Wednesday, June 30, 2010

[pima.nius] Tongan PM upset with reporting of monarchy funding

2:13 PM |

Tongan PM upset with reporting of monarchy funding

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201006/s2940778.htm

Updated June 30, 2010 09:38:38

Tonga's prime minister is upset with the way changes to the way the Kingdom's monarchy is funded have been reported.

Prime Minister Fred Sevele says claims by a pro-democracy MP that King George Tupou V was getting a 200 per cent increase in funding in the budget were completely wrong. He also says the claims by MP Isileli Pulu should not have been publicised in the media as they could have been easily disproved.

Dr Sevele explains that in fact the changes in funding are part of a plan to upgrade and modernise Tonga's monarchy.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Fred Sevele, Tonga's prime minister

Listen:
Windows Media

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pacific islands media association
pima.nius@gmail.com
aotearoa, new zealand
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[pima.nius] Wansolwara: Pacific Island representation at COP15 climate conference criticised

2:11 PM |

Wansolwara: Pacific Island representation at COP15 climate conference criticised

11:06 June 30, 2010Articles, Fiji, NZ, Pacific Headlines 0 comments

http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/06/wansolwara-pacific-island-representation-at-cop15-climate-change-conference-criticised/

Pacific Scoop:
Wansolwara Report – By Dawn Gibson, in Suva.

With some Pacific Island countries reportedly at risk of extinction due to sea-level rise, the Copenhagen Conference of Parties (COP15) was a waste of time, mainly due to a lack of good representation from the Pacific region.

These were the sentiments expressed by panel members at the Post Copenhagen Forum in Suva recently.

The Forum, titled "The Copenhagen (Dis)agreement!? Climate Joke or Climate Justice?" was hosted by the Pacific Regional Non-governmental Organisations (PRNGO) and the Fiji National University (FNU).

General Secretary of the Pacific Council of Churches Fei'lao'kitau Tevi said that, while it was the role of the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) to promote a regional profile at COP15, they failed to do so.

"Promotion should have been through the creation of these regional profiles.These profiles would have provided the countries involved with an accurate account of the possible damage to our region.

"While SPREP gave excellent media coverage of proceedings, they didn't do any favours for the Pacific region," said Tevi.

He added that while many other countries had the advantage of regional profiles, countries in the Pacific region that are more at risk did not.

Tevi added that from the entire Pacific region, only 11 reps were present in Copenhagen when, with more youth and NGO involvement, awareness as well as momentum could have been built up.

"NGOs spend masses of their time on research that is very relevant to meets such as COP15 and governments should allow more of them to participate in such talks. The youth groups can also play a major role here," he said.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Change Officer, Ben Namakin, supported Tevi's comments on youth and NGO involvement.

"NGOs should be consulted more often and must work closely with governments and leaders with one position, not different ones.

"We as Pacific Islanders should be able to come together as vulnerable countries and have one position," he said.

Mr Namakin added that experienced NGOs such as Greenpeace have the ability to empower Pacific's youth through workshops and training programmes.

"This way they will be more prepared for such important events and will therefore be able to represent the Pacific region better," he said.

Youth representative at the Forum, Leah Wickham, said that it was a "refreshing change" to see a striking increase in Pacific Island youth involvement in these matters.
"Youth involvement increased from 100 to 2000 participants during the COP15 lead up and we hope that number continues to increase," she said.
The panel expressed a keen interest in building momentum towards a better, more prepared meet this year in Mexico.

"We hope to see more cooperation among governments, NGOs and youth groups to assist with a regional profile as well as a stronger Pacific voice," said Tevi.

Each year, forum countries elect a country to chair for 12 months and in 2009, Australia was elected chair.

"While elected chair, Australia provided AUD$120 million to the entire Pacific region, with AUD$20 million going into scientific research in Australia," confirmed a representative from the Australian High Commission.

This year, Vanuatu has been nominated chair of PIFS and "people are looking forward to a coherent Pacific position at the coming meet in Mexico.

"We are hoping that this new leadership will take initiatives towards ensuring that the voice from the regional Pacific is heard," concluded Tevi.

