PMN's year in review: ‘Thank you, next’ 2023

Twenty twenty-three has been the year of cyclones, in every sense of the word.

For Pacific journalists, we hobbled out of 2022 which had Tonga’s volcano eruption and tsunami and the ongoing pandemic complications, hoping for some reprieve as we put our houses, our communities and our hearts back together.

But in January 2023, the political year was kickstarted by the resignation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, heralding the end of Labour’s two-term lead.

A rain dump on Auckland Anniversary weekend brought a flooding nightmare for Auckland communities, quickly followed by Cyclone Gabrielle wreaking havoc on the Hawkes Bay in February. Tongan RSE workers scrambled onto rooftops to escape rising floodwaters in Hastings.

In March, I got to fly to Vanuatu for two nights with the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta. The country was reeling from twin cyclones Judy and Kevin, but the country’s resilience shone through, leading a call for climate justice to the world’s highest court. It felt ironic, our motorcade being escorted through Port Vila, blasted by air-conditioning as some villages still didn't have access to clean drinking water.

Rush hour traffic resumes just weeks after twin-cyclones strike Vanuatu. Photo/PMN News/Khalia Strong

In the village of Sisaed, locals greeted us outside their ramshackle homes, performing in the rain for the high-profile delegation. I had to swallow feelings of guilt and privilege as they brought out a feast and prized bottled water, while we eat just enough to be polite and making sure to leave as much as possible.

Sisaed village children greet Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta - March 2023. Photo/PMN News/Khalia Strong

Highlights

Favourite stories of the year include the appointment of Tania Sharkey as District Court Judge to the family court, a conference on ngatu, Tonga’s tapa cloth industry, and a march for overstayers when Labour dangled an amnesty as a last-minute election promise.

After a dismal Pacific turnout in the local election, it was time to turn our heads to the general election. I was honoured to be the frontrunner to host the RNZ Pacific/PMN joint election debate on Pacific issues, and it turned into the highlight of my year. Preparations took weeks, and I wanted people to hear something different than what was already covered in mainstream debates. Instead of crime, we spoke about childhood trauma and family violence in Pacific families. The live stream had its challenges where I would have our editor Reza Azam in my ear giving cues, as well as trying to respectfully jump in when the candidates finished their sentence.

RNZ Pacific/PMN Election Debate on Pacific issues. Photo/Screenshot

Pacific journalism and advocates in high demand

A challenge this year was public opinion around the Public Interest Journalism Fund, or PIJF. This state-funding led to accusations of media bribery, these sentiments reheated and repeated earlier this month by newly-minted Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. As well as being incorrect, these views pinpointed a growing distrust of journalists and news in New Zealand, stemming from Donald Trump’s US presidential campaign.

As the world tries to sift through the plethora of social media content, “fake news” and misinformation content, the need for Pacific journalism is greater than ever.

On the tarmac, bound for Vanuatu. Photo/PMN News/Eroti Navuku

I’m proud of the programmes like the Te Rito cadetship, which aim to add diversity to the newsroom. This was only funded for two years, but created an incubator for aspiring journalists to grow their skills and work alongside us. These are people with heart, life experience, and connections to communities and issues which is exactly what media needs.

When you see the acting principal of Wesley College saying they’ve dealt with the culture of violence at the school, it’s journalists like Indira Stewart who have the cultural connection and trust for families to feel safe to say otherwise. It’s journalists like Barbara Dreaver who have the nous to question decisions by the Pacific Islands Forum on the future secretary general. There are also community leaders like Dave Letele who consider politics, then decide they’re of more use on the ground level.

I am proud to put these voices and stories on our news platform and radio airwaves, along with questioning the status quo. I am looking forward to a rest with my son and partner over Christmas. In 2024, I am looking forward to learning more about my Tongan heritage, a Lea Faka-Tonga class, and hopefully some more travel and stories from the region.

“Ko e koloa 'o e Tonga´ ko e fakamālō” (A Tongan's only treasure is to express or say thank you)

Tu’a ‘ofa atu.