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(Photos:
Sione Tu'itahi) |
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NEW ZEALAND: Research
report falls short says Massey's Pasifika
Director
Source:
Massey University Press
Release
Concern at the negative impact on the Pacific
Island community following publication of a
Massey research paper on immigration has
prompted Massey’s Acting Director Pasifika Sione
Tu’itahi to highlight the University’s efforts
to advance Pasifika education.
Mr Tu'itahi says Dr Greg Clydesdale's report on
Pacific migrants to New Zealand, made public
last week, has failed to recognise the wider
contribution of Pacific people.
The discussion paper by Dr Clydesdale, an
economist in the University's College of
Business, sparked a furore for referring to a
“Pacific underclass”, which was reported to be a
"drain" on the economy.
“While the report reflects the view of an
individual researcher, the Pasifika@Massey
Strategy reflects the official position of
Massey University and its commitment to the
socio-economic wellbeing of Pasifika peoples,”
Mr Tu’itahi says.
He wanted to draw attention to Massey’s Pasifika
Strategy – a first for any New Zealand tertiary
institution – and official policy of the
University, unlike Dr Clydesdale's report.
Since it was launched last year, many of the
Pasifika@Massey initiatives have been
implemented, says Mr Tu’itahi.
As well as a boom in research under the Pasifika
directorate, the University now has Pasifika
learning spaces on all three campuses, and an
increase in Pasifika support staff to respond to
student needs.
Pasifika students from the Auckland campus
provide learning support for Pasifika secondary
school students in the region to encourage them
to do tertiary study, and staff are
collaborating with government agencies as well
as Pacific Island communities both in New
Zealand and in island nations.
At this year’s graduation ceremony in Auckland,
three PhDs were awarded to Pasifika students – a
record for the campus and one it aims to quickly
surpass.
“Pasifika@Massey aims to build on strengths,
achievements, potentials and aspirations of
Pasifika peoples,” says Mr Tu’itahi. “It focuses
on working with Pasifika peoples to find
solutions rather than accentuating problems and
approaches that are based on deficit models.”
He says Pasifika people have contributed hugely
to New Zealand’s sporting and arts successes
both regionally and internationally.
By measuring people as economic units, Dr
Clydesdale has presented a limited view of the
positive role and contribution of Pacific
Islanders to New Zealand society.
While he respects academic freedom, Mr Tu’itahi
says the report “reflects just one way, an
economic analysis and interpretation of multiple
facts, largely systemic, that contribute to the
socio-economic status of Pasifika peoples".
"Massey’s Pasifika Strategy, on the other hand,
is about working with fellow human beings to
realise their full potential. It is about being
more, rather than having more.”
Massey University has welcomed the announcement
by Race Relations Conciliator Joris de Bres that
he will investigate Dr Clydesdale's report. It
is expected that that several Massey academics
and other staff will be pleased to participate
in any review.
Photo Captions:
Sione Tu'itahi; Acting Director Pasifika, Massey
University, Sione is also
the Workforce Development and Communications
Manager at the Health Promotion Forum of New
Zealand.
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(Photos:
www.samoaactive.com) |
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SAMOA: Get ready for
the Samoa Apia Run
Source:
Mati Sapolu
Get up. Get out! Get active! Samoa Apia Run has
once again partnered with MedCen Hospital to
motivate the people of Samoa to enjoy the
outdoors with their annual running events on
Saturday, June 7, 2008. Mark your calendars for
a day filled with friendly competition,
camaraderie and a celebration of health.
At 5:00 am, the 26.2 mile marathon and the 13.1
mile half marathon get underway, taking you on a
tour of Apias beautiful landscape, starting at
Funway Rental in Matautu, running along the
coastline on mostly flat terrain through Matautu,
Vaipuna, Vaiala, Moataa, Fagalii, Letogo, Laulii,
Leusoalii, Luatuanuu, Vainamo Bay, Solosolo,
Eva, Salelesi and turn around
at Saoluafata for the marathon. Though covering
the same path for the return trip, the scenery
changes, with the villages bustling awake to a
new day and the Pacific Ocean reflecting the
suns rays like millions of sapphires and
emeralds against white satin. (Don't forget your
sunscreen.)