[pima.nius] New Pacific Media Association being formed

2:07 PM |

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Marc Neil-Jones <publisher@dailypost.vu>
Date: 30 June 2010 16:26
Subject: [Freedom-Forum] A new Pacific Media Association is being formed
To: pacificmedia@googlegroups.com, mediafreedom@googlegroups.com, pacificxix@gmail.com

Congratulations John on your PINA resignation. You can only bang your head against a brick wall for so long. About time others made a stand. A new Pacific Media Association is already in the process of being formed following meetings in the past month in Samoa and through email to do what PINA has not been capable of doing. Has anybody seen this statement about this new Pacific Media Association? A number of newspapers are printing this in their paper tomorrow. It is good news indeed as PINA is a lost cause and more and more of an embarrassment in saying and doing nothing over media freedom issues, allowing censorship of it's news service and complete lack of transparency. Congratulations once again to John for making a stand.

Pacific media seeks independent voice

A proposed new Pacific media organisation today announced its intentions to stand up for media rights and to represent the multi-media industry of the region.

This follows the silence of PINA on the draconian Fiji Media Decree and its absence of commitment to the association's core values in defending and standing up for media rights, allowing military censorship of the regional Pacnews service and a lack of transparency and accountability in the association.

A concerned group of media proprietors, journalists and educators has decided to make public their plans to form a media association that will seek to represent the independent media of the whole region.

Discussions have taken place over the last month regarding such a body that would fully embrace the values of independent journalism. These include media freedom, ethics, governance (civil and corporate), transparency and accountability.

For obvious reasons, such a body cannot be based in Fiji.

It is suggested that Samoa, because of its media freedom environment and regional air links, would be the best location. It should be noted that PINA is registered in Samoa whose Prime Minister has been a consistent advocate for media freedom.

This association would actively campaign for the above values and would also offer an uncensored news service to its members and other interested parties.

With the working title Pacific Media Association, membership would be available only to bona fide independent media operators, including those who serve Pacific peoples in places like Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.

Informal contacts with some of our independent media colleagues in Melanesia and Australia have been positive and we hope they will play leading roles in any such regional body. It is hoped that it will be truly regionally representative.

For more details contact:

pacificmedia.assoc@gmail.com

[pima.nius] PINA Vice-President John Woods resigns

2:04 PM |

The following was posted on the Pacific Island Journalism googlegroups email list at 2pm yesterday.

To the President, Board Members and General Manager of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA):

Kia orana Moses, board members and Matai

I have agonised about making this statement of resignation as Vice-President because I know that PINA has a proud past and I do not want to be the chief catalyst in precipitating its collapse. However, I believe we all need to face the fact that PINA has had its day.

Today's media freedom situation in Fiji, whereby the Decree is now in force, is totally intolerable. A body like PINA should have led the outrage 24 hours ago. Our board's inaction on this fundamental issue is already a bone of contention among members and past members, and I am ashamed that we have reneged on our Constitutional obligation to oppose censorship and media controls in Fiji.

Moreover, I feel compelled to make a final stand against what I regard as poor leadership, mismanagement, and dysfunctionality of the secretariat.

Since July 2009 when I was elected Vice-President of PINA, I have discovered various failings and problems which I have raised, as you are all aware, to no avail. I am happy to elaborate and account for this, to anyone who may wish to ask.

The overall situation with PINA's administration is appalling, membership is at an all-time low, and I believe the organisation is virtually defunct.

My particular issues, as stated before, are:

In terms of our primary reason for existence, to uphold freedom of expression and a free press, PINA has lost its mojo. Our silence on Fiji and our tolerance of media restrictions is unacceptable. Maintaining a secretariat and a news service in Fiji is also unacceptable.
The secretariat does not follow best practice for administration, eg lack of financial reports, lack of work plans, lack of travel approvals, closed-circuit decision-making on who benefits from training courses, etc, etc.
The General Manager has not had an employment contract since November 2009, and expiry of the contract was not notified to board members at a Suva meeting in December 2009. My requests for an appraisal, contract review and due process have been blocked and denied.
Key resolutions of the board (in December) have not been notified to key parties nor implemented, eg forming of alliances with PFF and WAVE, forming a training partnership with the USP School of Journalism, etc.
The theft of equipment during a burglary of the PINA office early this year was not properly reported to the board, and decisions on spending Aid funds to replace the gear were made without consultation, and have left people disgruntled.
No progress whatsoever has been made on so-called key projects/topics such as a review of PINA's Constitution and Membership, and implementing of the 'PINA Strategic Plan'.
Pacnews is compromised because of its Fiji location, has already suffered from military intervention and censorship, and is not being reviewed/restructured as agreed by the board in December 2009.

I am resigning with sincere regret and in frustration, but with confidence that independent media operators in the Pacific will not let the troubles with PINA spoil or undermine the future and prosperity of our industry.

