PINA elects new President

A new President for the Pacific Islands News Association has been elected at the end of the PINA meeting today [Thursday 26/9/24 Niue time].

He is Kalafi Moala from Tonga an experienced journalist in the region with over 40 years in the industry.

He leads PINA for the next two years from 2024 to 2026.

Mr Moala succeeds Kora Nou who's been the president for the past three terms starting from 2018.

The election by 36 member associates saw Moala elected with 22 votes with the outgoing president whose also NBCs Managing Director receiving 14 votes.

Mr Nou while welcoming the new president thanked his outgoing board members as well.

"As a person I have developed quite a bit and I hope that in my interactions with various categories or levels of the rest of you, you've learnt a few things.

"I also thank Georgina, Iliesa, and Dominic and those of you who are going out with me, thank you so much for your contribution not only towards me as the president but towards the development and the growth of the media in the region.

Fred, Katalina, and Robert are staying on and I think it's a good ratio for those of us going out and the staff staying on so you can guide the incoming members I also congratulate the rest of you.

Seven PINA board members represent the different media platforms, which include the president and the vice.

The new vice president elect is Leilani Reklai from Palau.

Chairman of the PNG Media Council Nevillie Choi now sits in the board as an association representative.

The outgoing board also adopted draft minutes of the last PINA General meeting in the Solomon Islands, a new strategic plan for 2024 to 2028, and the 2020 audit report.

The outgoing president also shared his reports among them achievements and way forward for PINA.

The next PINA meeting is scheduled for 2026 in Fiji.