Veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala has been elected as the new President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA). In a closely contested election, Moala received 22 out of 36 votes, defeating outgoing president Kora Nou from Papua New Guinea.
Leilani Reklai from Palau was elected as Vice President, garnering 29 votes to outpace 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 extensive discussions on vital media topics, including press freedom, the challenges posed by emerging technologies, and the role of women in the Pacific media landscape.
The election results indicate a shift in leadership dynamics, as three women now serve on the seven-member board, an increase from two in the previous term. Moala expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and commended outgoing president Kora Nou for his dedicated service, emphasizing the need for continuity within PINA.
“I accepted this nomination with reluctance,” Moala stated, “believing there would be someone younger, perhaps a woman to take the lead. However, now that I’m here, I intend to serve only one term to allow for fresh leadership.” Moala also highlighted the importance of having past presidents involved to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
He outlined his priorities for PINA, including the establishment of stronger relationships with media organizations in Samoa and Micronesia. Reflecting on the historical tensions between Fiji and Samoa, he urged for reconciliation and expressed his commitment to fostering closer ties.
Additionally, Moala underscored the significance of engaging with diaspora media in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. “There are far more Tongans living outside Tonga than within it,” he noted, advocating for the full integration of diaspora media outlets into PINA and suggesting that they should be considered full members rather than associates.
In his farewell address, Kora Nou expressed pride in his term as PINA President, describing it as a period of personal and professional development. “It’s been a challenging but rewarding experience,” he said, acknowledging the hurdles faced by Pacific media in upholding press freedom in the region. He expressed hope that the new board would continue addressing these crucial issues.
As Nou and other outgoing board members, including Mr. Tora and Georgina Kekea, stepped down, he reassured his commitment to the cause of PINA, stating that he would remain available to offer assistance even after his tenure.
The newly elected PINA board comprises:
– Neville Choi (Media Council of PNG and National Media Associations Representative)
– Esther Pavihi (Niue Media Association and TV Representative)
– Katalina Tohi (Tonga Broadcast Radio Representative, retained)
– Fred Wesley (Editor of Fiji Times, Print Representative, retained)
– Robert Iroga (Online Representative, retained, previously Vice President)
– Lavenia Lativerata, Coordinator of Women in Media Fiji and Senior Journalist at MaiTV.