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Category: Pacific Report

  • John Minto: The first casualty of war is truth – the rest are mostly civilians

    COMMENTARY: By John Minto

    Good slogans have people nodding their heads in agreement because they recognise an underlying truth in the words.  

    I have a worn-out t-shirt which carries the slogan, “The first casualty of war is truth — the rest are mostly civilians”.

    If you find yourself nodding in agreement it’s possibly because you have found it deeply shocking to find this slogan validated repeatedly in almost eight months of Israel’s war on Gaza.

    The mainstream news sources which bring us the “truth” are strongly Eurocentric. Virtually all the reporting in our mainstream media comes via three American or European news agencies — AP, Reuters and the BBC — or from major US or UK based newspapers such as The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Washington Post or The New York Times. 

    This reporting centres on Israeli narratives, Israeli reasoning, Israeli explanations and Israeli justifications for what they are doing to Palestinians. Israeli spokespeople are front and centre and quoted extensively and directly.

    Palestinian voices, when they are covered, are usually at the margins. On television in particular Palestinians are most often portrayed as the incoherent victims of overwhelming grief.

    In the mainstream media Israel’s perverted lies dominate. 

    Riddled with examples
    The last seven months is riddled with examples. Just two days after the October 7 attack on Israel, pro-Palestinian protesters were accused of chanting “Gas the Jews” outside the Sydney Opera House.

    The story was carried around the world through mainstream media as a nasty anti-semitic slur on Palestinians and their supporters. Four months later, after an intensive investigation New South Wales police concluded it never happened. The words were never chanted.

    However the Radio New Zealand website today still carries a Reuters report saying “A rally outside the Sydney Opera House two days after the Hamas attack had ignited heated debate after a small group were filmed chanting “Gas the Jews”.

    Even if RNZ did the right thing and removed the report now the old adage is true: “A lie is halfway around the world before the truth has got its trousers on”. Four months later and the police report is not news but the damage has been done as the pro-Israel lobby intended.

    The same tactic has been used at protests on US university campuses. A couple of weeks ago at Northeastern University a pro-Israel counter protester was caught on video shouting “Kill the Jews” in an apparent attempt to provoke police into breaking up the pro-Palestine protest.

    The university ordered the protest to be closed down saying “the action was taken after some protesters resorted to virulent antisemitic slurs, including ‘Kill the Jews’”. The nastiest of lies told for the nastiest of reasons — protecting a state committing genocide.

    Similarly, unverified claims of “beheaded babies” raced around the world after the October 7 attack on Israel and were even repeated by US President Joe Biden. They were false.

    No baby beheaded
    Even the Israeli military confirmed no baby was beheaded and yet despite this bare-faced disinformation the Israeli ambassador to New Zealand was able to repeat the lie, along with several others, in a recent TVNZ interview on Q&A without being challenged.

    War propaganda such as this is deliberate and designed to ramp up anger and soften us up to accept war and the most savage brutality and blatant war crimes against the Palestinian people.

    Recall for a moment the lurid claims from 1990 that Iraqi soldiers had removed babies from incubators in Kuwaiti hospitals and left them to die on the floor. It was false but helped the US convince the public that war against Iraq was justified.

    Twelve years later the US and UK were peddling false claims about Iraq having “weapons of mass destruction” to successfully pressure other countries to join their war on Iraq.

    Perhaps the most cynical misinformation to come out of the war on Gaza so far appeared in the hours following the finding of the International Court of Justice that South Africa had presented a plausible case that Israel was committing genocide.

    Israel smartly released a short report claiming 12 employees of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) had taken part in the October 7 attack on Gaza. The distraction was spectacularly successful.

    Western media fell over themselves to highlight the report and bury the ICJ findings with most Western countries, New Zealand included, stopping or suspending funding for the UN agency.

    Independent probe
    eedless to say an independent investigation out a couple of weeks ago shows Israel has failed to support its claims about UNRWA staff involved in the October 7 attacks. It doesn’t need forensic analysis to tell us Israel released this fact-free report to divert attention from their war crimes which have now killed over 36,000 Palestinians — the majority being women and children.

    The problem goes deeper than manufactured stories. For many Western journalists the problem starts not with what they see and hear but with what their news editors allow them to say.

