Veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala has been elected as the new President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), winning 22 out of 36 votes in a competitive election that saw him unseat the previous president, Kora Nou from Papua New Guinea.
Leilani Reklai from Palau was chosen as Vice President, receiving 29 votes to defeat Iliesa Tora.
The elections took place during the final day of the week-long PINA Media Summit, held at the picturesque Okioki Mai Clifftop Cafe and Bar. This event featured vital discussions on significant media topics including press freedom, the impact of emerging technologies, and the involvement of women in Pacific media.
The new leadership structure reflects a shift in gender representation, with three women now on the seven-member board, an increase from two in the last term. Moala expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him and acknowledged Nou for his service, emphasizing the necessity for continuity within PINA.
“I accepted this nomination with reluctance,” Moala stated. “I was hoping for a younger candidate, possibly a woman. But now that I’m here, I’ll serve only one term to make way for new leadership.” He underscored the importance of ongoing mentorship from former presidents.
Moala announced that one of his key priorities will be to strengthen relationships with media organizations in Samoa and Micronesia, acknowledging the need for reconciliation between Fiji and Samoa. “We need to build a closer relationship with Samoa. I’m committed to engaging with these regions and encouraging their involvement,” he said.
He also emphasized the necessity of connecting with diaspora media in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, noting that there are more Tongans living outside of Tonga than within. He expressed the desire for these media outlets to be fully integrated into PINA, moving away from the term “associates” to recognize them as full members.
In his farewell address, Kora Nou reflected positively on his presidency, describing it as a journey of personal and professional development. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges Pacific media faces in ensuring press freedom across the region. “We do this for the love of the region. The regional media is crucial for maintaining a free press, and I hope the new board carries on addressing these collective issues,” he remarked.
As the outgoing members, including Nou, Tora, and Georgina Kekea, concluded their terms, Nou assured his continued commitment to supporting PINA’s mission, even in his new role.
The new PINA board consists of the following members:
– Neville Choi (Media Council of PNG and National Media Associations Rep)
– Esther Pavihi (Niue Media Association and TV Rep)
– Katalina Tohi (Tonga BroadCom Radio Rep, retained)
– Fred Wesley (Fiji Times Editor, Print Rep, retained)
– Robert Iroga (Online Rep, retained, previously Vice President)
– Lavenia Lativerata (Coordinator of Women in Media Fiji and Senior Journalist at MaiTV)