John Woods
Managing Editor
Cook Islands News

	e john@cookislandsnews.com w www.cookislandsnews.com p (+682) 22999 f (+682) 25303 PO Box 15 Rarotonga Cook Islands

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

[pima.nius] Re: Former All Black puts support behind deal

10:18 PM |

I'm concerned that most of the "initiatives" that have been attibuted
to P.E.D.A - cannot really be seen as "something different". So, I'm
still a bit weary!

DISCLAIMER: These emails are unedited and discussions made through this googlegroup are unmoderated. Announcements made through this googlegroup do not constitute endorsement for the organisations, individuals or opinions featured. Please check the integrity of organisations and individuals before exchanging personal information with them.

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[pima.nius] NATIVE COCONUT // Artist Talk // 12-1.30pm // Saturday 3 July

9:49 PM |

Fresh Gallery Otara is proud to present...

NATIVE COCONUT // ARTIST TALK
A group exhibition featuring new work by Margaret Aull, Cerisse Palalagi and Leilani Kake
Curated by Ema Tavola

Video still, Kia Ora 2 Kia Orana (2010) by Leilani Kake

WHEN: 12 - 1.30pm, Saturday 3 July
WHERE: Fresh Gallery Otara, Otara Town Centre, Manukau City

Proudly part of the Matariki Festival 2010

PLEASE NOTE // Ema Tavola has returned from a short-term secondment as Visual Arts Manager for Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku to her permanent role as Pacific Arts Co-ordinator managing Fresh Gallery Otara.

Vinaka vakalevu | Naku noa na | Regards

Ema Tavola

Winner of the Work & Life / Diversity Initiative Award - EEO Trust Work & Life Awards 2009 and New Zealand Recreation Association Outstanding Park Award – Barry Curtis Park

Please consider the environment before printing this email

Attention:

The information contained in this email (including any attachments) is intended solely for the addressee(s). It is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you have received this email in error you must not use, copy, disclose or distribute it or any information in it. Please simply notify the sender and delete or destroy all copies of the email immediately. Manukau City Council accepts no responsibility for any interception of, or changes to, our email after it leaves us. We do not accept responsibility for any viruses or similar carried with our email, or any effects our email may have on the recipient computer system or network.

[pima.nius] Govt orders witch-hunt over Pacific Affairs leak

2:12 PM |

Govt orders witch-hunt over Pacific Affairs leak

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz-government/news/article.cfm?c_id=144&objectid=10653551

By Derek Cheng

4:00 AM Tuesday Jun 22, 2010

The Government has ordered another witch-hunt after more leaking of sensitive documents - this time from the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, which questioned whether an inexperienced private company was a good choice for $4.8 million in funding.

Two other investigations are already under way into the source of leaks; the first was the Government's proposal to mine land protected in Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act; the second was plans to restructure the public service and merge Archives New Zealand and the National Library into the Department of Internal Affairs.

Pacific Island Affairs chief executive Colin Tukuitonga said an independent investigation would look at how a ministry briefing for minister Georgina te Heuheu on the Budget fell into the hands of Radio New Zealand.

"I need to assure myself, and our minister, that our staff have acted appropriately and in accordance with the state services standards of integrity and conduct," Dr Tukuitonga said.

The briefing outlined criticisms about the Pacific Economic Development Agency (Peda), which is finalising a purchase agreement with the Government to secure $4.8 million over four years for projects to lift Pacific people.

Radio NZ said the ministry's advice to Mrs te Heuheu was that Peda was "untested and unproven", had "not delivered on projects of any note", and "does not have a good record of working collaboratively with other agencies".

[pima.nius] Lack of reporters, resources big challenge for Pacific media, say local journalists

2:09 PM |

Lack of reporters, resources big challenge for Pacific media, say local journalists

http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/06/lack-of-reporters-resources-big-challenge-for-pacific-media-say-local-journalists/

12:11 June 28, 2010Articles, Cook Is, NZ, Pacific Headlines, Samoa, Tonga 0 comments

Pacific Scoop:

Report – By Josephine Latu, Pacific Media Watch.

A serious lack of reporters and financial resources means that "some stories do not get told", according to some journalists from the region.

Three visiting correspondents from the Pacific Islands, including Samoa Observer editor Mata'afa Keni Lesa, Matangi Tonga photojournalist Linny Folau and Cook Islands News political journalist Nerys Case, discussed the challenges faced by local media during a public forum held on Friday at the University of Auckland.

Folau said that although the Matangi Tonga website – the most popular online source for Tongan news – gets over 60 million hits every year, all reporting is carried out by only herself and the editor, Pesi Fonua.