    A leaked memo to New York Times journalists covering the war tells them they are to restrict the use of the terms “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing” and to avoid using the phrase “occupied territory” when describing Palestinian land.

    They have even been instructed not to use the word Palestine “except in very rare cases” or the term “refugee camps” to describe areas of Gaza settled by Palestinian refugees driven off their land by Israeli armed militias in the Nakba of 1947–49.

    These reporting restrictions are a blatant denial of Palestinian history and cut across accurate descriptions under international law which recognises Palestinians as refugees and the occupied Palestinian territories as precisely what they are — under military occupation by Israel.

    People reading articles on Gaza from The New York Times have no idea the story has been “shaped” for us with a pro-Israel bias.

    These restrictions on journalists also typically cover how Palestinians are portrayed in Western media. Every Palestinian teenager who throws a stone at Israeli soldiers is called a “militant” or worse and Palestinians who take up arms to fight the Israeli occupation of their land, as is their right under international law, are described as “terrorists” when they should be described as resistance fighters.

    The heavy pro-Israel bias in Western media reporting is an important reason Israel’s military occupation of Palestine, and the ongoing violence which results from it, has continued for so long.

    The answer to all of this is people power — join the weekly global protests in your centre against Israel’s settler colonial project with its apartheid policies against Palestinians.

    And give the mainstream media a wide berth on this issue.

    John Minto is national chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA). This article was first published by The Daily Blog and is republished by Asia Pacific Report with the author’s permission.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • FestPAC 2024: Largest celebration of indigenous Pacific islanders kicks off

    By Tiana Haxton, RNZ Pacific in Hawai’i

    After an eight-year break due to the covid pandemic, the world’s largest Pacific festival is kicking off again this week.

    Hundreds of indigenous Pacific islanders are gathered in Hawai’i for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC).

    The event was established more than 50 years ago in 1972, aimed at providing a space for indigenous people to come together and keep their traditional practices alive.

    Usually held every four years, the festival is a highly anticipated calendar event, showcasing high calibre dance performances, traditional arts and crafts, oral traditions and much, much more.

    Twenty-seven Pacific nations are involved in this year’s cultural exchange, with a packed 10-day programme promising to teleport festival-goers into the heart of each country, experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavours of the region.

    Random pretty waikiki water body (convention centre on the right too)
    The Hawaii Convention Centre ( right) will be the main hive of activities over the next fortnight. Image: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton

    Festival director Dr Aaron Sala told RNZ Pacific the festival honours Pacific ancestors and recognises the valuable traditional knowledge held and passed on by community elders.

    “Youth can sit at the feet of elders, to learn, to literally touch the hands of elders as they weave, to thus know the world that our ancestors lived in,” he said.

    ‘Power of FestPAC’
    “That is the power of the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.”

    With most Pacific delegations coming with more than 100 team members, there is a large number of young people who are attending and participating for the first time.

    Dr Aaron and Tiana Haxton
    Festival director Dr Aaron Sala (left) with RNZ Pacific’s Tiana Haxton, who will be covering the FestPAC. Image: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton

    Travelling all the way from the Federated States of Micronesia is Christopher Sigrah.

    “I’m so excited to be here, I’m looking forward to the performances, the arts, the carving,” he said.

    “For past festivals I’ve been watching them online, so being here in person this time means a lot.”

    With it being his first time alongside his peers, Sigrah said they are all hyped up to share their cultural heritage with the world.

    FSM delegates at FestPPAC. (SIGRAH tallest dude no hat)
    FSM delegates at FestPPAC. Christopher Sigrah is second from right. Image: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton

    Flying the Cook Islands flag is Ambushia Mateariki, a famous champion dancer in the community.

    She is a part of the performing arts team who have spent the past year choreographing traditional dance performances for the festival.

    ‘Very excited, honoured’
    Speaking to RNZ Pacific after their rehearsal on Tuesday, Mateariki said she was “very excited, grateful and honoured to be here and represent my homeland.”

    “This is very important for my people, because we are here to promote and showcase our beautiful Cook Islands culture through dance.”

    Cook Islands ladies (MATEARIKI in centre with yellow flower)
    Cook Islands dancers (Ambushia Mateariki in centre with yellow flower). Image: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton

    The festival’s grand opening is on Thursday, June 6 (Hawai’i time — tomorrow NZ time).

