MOALA CALLS FOR MORE PASIFIKA MEDIA COLLABORATION
www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/specialreports/081007_kalafi.shtml
By Josephine Latu, Pacific Media Watch
AUCKLAND (PMW/AUT/Pacific Media Watch): Calls for more collaboration among Pasifika practitioners and a stronger “Pacific perspective” in the media are part of the buzz as the Pacific Islands Media Association (PIMA) gears up for its annual conference at AUT University this Friday.
Kalafi Moala, publisher of the Taimi ‘o Tonga, says the future of Pacific Islands media depends on reform that will allow Islanders to tell their stories from their own perspective.
“So far our stories in media have been told for us by others who do not understand our socio-cultural environment and history, and present day reality,” says Moala.
Moala, a former chairman of PIMA, will be speaking as part of a panel on the future directions of Pasifika media at the conference.
He believes the future of Pacific Islands media lies in serving the public through multiple modes of communication, and a democratic “people-based” approach that is free from the constraints of having to follow a conventional perspective that may misrepresent Pacific experiences.
It also depends on organisations such as PIMA that link practitioners in a “sense of camaraderie”, and a united voice for issues such as press freedom and other Pacific concerns.
PIMA deputy chairman Chris Lakatani says that while Pasifika faces in mainstream media are vital to recognising Pacific Islanders in New Zealand, a “mathematical” representation does not automatically mean a stronger media role.
For Lakatani, the key issue is more cooperation among Pacific Island practitioners to share knowledge, including business tactics and administrative skills.
“As a business owner or journalist, we don’t often get to talk to one another about things like distribution channels,” he says.
PIMA’s role becomes central in bringing media workers together to share tips about specific strategies for media business or journalism practice.
“Sometimes we work in isolation, yet culturally we are a communal people. As practitioners, we can get a lot more when we get together and share,” he says.
Showing posts with label PMW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PMW. Show all posts
Monday, October 06, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Heilala Tangitangi ‘o Salote Pilolevu
‘ATENISI LAUNCHES NEW PRESS AND BOOK HONOURING PRINCESS PILOLEVU
www.pacmediawatch.aut.ac.nz
By Josephine Latu, Pacific Media Watch
AUCKLAND (Pacific Media Watch): Tongans gathered at the University of Auckland’s Fale Pasifika today to celebrate the launching of a new book by Professor ‘Ilaisa Futa Helu entitled Heilala Tangitangi ‘o Salote Pilolevu.
The book studies 23 Tongan compositions - some by the late Queen Salote – and was published in honour of the King’s sister, Princess Pilolevu Tuita.
The event also doubled as the official opening of the fledgling company that printed the book, ‘Atenisi Press.
‘Atenisi representative Palupula Sailosi presented a copy of the book to Princess Pilolevu’s daughter, Lupepau'u, as guest of honour.
Commending Helu on the achievement, she said: “It is by no means a small feat to dwell and analyse on what is hidden in the composition in tis book, especially by those by her majesty Queen Salote.”
The title translates loosely as “Weeping blossoms for Salote Pilolevu: An analysis of songs, poetry and love songs”.
Although Helu was unable to attend the launch, his appreciation was conveyed in a letter to the audience. This was read out by senior education lecturer Dr Linita Manu’atu, of AUT University.
Helu’s son Niulala also spoke as an agent of ‘Atenisi Press.
Niulala said ‘Atenisi Press planned to provide an equal opportunity for any Tongan to publish his or her work.
The press will also be able to produce local material that readers would not be able to find elsewhere.
He said the idea originally emerged as a way for ‘Atenisi University to make some extra income.
The independent educational institution, founded by his father in 1963, continues to struggle financially.
Although ‘Atenisi has traditionally been snubbed by Tonga’s elite classes, the press project was ultimately backed by a welcome donation from Princess Pilolevu.
Currently, works are being printed in Hong Kong, but edited in Tonga and New Zealand by Siaosi ‘Ilaiu and Wendy Pond.
Dr Manu’atu welcomed the publication of Helu’s book in the Tongan language, and hailed the ‘Atenisi Press plans to print in Tongan as well as English.
She said this enabled Tongans to access their own histories and literature in their native tongue.
“If the Tongan language cannot be used in print culture, then we have a long way to go,” she said.
Other works by Helu include Art of the community – The people’s art and critical essays.
He is currently working on Ko e Mo’ui faka-Tonga, about the lives and customs Tongans in their homeland and abroad.
Josephine Latu is a Masters in Communication Studies student at AUT University who is attached to the Pacific Media Centre as contributing editor for Pacific Media Watch.
www.pacmediawatch.aut.ac.nz
By Josephine Latu, Pacific Media Watch
AUCKLAND (Pacific Media Watch): Tongans gathered at the University of Auckland’s Fale Pasifika today to celebrate the launching of a new book by Professor ‘Ilaisa Futa Helu entitled Heilala Tangitangi ‘o Salote Pilolevu.
The book studies 23 Tongan compositions - some by the late Queen Salote – and was published in honour of the King’s sister, Princess Pilolevu Tuita.
The event also doubled as the official opening of the fledgling company that printed the book, ‘Atenisi Press.
‘Atenisi representative Palupula Sailosi presented a copy of the book to Princess Pilolevu’s daughter, Lupepau'u, as guest of honour.
Commending Helu on the achievement, she said: “It is by no means a small feat to dwell and analyse on what is hidden in the composition in tis book, especially by those by her majesty Queen Salote.”
The title translates loosely as “Weeping blossoms for Salote Pilolevu: An analysis of songs, poetry and love songs”.
Although Helu was unable to attend the launch, his appreciation was conveyed in a letter to the audience. This was read out by senior education lecturer Dr Linita Manu’atu, of AUT University.
Helu’s son Niulala also spoke as an agent of ‘Atenisi Press.
Niulala said ‘Atenisi Press planned to provide an equal opportunity for any Tongan to publish his or her work.
The press will also be able to produce local material that readers would not be able to find elsewhere.
He said the idea originally emerged as a way for ‘Atenisi University to make some extra income.
The independent educational institution, founded by his father in 1963, continues to struggle financially.
Although ‘Atenisi has traditionally been snubbed by Tonga’s elite classes, the press project was ultimately backed by a welcome donation from Princess Pilolevu.
Currently, works are being printed in Hong Kong, but edited in Tonga and New Zealand by Siaosi ‘Ilaiu and Wendy Pond.
Dr Manu’atu welcomed the publication of Helu’s book in the Tongan language, and hailed the ‘Atenisi Press plans to print in Tongan as well as English.
She said this enabled Tongans to access their own histories and literature in their native tongue.
“If the Tongan language cannot be used in print culture, then we have a long way to go,” she said.
Other works by Helu include Art of the community – The people’s art and critical essays.
He is currently working on Ko e Mo’ui faka-Tonga, about the lives and customs Tongans in their homeland and abroad.
Josephine Latu is a Masters in Communication Studies student at AUT University who is attached to the Pacific Media Centre as contributing editor for Pacific Media Watch.
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