"The challenge is a lack of resources and trying to remain afloat as a small organization," she said.

She added that young people in Tonga are "just not attracted to journalism" as a career due to the demands of the profession.

With such a small pool of reporters, Folau said: "The result is that news gets left out. [We] can't cover everything, daily, and… we have to pick and choose. The challenge is [selecting] what's more important."

In the Cooks, the daily newspaper Cook Island News is kept up by only three reporters plus the editor, John Woods.

Nerys Case, originally from the UK, took up the post of political journalist at the paper, after her position was advertised three times with no local applicants.
"There was no interest, it's not seen as an attractive area of work," said Case.

Threat of the watchdogs

Due to lack of manpower, local news only trickles to overseas audiences, as the Cook Islands News website is only updated once a week.

Case added that political reporting was especially challenging, as most politicians do not appreciate the watchdog role of media.

"Many believe the media is an irritating fly to be swatted away. They don't see us as holding them to account – they think we should just leave them alone."

Meanwhile, the editor of the Samoa Observer, Mata'afa Keni Lesa said that most of Samoa's journalists do not have proper training. Although the newspaper trains recruits on the job, "as soon as the next job opportunity shows up, they're gone", he said.

Lesa added that the Samoa Observer was "the lone voice of opposition" in a one-party state, and was seen by the government as a threat.

From the audience, Lisa Williams-Lahari, founder of the Pacific WAVE Media Network, commented that Samoa had some of the most "punitive" media laws in the region which in some ways, were "worse" than the Fijian regime.

The panel discussion was chaired by University of Auckland's Dr. Steven Ratuva and also included award winning Samoan journalist at the New Zealand Herald Vaimoana Tapaleao.

The three visiting journalists were in New Zealand on a week-long exchange programme sponsored by NZ's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As part of the programme, they visited the Beehive in Wellington as well as various media organizations, including meetings with MP's and leading media professionals.

Josephine Latu is a postgraduate communication studies student from Tonga at AUT University's Pacific Media Centre who is also contributing editor of Pacific Media Watch.

[pima.nius] Pacific Freedom Forum website has been updated: Fiji media decree

1:55 PM |

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Media by decree robs Fiji of the right to free and fearless journalism: PFF

Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS-- Legislation of new and sweeping controls over journalists and the media industry by the military regime governing Fiji deepens the loss of free speech and fearless public debate there, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
"Sadly, the new Media Industry Development decree confirms the regime targeting of anyone raising a hand for transparency and the rule of law since Fiji's constitution was replaced by a Public Emergency Regulation and military decree in April 2009," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.

"Clauses on inclusion of women and children, conduct and media standards, are window dressing. These critical issues are already a central core of journalism training and media council work. Most of the decree reveals it is really about doing away with watchdogs. It will now monitor and control who says what in Fiji's media through a new structure that is going to cost money, even as the decree will take its toll on media sector investment," he says.

The decree legislates registration of all media outlets with a regime-endorsed 'authority' given sweeping powers to protect the national and public interests, including searching premises and seizure of equipment and documents, to court-imposed fines or imprisonment for journalists who fail to divulge sources if required in the 'national' interest to do so. "While there are exceptions, the punitive language of enforcement against media outlets and journalists who refuse to cooperate takes away from any benefits the decree drafters had in mind. If anything, it will grow a pervasive atmosphere of self-censorship where misinformation and rumour will thrive," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.
Restrictions on foreign investment in media mean the Fiji Times, one of the oldest media operators in the world, now has 90 days to turn a business that has existed for some 90 years over to 90 percent local ownership, or close down. Media convergence; the buzzword for industry development especially with digital and online news media, will also be an issue in Fiji affecting newer cross media operators who want to make the most of new media technologies to grow audience reach.
"Applying the 10% or less shareholding restriction on foreign ownership would collapse the Fiji investment industry if applied as a national policy and raises questions on the industry development label in the decree."
"We acknowledge our Fiji media and other colleagues who continue to uphold the founding principle to journalism: the universal human right to free speech and expression of ideas. We stand in solidarity with them at this time and continue to be part of the global watch on the continued stifling of democracy and a free media there."
ENDS

CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.

Monday, June 28, 2010

[pima.nius] Hamilton’s Kiribati community is split over legal battle

1:54 PM |

Hamilton's Kiribati community is split over legal battle

18:30 June 23, 2010Articles, Kiribati, NZ 0 comments

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By Taberannang Korauaba.

