Veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala has been elected as the new president of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA). Moala secured 22 out of 36 votes during the PINA annual general meeting held in Okioki Mai, Niue.
Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, Moala emphasized the importance of continuity within the organization and welcomed the input of former PINA president Kora Nue from Papua New Guinea. He suggested that they consider adopting a system similar to one in Australia, where outgoing leaders assist their successors to ensure smooth operations.
Alongside Moala, Leilani Reklai, editor of Palau’s Island Times, was elected as the new vice-president. The newly elected PINA board members include Fred Wesley from Fiji (print), Neville Choy from Papua New Guinea (national association representative), Esther Pahivi from Niue (TV), Robert Iroga from the Solomon Islands (online), and Katalina Tohi from Tonga (radio).