Veteran journalist Kalafi Moala from Tonga has been elected as the new President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA). Moala won 22 out of 36 votes in a tightly contested election, defeating the outgoing president Kora Nou from Papua New Guinea.
Leilani Reklai from Palau was elected as Vice President, garnering 29 votes to surpass her competitor Iliesa Tora.
The elections took place at the Okioki Mai Clifftop Cafe and Bar on the last day of the week-long PINA Media Summit. This summit was marked by significant discussions on vital media topics, including press freedom, the impact of emerging technologies, and the involvement of women in Pacific media.
The election results indicate a shift in leadership dynamics, with three women now on the seven-member board, an increase from two in the last term. Moala expressed his gratitude for the confidence shown in him.
He acknowledged the contributions of the previous president, Kora Nou, emphasizing the importance of continuity for PINA’s success.
“I accepted this nomination with reluctance,” Moala stated, “thinking there would be someone younger, perhaps a woman. But now that I’m here, I’ll only serve one term to enable fresh leadership.”
Moala highlighted the necessity of stability in PINA’s leadership and suggested that former presidents should remain involved to support new leaders.
“We need constant continuity. Kora, we would like to keep you involved. You’ve led us for several years, and your experience is invaluable,” he added.
He laid out his plans for PINA, aiming to strengthen ties with media organizations in Samoa and Micronesia. Moala pointed out the historically strained relationships between Fiji and Samoa and stressed the need for reconciliation.
“We need to build a closer relationship with Samoa. I’m committed to visiting these areas and encouraging their members to collaborate with us,” he mentioned.
Moala also emphasized the significance of connecting with diaspora media in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
“There are far more Tongans outside of Tonga than in Tonga,” he remarked, underlining that diaspora media outlets should be integrated fully into PINA, moving away from the term ‘associates’ and recognizing them as full members.
In his farewell comments, Nou reflected positively on his tenure as PINA President, viewing it as an opportunity for both personal and professional development.
“It’s been a challenging but rewarding experience,” Nou expressed. “I’ve grown as a person and as a professional, and I thank everyone who worked alongside me during my tenure.”
Nou also recognized the ongoing challenges for Pacific media, especially concerning press freedom in the region.
“We do this for the love of the region. The regional media is essential for maintaining a free press, and I hope the new board will continue to address these collective issues,” he said.
As outgoing board members, including Nou, Tora, and Georgina Kekea, concluded their terms, Nou expressed confidence in the new leadership.
“I remain committed to the cause, even if I’m no longer President. I’ll still be around to help where I can,” he stated.
The new 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 BroadCom Radio Representative, retained)
– Fred Wesley (Fiji Times Editor, Print Representative, retained)
– Robert Iroga (Online Representative, retained, previously Vice President)
– Lavenia Lativerata, coordinator of Women in Media Fiji and Senior Journalist at MaiTV.