A small Pacific island community in Hamilton, New Zealand, is experiencing an adverse impact of a legal battle.

In August last year, several members of the Kiribati Waikato Association brought their case before the court to challenge the election of new office bearers.

Last week, the High Court formally closed the case after lawyers from both parties agreed to settle their dispute outside the court. Justice Cooper anticipated more problems that could arise to the Kiribati community if the case continues.

However, the community is already facing the consequences of this legal battle, which are huge for a small community like Kiribati.

The community is now split, forming two different Kiribati community groups in the Waikato region with substantial legal fees.

There are about 33 Kiribati households in Hamilton with many are among the low income earners in New Zealand.

Dr Kabwea Tiban, leader of the group that filed their complaint with the court, said they are no longer associated with the main body, Kiribati Waikato Association.

He has circulated a resignation letter from this body along with a list of the names of the faction's supporters.

With regard to their legal fees, Dr Tiban says they have about five thousand dollars, and they have organised fundraise activities to pay it up.

The other party led by another i-Kiribati, Dr Tabwe Bio, is also reportedly fundraising to pay legal fees.

Dr Tabwe has earlier indicated during the Kiribati National Council meeting that the Kiribati families in Waikato shouldered the financial burden of this court case which was too much for this low income earning community.

The politics of this community did not impress Kiribati priest, Albert Rikare. "I have on many occasions appealed to them not to proceed with the case, and asked them to work together for the common interest of the community. They didn't listen to me," he said.

The Kiribati Catholics is also reportedly suffering from this political fallout as members of the church are also split. This has now become the headache of this Kiribati priest.

The new Kiribati community group in Waikato has also applied to the New Zealand Kiribati National Council for three seats in the council.

They have also indicated that they will participate in this year's national day celebrations in Rodney, northern Auckland as a separate community, a request that was earlier turned down by the council to avoid disintegration of the Kiribati community.

Taberannang Korauaba is a contributing writer based in New Zealand. He specialises in reporting Pacific issues, often with relevance to Kiribati.

[pima.nius] Fiji regime imposes tough new media controls

1:49 PM |

Fiji regime imposes tough new media controls

7:31 PM Monday Jun 28, 2010

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10655084

Fiji's leading newspaper has three months to change its ownership structure so 90 per cent of its shareholders are Fijian citizens or it will be forced to close, the military-led regime said Monday.

Armed forces chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama launched a media crackdown after seizing power in a December 2006 coup. Foreign reporters and media managers have been expelled, and dozens of local journalists arrested and interrogated. Military censors operate in media newsrooms on a daily basis.

Announcing the latest measures Monday, Fiji Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum warned any news organization that fails to comply with ownership requirements "shall cease to operate as a media organisation".

He mentioned by name the Fiji Times, the country's oldest and largest newspaper owned by News Ltd - the Australian branch of Rupert Murdoch's New York-based News Corp. News Ltd did not immediately respond to the government's decree.

For full article see: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10655084

Sunday, June 27, 2010

[pima.nius] Former All Black puts support behind deal

3:36 PM |

Former All Black puts support behind deal

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10654937

By Simon Collins

4:00 AM Monday Jun 28, 2010

Va'aiga Tuigamala. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The man who has been allocated $4 million of taxpayers' money for Pacific economic development, JR Pereira, has gained a powerful public ally - All Black legend Va'aiga Tuigamala.

Mr Tuigamala, who now runs a gym and a funeral business and is secretary of the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce, says critics should calm down and ask the right questions before they judge Mr Pereira.

"There is a lot of deliberate slandering of certain people, in this case JR Pereira," he said yesterday.

Pacific Economic Development Agency, which is wholly owned by Mr Pereira, was given $1 million a year for four years in last month's Budget for what it says is a project to prepare young Pacific people for trades, liaise with training organisations, build a database of Pacific workers, and mentor workers and their families to upgrade their skills.

Ministers told Parliament later that no money would be paid to the company until a "robust" purchase agreement was in place. The deal is still being negotiated.

Mr Tuigamala said somebody needed to try something different because all previous attempts to lift the economic position of Pacific New Zealanders had failed.

"We are struggling big time. These economic programmes and interventions have not been what is required," he said. "So I think this National Government has decided to do something about it directly."

Labour MPs have questioned the deal partly because of Mr Tuigamala's links with the National Party.

He and fellow ex-All Black Michael Jones endorsed National before the last election and both said yesterday that they had not ruled out standing as National candidates at a future election.

The Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with Mr Pereira on the deal. Its chairman, Cogita software founder Ulu Aiono, said yesterday that the proposal was developed in 2007 by himself, Mr Pereira and a former United Nations economist, Mose Saitala.

"I would say it was 60-70 per cent JR's idea, 20 per cent Mose's idea and 10 per cent mine," Mr Aiono said.

Mr Aiono sought backing for the idea from the Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum, NZ Trade and Enterprise, the Government Urban and Economic Development Office in Auckland (Guedo) and other agencies.

"Everyone was supportive, without exception. It's just that no one had any money," he said.

However, NZ Trade and Enterprise, Guedo and Manukau and Waitakere city councils sponsored a conference organised by the chamber in October 2008 to develop an "Auckland Pacific economic and social transformation agenda".

Mr Aiono, Mr Pereira and Mr Saitala have lobbied ministers and officials since then and were finally rewarded with the Budget allocation.

Mr Jones spoke at a follow-up forum last December on opportunities for Pacific people in the Rugby World Cup.

Meanwhile, a former head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Neil Walter, has been appointed to investigate how a Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs briefing paper about the risks in the deal with Mr Pereira reached Radio NZ journalist Richard Pamatatau.

Mr Walter's report is expected in the next few weeks.

By Simon Collins | Email Simon

[pima.nius] Young people not interested in journalism careers, say Pacific media veterans

12:18 PM |

Young people not interested in journalism careers, say Pacific media veterans

http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/06/young-people-not-interested-in-journalism-careers-say-pacific-media-veterans/

11:37 June 26, 2010Articles, Cook Is, Fiji, NZ, Pacific Headlines, Samoa, Tonga 0 comments

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By Gladys Hartson.

Most young Pacific people do not see journalism as a bona fide career path, according to three Pacific Island journalists who are in New Zealand this week as part of an inaugural exchange programme sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

At a panel discussion held at the University of Auckland Centre for Pacific Studies on Friday, Samoa Observer editor Mata'afa Keni Lesa said that while the challenges faced by island media are "multiple [and] too many to name", the lack of training, resources, and manpower were key problems.

This also becomes an issue when recruiting new journalists into the newspaper.

"We get some young people coming through with some training – not top of the line training… But still, we train so many people [on the job] but as soon as the next job opportunity shows up, they're gone," he said.

Lesa has a small staff of less than ten people.

"We try work hard with what we got", he added.

From the Cook Islands News daily paper, Nerys Case, a political journalist originally from the UK, said she has seen a "massive loss of population" in Rarotonga, especially as young people leave the country for better job opportunities overseas.

Cook Island News currently only employs three reporters, she said.

"There seems to be no interest from the young people to become journalists. It's not seen as attractive".

Similarly, Matangi Tonga Online photojournalist Linny Folau said that although there is a journalism training programme in Tonga that targets high school leavers for certificate and diploma qualifications, the number of enrolments are low.

"Maybe they think it's too demanding… Some go through the programme and get the knowledge but after working in the industry, they don't like it," she said.

New Zealand Pacific media

Meanwhile, award winning journalist from the New Zealand Herald Vaimoana Tapaleao said there is a real lack of Pacific journalists in mainstream media in New Zealand.

As a result, "huge expectations" are placed on the few Pacific staff in mainstream to cover and be knowledgeable about all things Pacific.

Tapaleao encouraged more young Pacific people to pursue a career in journalism, in order to fill this gap and bring more Pacific –relevant stories into the mainstream.

"When you walk into our office, you can tell straight away there's only one islander, and the only other Polynesian I know is the Maori Affairs reporter," she said.

Participants discussed the possibilities of having more opportunities for NZ-based Pacific journalists to spend time with their colleagues in the islands, as part of an ongoing exchange programme.

Gladys Hartson is a Graduate Diploma in Journalism student at AUT University and is working with Pacific Media Watch.

[pima.nius] Climate change scholarship for SIDS

12:10 PM |

Dear colleagues,

Please find attached a great opportunity to get a small amount of
funding (from the IPCC) for young people (under 40) to undertake
research in the area of climate change.

A proposal for research is required (as part of the attached
application form) and a proposed host organization. Email:
IPCC-SP@wmo.int

Candidates from Small Island Developing States are especially
encouraged to apply and it would be great to see more research from
the Pacific being funded and brought to the IPCC's attention.

Please circulate to anyone that might be interested.

Best regards,

Peter Murgatroyd

IRC Manager

SPREP

.........................