This event is drawing more than thirty
international competitors, some who will be
visiting Samoa for the first time. We'd like to
recognize our own Mau Elisaia of Vailele and
Sally Briggs, originally from the mainland USA
now serving Samoa as a teacher through the Peace
Corps. Congratulations on being a part of our
very first
International Marathon. Also joining us is world
champion paddler Chris Arnold from New Zealand,
Louis Tomsic, a professor at the University of
Hawaii and finisher of nine marathons and
Ironman competitor Thomas Palmer from the U.S.A.
Of course you don't have to be a seasoned runner
to take part in this event. The 10K and 3K
events start at 6:30 am and are great ways for
first time participants, youths and entire
families to get active (or for those who just
need the extra time to sleep). Miss Samoa New
Zealand, Sherry Elekana will be competing for
the first time in the Samoa Apia Run in the 10K
event.
Even those who would consider themselves couch
potatoes and those with physical challenges are
encouraged to get active on this special day.
Along the course, participants will be provided
with refreshments and wet towels; finishers will
receive a t-shirt and medal.
Events will wrap up that evening with an award
ceremony at the Yacht Club at Mulinuu Peninsular
which kicks off at 6:30. Samoa Apia Run 2008
would like to acknowledge MedCen Hospital, who
by their generous sponsorship of this community
event is providing tangible evidence of living
up to their slogan,
To improve the health of the people of Samoa
through quality health care and professional
service. Samoa Apia Run would also like to thank
the local businesses who help make this event a
success.
Every bit of help, providing refreshments, wet
towels, printing of the finisher and volunteer
t-shirts, tables, signage, and medals, as well
as the time each of our volunteers contribute
makes the Samoa Apia Run a successful and fun
event, while showcasing our island home and rich
culture to visitors.
Samoa Apia Run and MEDCEN Hospital encourage you
to take this opportunity to join us in promoting
wellness and fitness among our people and
welcoming our overseas runners and visitors.
The goals of the Samoa Apia Run are to promote
health and fitness, expand the sport of running,
promote tourism in Samoa and of course, have
fun!
The Samoa Apia Run continues to grow in
popularity and we hope you will grow with us.
Sign up at the Coaches Corner sports store at
Matautu from 10am to 3pm.
See you at the starting line.
Photo Caption:
Vaalele Smith of Robert Louis Stevenson. The
Williamson boys relaxing on
seawall after the run. Jessica "Sita" Ackerman
of USA, 3rd female finisher in the Samoa
International Half Marathon (Malo Sita). Mom
Suzzet Atoa and her son just after crossing the
finish line (Malo faamalosi).
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(Photos: MAJ
Tauapai Laupola) |
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AMERICAN SAMOA:
SPC Antoinette Graduated from Warrior Leaders
Course
Source:
MAJ Tauapai Laupola
On a cool and cloudy morning with a breeze of 5
knots, SPC Ponafala, Antoinette graduated from
the Warriors Leaders Course (WLC) Class 09-08 at
the NCO academy graduation field on 8 MAY 2008
Ft Bragg, NC. Under the cover of smoke and the
sounds of the M-60 machine guns, 297 WLC
graduates negotiated their way from the wood
line into the parade field in front of family,
friends & fellow comrades.
SPC Antoinette is the daughter of High Chief
Fuimaono Ponafala and Mrs Anna Suani Fuimaono of
Vailotai & Leone, American Samoa.
The WLC trains enlisted soldiers in leadership,
battle focused training and physical training
utilizing the train the trainer concept. These
soldiers have accepted the challenge to become
noncommissioned officers and have undergone
extensive training in the fundamentals necessary
to become leaders in the Army.
CSM Lauro F Obeada, guest speaker for the day,
emphasized the importance of being a leader in
the U.S. Army. He reminded the graduates about
the traits a leader in the Army should possess -
Respect, Lead from the front, Troops first, and
Guard your integrity. These leadership traits
should always be kept in their kit-pack.
