Kalafi Moala, an experienced regional media professional, and Leilani Reklai, a distinguished journalist from Palau, have been appointed as the new President and Vice President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Board.
The election was held during a PINA Board meeting in Niue this morning. Moala received 22 out of 36 votes, taking over the presidency from Kora Nou of Papua New Guinea, who was also a candidate for the position. Reklai was elected Vice President with 29 votes, beating out Iliesa Tora of RNZ Pacific.
Following his election, Moala expressed gratitude to the board members for their trust in him, pledging to represent the interests of media throughout the Pacific region. Meanwhile, Reklai called her election an honor, emphasizing that PINA now effectively reflects the media landscape of both northern and southern Pacific regions, as well as the smaller newsrooms that are a reality for many island nations. She expressed excitement about collaborating with the Board to enhance the Pacific media industry.