Ulamila Kurai Wragg
Pacific WAVE Media Network
Rarotonga
Cook Islands

www.pacificwave.org

Climate Change and Gender

[pima.nius] Young Professional Internships with PIFS

12:08 PM |

Please read attachment for more information.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

[pima.nius] MASILAMEA,TONGA’S (Pacific)MOST AWARDED VILLAGE…

5:53 AM |

MASILAMEA, TONGA'S MOST AWARDED VILLAGE…

BY TAKAFLY BROWN

PIX http://www.igooglemaps.com/oceania/tonga/tongatapu/masilamea/

This Saturday the 24^th June ex patriots Masilameans in Aotearoa are celebrating "Masilamea Day" at the Lotofale'ia Methodist Church, Mangere starting at 10.30am.

They are celebrating because they have 3 Queen of Britain medal awardees to supplement the already acknowledged fact of producing the highest number of Professors, doctorates, Masters and Bachelor degree holders and other academic achievements of all villages and towns in the Kingdom of Tonga, if not the Pacific islands?

The late Molimea 'Ilolahia of Sandringham was awarded the RVM and QSM. His niece Violani 'Ilolahia Wills of Wellington and Professor Dr.Sitaleki Finau are also QSM recipients.

Appropriately representing Molimea who served both the royal households of UK and Tonga is Julia 'Ilolahia, Molimea's youngest granddaughter who is also celebrating her 21^st birthday on Saturday 26th. She will give a commemorative speech about her grandfather at Lotofale'ia

Their family name 'Ilolahia literally means, "Too know a lot". This name was bestowed on Molimea's grandfather by King Tupou II for protesting his academic rights to be awarded the Atele and Tupou College's Dux and later created the Tongan language shorthand.

According to awardee Professor Dr.Sitaleki finau of Massey University of the 8 medals been awarded to Tongans. 50% of those are to Masilameans. The late Molimea 'Ilolahia was the first Tongan to receive a QSM in 1977. He received th RVM just a few weeks before he passed away

In 1989. The then Governor General Sir Paul Reeves presented Molimea with his RVM at the later's home in Sandringham. Said Sir Paul Reeves " I took tips from the man who knows. Mr.Molimea was not just another butler but a legend in his field"

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

For more info or Interviews.

Professor Dr. Sitaleki finau Massey University 4140800 xtn9766 or priv. 5244430

Violani Ilolahia Wills mob 0276030438, priv 043886014

Will 'Ilolahia (sulia's father) mob 0276368359

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

[pima.nius] Media Jobs: GLISPA -- Island Communications Manager, New York

2:44 PM |

Job Description

Island Communications Manager

PCI-MEDIA IMPACT

POSITION TITLE: Islands Communications Manager

STATUS: Full time, project specific funding for one year (with possible extension)

REPORTS TO: Programs Director, Media Impact

Dotted line to Coordinator, GLISPA (Based at IUCN in Washington DC)

Location: New York, New York, USA

About the Position

Working in close collaboration with the Director of Programs at Media Impact and the Coordinator of the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), the Islands Communications Manager will be responsible for the planning and implementation of communication initiatives at local, regional and international levels that will advance sustainable development and biodiversity conservation for island communities throughout the globe, as well as monitoring progress and achieving results. S/he will build and manage relations with partners and stakeholders, and lead efforts to develop a long-lasting and sustainable communication programs supporting the Global Island Partnership. This position demands designing and implementing a GLISPA communications strategy and programs and creating and managing partner networks. More on GLISPA at: www.cbd.int/island/glispa.shtml

Travel required: Up to 20%

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supporting the Global Island Partnership (50%)

Duties include:

Support GLISPA partners to define and implement a comprehensive communications strategy. This might include:
1. Identifying key audiences at national, regional and international levels and appropriate communications tools for reaching those audiences
2. Developing and maintaining the GLISPA "brand", including collateral materials, overall messaging, website and other tools
3. Managing and implementing strategic communications efforts that advance GLISPA priorities
4. Creating, managing and/or supporting communications to keep existing GLISPA partners and supporters informed and engaged, through the listserve, website and other tools,;
5. Event planning and facilitation, including trainings and conferences;
6. Helping secure resources that can support or add to GLISPA communication efforts;
7. Assist with web-based social marketing outreach including Facebook, Twitter, etc.
8. Support GLISPA partners with special communications needs as they arise.
9. Support communications efforts for the International Year for Biodiversity, as they relate to islands.