WLC is an MOS non-specific course that requires
soldiers from combat arms, combat support, and
combat service support to interact and work
together as a team. These soldiers now have a
better understanding of how each MOS is a vital
part in the combined arms team. These soldiers
are ready to return to their units eager to
accept the challenges of leading, training and
caring for the soldiers in their charge. The
completion of this course will help SPC Ponafala
be promoted to Sergeant (E-5) in the near future
according to First Sergeant Baker.
Samoans at Ft Bragg were well represented during
SPC Ponafala’s graduation. Those who attended
were Mrs Anna Suani Fuimaono Ponafala, Ann
Margaret Taeario Ponafala Davis, SPC Michael
Davis, Adelene Lagisoliatofagaotuimanu’a
Ponafala, Alexandria Sinaitaaga Ponafala, Darius
Kuresa Ponafala, Viliamu Ponafala Fina’i, CW5
Totolua “Koko” Yandall, CSM Tuileama Nua, SGM
John Letuli, SGT Faasiusiuga Taumua, Lana Aga
and MAJ Tauapai Laupola. The graduation was
followed by a luncheon hosted by SPC Ponafala's
mother, Mrs Anna Suani Fuimaono Ponafala. When
asked on her feelings about this accomplishment,
SPC Ponafala commented, “I want to thank the
Samoan military community in Ft Bragg for
supporting the Samoan soldiers and especially my
parents for their love and support.
To my father, HC Fuimaono Ponafala who is in
Vailoa, American Samoa, even though you are not
physically here, I can feel your presence and
can see your face from miles away.”.
Photos Captions:
Photo 1:
SPC Antoinette Ponafala & her mother Mrs Anna
Ponafala at a luncheon reception after her
Warriors Leadership Course Graduation Ft Bragg
NC.
Photo 2:
Family and friends at SPC
Ponafala's WLC Graduation Ft Bragg NC.
Photo 3:
Picture taken at SPC Ponafala's WLC Graduation
luncheon. (Sitting) CSM Nua, Mrs Anna Ponafala,
SPC Ponafala (Standing) SGM Letuli, CW1 Tupua Ft
Bragg NC.
Photo 4:
Samoan Soldiers at SPC
Ponafala's WLC Graudation (L-R) CW1 Tupua, SGM
Letuli, SPC Ponafala, SSG Taumua, MAJ Laupola Ft
Bragg NC.
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FIJI: Fiji Will Have Free And Fair Election -
Minister Assures MSG
Source:
Scoop Independent News
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, International
Co-operation and Civil Aviation Ratu Epeli
Nailatikau has assured his counterparts in the
Melanesian Spearhead Group that Fiji will have a
fair, free and transparent election in March
2009.
While giving an update on the political
developments in Fiji, Ratu Epeli said Fiji is
committed to hold elections and in doing so have
made significant progresses to prompt the
election process.
“I wish to thank the Chair for this opportunity
to provide our fellow MSG Members with an update
on the security and political situation in
Fiji.”
“Fiji is committed to hold a free, fair and
transparent democratic election in March 2009,”
said Ratu Epeli.
He said in this regard, the following progress
should be noted:
- National census completed ahead of schedule in
2007,
- Bureau of Statistics is working towards the
mandate of providing the Constitutional
Boundaries Commission with provisional
populations of eligible voters by enumeration
area.
- Electoral Commission and Electoral Boundaries
Commission have, since the appointment of
Commissioners, commenced operations.
- Commissions allowed complete independence in
the pursuit of their mandated tasks.
- The same approach will apply to the Supervisor
of Elections and the responsibilities allotted
to that office by the Constitution.
- The Deputy Supervisor of Elections has been
appointed and the Elections Office has now been
assigned adequate staff to ensure the smooth and
effective running of daily operations.
- Two very important requirements that have been
and continue to be pursued vigorously and which
are close to being fully realized are:
a. Appointment of the Supervisor of Elections
b. Identification and securing of the required
technical and financial resources
Continuing dialogue between the EU Troika of
resident representatives, comprising the EU
Delegate to the Pacific and their counterparts
in the Interim Government.