    Thousands are expected to attend and get their first taste of what to expect as the hundreds of delegates parade the Stan Sheriff Centre grounds for the official opening ceremony.

    The Hawai’i Convention Centre will be the main hive of activities in the two weeks to follow, with Pacific Village spaces spread out across the venue, offering a unique cultural experience for all.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    Royal Hawaiian Band welcoming Maori King at airport.
    Royal Hawaiian Band welcoming Māori King at the Honolulu International Airport. Image: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • NZ’s prime minister Luxon in Niue: ‘This is the Pacific family’

    By Giles Dexter, RNZ News reporter, in Niue

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he wants New Zealand to be a partner of choice in the Pacific, as other countries make moves in the region.

    Luxon is in Niue ahead of bilateral talks with Premier Dalton Tagalagi, and to celebrate 50 years of free association between the two countries.

    Niue is self-governing, but part of New Zealand’s realm. Its citizens are NZ citizens, and New Zealand provides it with aid when asked.

    Luxon said it was special to make Niue the first Pacific Island nation he has visited since taking office.

    “I think the relationship’s in good heart. I think there’s a lot more for us to do together,” Luxon said.

    Christopher Luxon greets Niue PM, Dalton Tagelagi
    Luxon is greeted by Niue Premier Dalton Tagalagi. Image: RNZ/Giles Dexter

    Upon landing at Hanan International Airport, Luxon was greeted with an embrace from the Premier and a rousing takalo reception.

    Later at the High Commission, Luxon and Tagalagi celebrated the King’s Birthday — Niue is 23 hours behind New Zealand, on the other side of the International Dateline — and toasted the relationship.

    ‘Rely heavily on support’
    “I know that we rely heavily on your support. But we’re doing our very best to help ourselves also,” Tagalagi said.

    The Speaker of Niue’s Assembly Hima Douglas said the relationship had given Niue peace, security and tranquility.

    “When we look back, Prime Minister, we could not have asked for a better country to look after Niue. We could not have asked for a better development partner,” he said.

    Luxon stands during a ceremony in Niue.
    Luxon stands during a ceremony in Niue. Image: RNZ/Giles Dexter

    But as Niue celebrated the past, it was also looking to the future.

    MP Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui told RNZ Pacific he wanted to see Niue generating its own finances.

    “It would be best for Niue to look at how we can grow with New Zealand towards the next 50 years, possibly to be self-sustaining. Not to be dependent on New Zealand,” he said.

    “Every time we need cash, we’re coming to the New Zealand government to ask can we get this money, can we get that money.”

    Always a trusted partner
    Luxon said he wanted Niue to understand New Zealand would always be a trusted partner.

    “I think it’s about us betting really clear about the core infrastructure that sets Niue up for success. And doing what we can as New Zealand to support Niue, one of our realm countries, to make sure it is set up for success with a platform it needs to go forward.”

    Bilateral talks between Luxon and Tagalagi will take place later today.

    Luxon said the two would discuss the future of the relationship and how it sits in an increasingly contested region, as other nations start to woo the Pacific.

    China has become Niue’s second largest trading partner, and has supported Niue with more investment.

    “There’s… more strategic competition, whether it’s China, whether it’s the US, whether it’s other powers as well,” Luxon said.

    “But this is the Pacific family and we prioritise the centrality of the Pacific Island Forum, we want that to be the regional architecture that deals with challenges within the region. But this is a fantastic region, and it has huge opportunity, and we want to be a trusted partner and a partner of choice.”

    This afternoon Luxon heads to Fiji for the next stop on his Pacific mission, with geostrategic choppy water set to rear its head again.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Jimmy Naouna: Macron’s handling of Kanaky New Caledonia isn’t working – we need a new way

    COMMENTARY: By Jimmy Naouna in Nouméa

    The unrest that has gripped Kanaky New Caledonia is the direct result of French President Emmanuel Macron’s partisan and stubborn political manoeuvring to derail the process towards self-determination in my homeland.

    The deadly riots that erupted two weeks ago in the capital, Nouméa, were sparked by an electoral reform bill voted through in the French National Assembly, in Paris.

    Almost 40 years ago, Kanaky New Caledonia made international headlines for similar reasons. The pro-independence and Kanak people have long been calling to settle the colonial situation in Kanaky New Caledonia, once and for all.