Developing Communication Programs for Islands (25%)

Duties include:

Research and understand issues confronting island communities.
Develop islands-based communications programs for the Caribbean, Pacific, and other regions as applicable. This includes conducting outreach, facilitating partnerships and collaborations, resource mobilization, training partners in Entertainment-Education methodology, designing, and implementing programs.
Support on-going codification efforts at Media Impact, especially as they relate to islands.
Act as a liaison with UNDESA and SIDS-NET and support related communications initiatives as they arise.

Support the Caribbean/OECS My Island – My Community Program (25 %)

Duties include:

Assist Program Manager, based in St. Lucia, with all phases of program implementation: coalition building and recruitment, resource mobilization, training, production, implementation and evaluation.
Help oversee and guide the production of radio drama series.
Provide on-going support and network opportunities to partners throughout the Eastern Caribbean.
Manage relationships with local partners and Technical Advisory Committee members.
Provide general administrative and logistical support as needed.
Support inter-regional sharing of the lessons learnt of the OECS program.
Integrate GLISPA work into this initiative.

Additional tasks may be assigned from time to time. Percentages of time dedicated to each area of responsibility are provided as a general guide and may vary.

Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge Requirements

Education and/or experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in fields of communications, journalism, marketing, Entertainment-Education, social marketing or other degree relevant to communications.
Very strong understanding of issues impacting island communities, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
5-10 years or more of work experience in island communities, biodiversity conservation, communication or social marketing.
Proven experience using communications strategies and tools to advance local, regional and international program objectives, including media relations, web/social media, print and events.
Strong writing abilities.
Proven success in project planning and management skills.
Grant and proposal writing experience.
Proven success in being able to thrive in team environments, having a strong understanding of diversity and other cultures, and having built relationships over long distances.
Willingness to travel based on needs of the position (up to 20%).
Strong English-language skills required. French and/or Spanish a definite advantage.
Experienced in using MS Office, databases, graphics or multi-media software.

About Media Impact:

Media Impact is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1985 that is dedicated to the rights and empowerment of women, youth, and indigenous peoples; the promotion of education and health, including reproductive health and informed choice; sensitivity to national and local cultures; and the principles put forth in broadly accepted United Nations covenants and resolutions. Media Impact's programs assist local media groups to produce, air, and sustain programs with advocacy and human rights messages, and facilitate the dissemination of programs as widely as possible, especially to the underserved.

About Global Island Partnership (GLISPA):

The Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) assists islands in addressing one of the world's greatest challenges: to conserve and sustainably utilize the invaluable island natural resources that support people, cultures, and livelihoods in their island homes around the world. It brings together island nations and nations with islands — small and large, developing and developed — to mobilize leadership, increase resources and share skills, knowledge, technologies and innovations in a cost-effective and sustainable way that will catalyze action for conservation and sustainable livelihoods on islands. It is recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as a partnership to advance the implementation of the CBD 2010 biodiversity target, to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss, and the programs of work on island biodiversity and protected areas.

Since it was first called for in Mauritius (January 2005) and launched at the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD in Brazil (March 2006), GLISPA has grown rapidly as an informal network advancing island conservation and sustainable livelihoods, with seven major strategies:

Inspire and recognize leadership and commitments to action for island conservation and sustainable livelihoods;
Strengthen partnerships to support implementation of commitments and to build local long-term conservation capacity;
Facilitate increased public and private funding for island priorities;
Promote targeted and cost-effective collaboration and exchanges among islands;
Engage in effective communication strategies on island issues;
Build linkages between all islands, regardless of political status;
Track progress on GLISPA commitments.

Apply to:

Sean Southey, ssouthey@mediaimpact.org with a CV and Cover Letter explaining your interest in the position. Please apply by July 16, 2010.

updates from (PIMA) the pacific islands media association . aotearoa . new zealand . pima.nius@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

2:13 PM |

Tongan PM upset with reporting of monarchy funding

2:11 PM |

Wansolwara: Pacific Island representation at COP15 climate conference criticised

2:07 PM |

2:04 PM |

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

10:18 PM |

9:49 PM |

2:12 PM |

Govt orders witch-hunt over Pacific Affairs leak

2:09 PM |

Lack of reporters, resources big challenge for Pacific media, say local journalists

1:55 PM |

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

1:54 PM |

Hamilton's Kiribati community is split over legal battle

1:49 PM |

Sunday, June 27, 2010

3:36 PM |

Former All Black puts support behind deal

Va'aiga Tuigamala. Photo / Paul Estcourt

12:18 PM |

Young people not interested in journalism careers, say Pacific media veterans

12:10 PM |

12:08 PM |

Thursday, June 24, 2010

5:53 AM |

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

2:44 PM |

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