He said the Chairman of the Electoral Commission
and the Deputy Supervisor of Elections are now
meeting with the Joint Working Group (JWG) on a
continuous basis to provide a brief on the
progress of parliamentary election preparatory
work.
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NEW CALEDONIA:
'Soccer Frenzy' Grips New Caledonia
Source:
Pacific Magazine
New Caledonia is this week gripped by a soccer
frenzy as a result of the visit of the 1998
World Champion squad, which includes homeboy
Christian Karembeu.
Karembeu, a local icon, has decided to bring
home the whole '98 team as part of what is
referred to as a "jubilee" to mark the 10th
anniversary of the French victory.
The team arrived in Nouméa on Wednesday, after
visiting French Polynesia for three days, where
it played a series of friendly matches.
In New Caledonia, the French team's visit is set
to climax on Saturday, with a match at Nouméa
Numa Daly stadium.
Tickets have sold out long ago and many soccer
fans have expressed frustrations for not being
able to buy a seat.
On Wednesday, shortly after their arrival the
French players, including Zinedine Zidane, were
also taken to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, where
a custom ceremony was organized and where they
met New Caledonia's traditional chiefs.
On Saturday also, the event is set to take a
more official turn with the official opening of
a multi-million "technical center" partly funded
by the International football Federation (FIFA)
under its "goal" project.
FIFA President Joseph Blatter and Oceania
Football Confederation (OFC) Reynald Temarii
(who is also a FIFA vice-president) are also
expected to arrive shortly in New Caledonia for
the official opening.
The technical center is located in Païta, in the
suburbs of Nouméa and comprises two soccer
fields, changing rooms and an administrative
building.
FIFA is injecting some US$675,000, with other
financial contributors being OFC, the local
government of New Caledonia and the Southern
Province.
The Numa-Daly Nouméa stadium has also been
completely refurbished for the occasion.
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(Photos:
MPIA) |
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NIUE:
'‘Niue Fakalataha Ki Mua – Niue Moving Forward
Together”
Source:
MPIA Press Release
'‘Niue Fakalataha Ki Mua – Niue Moving Forward
Together”
The Niue Fakalataha Ki Mua (NFKM) initiative
meaning Niue Moving Forward Together” will begin
promoting a raft of new community projects
celebrating all things Niue.
The 11 projects under NFKM celebrates Niue
culture and arts, language and Niue identity are
a mix of events based and ongoing projects
taking place in New Zealand and Niue.
Four of the 11 projects are events based. The
New Zealand events starting this year, with the
inaugural Niue Careers & Business Expo 2008
planned for early October, followed by the first
ever Niue Constitution Day Ball to be held by
the NZ Niue community on Saturday 18 October
2008.
Events planned to take place in Niue next year
is the Niue Cultural & Arts Festival 2009 from
10-17 April and the Niue Business Visit
scheduled for November 2009.
It is hoped these projects will encourage
community participation and partnerships from
within the Niue community. The rationale behind
NFKM is based on the community helping the
community to achieve the projects.
NFKM was inspired by the Ministry of Pacific
Island Affairs following consultations with the
Niue community in Wellington and Auckland in
November 2007. The 11 projects were identified
by the community consultations and NFKM is run
solely by the efforts of a group of volunteers
in association with MPIA. A new website,
newsletter, fliers and posters will be used to
promote the projects on the NFKM initiative.
New Zealand based events in 2008 are:
• Niue Careers & Business Expo 2008 – early Oct
2008
• Niue Constitution Day Ball – Saturday 18
October 2008
Events to take place in Niue - 2009
• The Niue Cultural & Arts Festival 2008 – 10 –
17 April 2009
• The Niue Business Visit – November 2009.
The other ongoing projects identified are:
Niue Publication – a published work of Niue
history
Niue Language and Culture
Niue Database – register of Niue contacts in NZ
and Niue.
Niue Scholarships – information on scholarships
available
Niue Secondments – work exchanges between Niue
people in NZ and Niue
Niue as a Tourism destination – promoted to the
NZ Niue community Communications Strategy.
Photos Caption:
Renee Haiu with the Niue
students after performing their traditional
dance at Polyfest series 08.
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