    FLNKS Political Bureau member Jimmy Naouna . . . The pro-independence groups and the Kanak people called for the third independence referendum to be deferred due to the covid pandemic and its high death toll. Image: @JNaouna

    Kanak people make up about 40 percent of the population in New Caledonia, which remains a French territory in the Pacific.

    The Kanak independence movement, the Kanak National and Socialist Liberation Front (FLNKS), and its allies have been contesting the controversial electoral bill since it was introduced in the French Senate by the Macron government in April.

    Relations between the French government and the FLNKS have been tense since Macron decided to push ahead with the third independence referendum in 2021. Despite the call by pro-independence groups and the Kanak people for it to be deferred due to the covid pandemic and its high death toll.

    Ever since, the FLNKS and supporters have contested the political legitimacy of that referendum because the majority of the indigenous and colonised people of Kanaky New Caledonia did not take part in the vote.

    Peaceful rallies
    Since the electoral reform bill was introduced in the French Senate in April this year, peaceful rallies, demonstrations, marches and sit-ins gathering more than 10,000 people have been held in the city centre of Nouméa and around Kanaky New Caledonia.

    But that did not stop the French government pushing ahead with the bill — despite clear signs that it would trigger unrest and violent reactions on the ground.

    The tensions and loss of trust in the Macron government by pro-independence groups became more evident when Sonia Backés, an anti-independence leader and president of the Southern province, was appointed as State Secretary in charge of Citizenship in July 2022 and then Nicolas Metzdorf, another anti-independence representative as rapporteur on the proposed electoral reform bill.

    This clearly showed the French government was supporting loyalist parties in Kanaky New Caledonia — and that the French State had stepped out of its neutral position as a partner to the Nouméa Accord, and a party to negotiate toward a new political agreement.

    Then last late last month, President Macron made the out-of-the blue decision to pay an 18 hour visit to Kanaky New Caledonia, to ease tensions and resume talks with local parties to build a new political agreement.

    It was no more than a public relations exercise for his own political gain. Even within his own party, Macron has lost support to take the electoral reform bill through the Congrès de Versailles (a joint session of Parliament) and his handling of the situation in Kanaky New Caledonia is being contested at a national level by political groups, especially as campaigning for the upcoming European elections gathers pace.

    Once back in Paris, Macron announced he may consider putting the electoral reform to a national referendum, as provided for under the French constitution; French citizens in France voted to endorse the Nouméa Accord in 1998.

    More pressure on talks
    For the FLNKS, this option will only put more pressure on the talks for a new political agreement.

    The average French citizen in Paris is not fully aware of the decolonisation process in Kanaky New Caledonia and why the electoral roll has been restricted to Kanaks and “citizens”, as per the Nouméa Accord. They may just vote “yes” on the basis of democratic principles: one man, one vote.

    Yet others may vote “no” as to sanction against Macron’s policies and his handling of Kanaky New Caledonia.

    Either way, the outcome of a national referendum on the proposed electoral reform bill — without a local consensus — would only trigger more protest and unrest in Kanaky New Caledonia.

    After Macron’s visit, the FLNKS issued a statement reaffirming its call for the electoral reform process to be suspended or withdrawn.

    It also called for a high-level independent mission to be sent into Kanaky New Caledonia to ease tensions and ensure a more conducive environment for talks to resume towards a new political agreement that sets a definite and clear pathway towards a new — and genuine — referendum on independence for Kanaky New Caledonia.

    A peaceful future for all that hopefully will not fall on deaf ears again.

    Jimmy Naouna is a member of Kanaky New Caledonia’s pro-independence FLNKS Political Bureau. This article was first published by The Guardian and is republished here with the permission of the author.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • France sends armoured vehicles with machine gun capability to New Caledonia

    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

    Police in New Caledonia have a new weapon in their arsenal — state of the art armoured vehicles with machine guns, flown in from France to take control of the law and order situation following the violent unrest.

    The state of emergency was lifted in the territory last Tuesday but a security force of more than 3000 could remain until after the Paris Olympics.

    Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories Gérald Darmanin said via social media platform X that the vehicles, known as Centaur, can also fire tear gas.

    “These armoured vehicles will help the police put an end to all roadblocks and completely re-establish public order in the archipelago,” Darmanin said.

