentially a woman. “However, now that I’m here, I plan to serve only one term to allow new leadership to emerge.”
He emphasized the need for consistency in PINA’s leadership and suggested that former presidents should continue to mentor new leaders.
“We require constant continuity. Kora, we hope to retain your support. Your guidance has been crucial during your tenure,” he noted.
Moala outlined his goals for PINA, aiming to strengthen connections with media organizations in Samoa and Micronesia, while addressing historically tense relations between Fiji and Samoa that need to be reconciled.
“We must forge a closer bond with Samoa. I am dedicated to visiting these regions to engage those members,” he affirmed.
Additionally, he stressed the significance of engaging with diaspora media in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, pointing out that there are significantly more Tongans living abroad than in Tonga itself.
“There are many Tongans outside of Tonga, and diaspora media should be fully integrated into PINA. We need to eliminate the term ‘associates’ and recognize them as full members,” Moala stated.
In his farewell remarks, Kora Nou reflected on his presidency without regrets, describing it as a period of personal and professional development.
“It has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey,” he declared. “I have grown both personally and professionally, and I appreciate everyone who collaborated with me throughout my time in office.”
Nou acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing Pacific media, especially the preservation of press freedom in the region, and expressed his hopes for the new board to address these critical issues.
“I remain committed to our cause, even after stepping down as President. I will continue to assist wherever I can,” he added.
The newly established PINA board consists of the following members:
– Neville Choi (Media Council of PNG and National Media Associations Representative)
– Esther Pavihi (Niue Media Association and TV Representative)
– Katalina Tohi (Tonga BroadCom Radio Representative, retained)
– Fred Wesley (Fiji Times Editor, Print Representative, retained)
– Robert Iroga (Online Representative, retained, previously Vice President)
– Lavenia Lativerata (Coordinator for Women in Media Fiji and Senior Journalist at MaiTV)