    “In the event of more serious threats, such as a terrorist attack, which would involve the use of armed force, the Centaur may be equipped with a 7.62 remotely operated machine gun.”

    He said the off-road vehicles can carry up to 10 people and fire tear gas from a turret to disperse violent individuals or keep them at bay.

    A journalist on the ground, Coralie Cochin, told RNZ Pacific things are far from calm in the suburbs, despite official reports that law and order was being restored on the outskirts of Nouméa.

    “The police fought with protesters who had just erected a roadblock and set fire to it in my street today,” Cochin said, who lives in the northern suburb of Dubea.

    “People fear for their houses. I have got friends who had to escape from their burning properties who have been left with nothing.”

    She said people were divided over whether the Centaur will change anything.

    “The Kanak people are afraid, they are wondering why the police have machine guns when all they have to fight with is stones,” Cochin said.

    Others believe the Centaur is essential to crush roadblocks and protect property but attempts to eradicate them completely are so far proving futile.

    “As soon as they are removed, pro-independence protesters put them back up again. It’s like a game of cat and mouse,” she said.

    France has also decided to go ahead with the European elections in New Caledonia on Sunday, despite political tensions in the territory.

    High Commissioner Louis Le France said in a statement that voting material had arrived and preparations were under way to transport it to polling stations.

    Le France said a curfew would remain in place from 6pm to 6am until the day after the elections, as well as a ban on the sale of guns and alcohol.

    He said Nouméa’s international airport would remain closed until further notice, while the situation was “normalised”.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    Coralie Cochin, told RNZ Pacific things are far from calm in the suburbs, despite official reports that law and order is being restored on the outskirts of Nouméa.
    A burning brush protest barricade in Nouméa . . . situation far from calm in the suburbs, despite official reports that law and order is being restored. Image: Coralie Cochin/RNZ

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Luxon’s Niue visit demonstrates NZ ‘commitment to development’

    RNZ Pacific

    New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trip to Niue holds “profound significance”, the Niuean government says.

    Luxon heads to Niue today and then to Fiji for his first trip to the Pacific since taking office.

    Niue Premier Dalton Tagelagi said the trip “underscores New Zealand’s commitment to supporting the development of Niue and its wider Pacific partners”.

    “Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to Niue aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Niuean people and to witness the transformative impact of the New Zealand government’s funding on a key infrastructure project.”

    A Niue government spokesperson said “Niue emerges as the primary destination for Prime Minister Luxon’s Pacific outreach”.

    “His engagements in both Niue and Fiji underscore New Zealand’s steadfast commitment to nurturing robust and meaningful relationships across the Pacific region,” the spokesperson said.

    They said the groundwork for this trip dated back to December, when the two nations leaders met.

    50 years of free association
    On arriving in Niue, Luxon will meet with Premier Tagelagi, and celebrate 50 years of Niue’s self-government in free association.

    Luxon told RNZ Morning Report it was important to have strong relationships across the Pacific.

    “In Niue’s case this year is actually their 50th year of independence and free association – of what’s called a realm country — so it’s a great chance to make a trip to Niue with Premier Tagelagi and likewise with Fiji,” he said.

    “It is a chance to meet a range of the leadership accross Fiji’s political system but also we have security and economic interests that we want to discuss together as well.”

    It is also expected the Prime Minister will meet with business leaders in Fiji.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Veteran PNG editor promotes Tok Pisin writing, trains journalists

    Inside PNG

    Anna Solomon, a Papua New Guinean journalist and editor with 40 years experience, is now providing training for journalists at the Wantok Niuspepa.

    Wantok is a weekly newspaper and the only Tok Pisin language newspaper in PNG.

    Solomon, who spoke during last month’s public inquiry on Media in Papua New Guinea, asked if the Parliamentary Committee could work with the media industry to set up a Complaints Tribunal that could address issues affecting media in PNG.


    Anna Solomon talks about the media role to “educate people” at the public media inquiry.  Video: Inside PNG

    She also called for better Tok Pisin writers as it was one of two main languages that leaders, especially Parliamentarians, used in PNG to communicate with their voters.

    At the start of the 3-day public inquiry (21-24 May 2024), media houses also called for parliamentarians and the public to understand how the industry functions.

    The public inquiry focused on the “Role and Impact of Media in Papua New Guinea” and was led by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication with an aim to improve the standard of journalism within the country.

    Republished from Inside PNG with permission.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • 50 years of challenge and change: David Robie reflects on a career in Pacific journalism

    By Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor, manager of RNZ Pacific

    This King’s Birthday, the New Zealand Order of Merit recognises Professor David Robie’s 50 years of service to Pacific journalism.

    He says he is astonished and quite delighted, and feels quite humbled by it all.

    “However, I feel that it’s not just me, I owe an enormous amount to my wife, Del, who is a teacher and designer by profession, but she has given journalism and me enormous support over many years and kept me going through difficult times,” he said.

    “There’s a whole range of people who have contributed over the years so it’s sort of like a recognition of all of us. So, yes, it is a delight and I feel quite privileged,” he said.

    Starting his career at The Dominion in 1965, Dr Robie has been “on the ground” at pivotal events in regional history, including the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in 1985 (he was on board the Greenpeace ship on the voyage to the Marshall Islands and wrote the book Eyes of Fire about it), the 1997 Sandline mercenary scandal in Papua New Guinea, and the George Speight coup in Fiji in 2000.

    In both PNG and Fiji, Dr Robie and his journalism students covered unfolding events when their safety was far from assured.

    David Robie standing with Kanak pro-independence activists and two Australian journalists at Touho, northern New Caledonia, while on assignment during the FLNKS boycott of the 1984 New Caledonian elections. (David is standing with cameras strung around his back).
    David Robie standing with Kanak pro-independence activists and two Australian journalists at Touho, north-eastern New Caledonia, while on assignment during the FLNKS boycott of the 1984 New Caledonian elections. (Robie is standing with cameras strung around his back). Image: Wiken Books/RNZ

    As an educator, Dr Robie was head of journalism at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) 1993-1997 and then at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva from 1998 to 2002.

    Started Pacific Media Centre
    In 2007 he started the Pacific Media Centre, while working as professor of Pacific journalism and communications at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). He has organised scholarships for Pacific media students, including scholarships to China, Indonesia and the Philippines, with the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

    Running education programmes for journalists was not always easy. While he had a solid programme to follow at UPNG, his start at USP was not as easy.

    He described arriving at USP, opening the filing cabinet to discover “…there was nothing there.” It was a “baptism of fire” and he had to rebuild the programme, although he notes that currently UPNG is struggling whereas USP is “bounding ahead.”

    He wrote about his experiences in the 2004 book Mekim Nius: South Pacific media, politics and education.

    Dr Robie recalled the enthusiasm of his Pacific journalism students in the face of significant challenges. Pacific journalists are regularly confronted by threats and pressures from governments, which do not recognise the importance of a free media to a functioning democracy.

    He stated that while resources were being employed to train quality regional journalists, it was really politicians who needed educating about the role of the media, particularly public broadcasters — not just to be a “parrot” for government policy.

    Another challenge Robie noted was the attrition of quality journalists, who only stay in the mainstream media for a year or two before finding better-paying communication roles in NGOs.

    Independence an issue
    He said that while resourcing was an issue the other most significant challenge facing media outlets in the Pacific today was independence — freedom from the influence and control of the power players in the region.

    While he mentioned China, he also suggested that the West also attempted to expand its own influence, and that Pacific media should be able set its own path.

    “The other big challenge facing the Pacific is the climate crisis and consequently that’s the biggest issue for journalists in the region and they deal with this every day, unlike Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

    Dr Robie stated his belief that it was love of the industry that had kept him and other journalists going, that being a journalist was an important role and a service to society, more than just a job.

    He expressed deep gratitude for having been given the opportunity to serve the Pacific in this capacity for so long.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    The King’s Birthday Honours list:

    To be Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

    • The Very Reverend Taimoanaifakaofo Kaio for services to the Pacific community
    • Anapela Polataivao for services to Pacific performing arts

    To be a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

    • Bridget Kauraka for services to the Cook Islands community
    • Frances Oakes for services to mental health and the Pacific community
    • Leitualaalemalietoa Lynn Lolokini Pavihi for services to Pacific education
    • Dr David Robie for services to journalism and Asia-Pacific media education

    The King’s Service Medal (KSM):

    • Mailigi Hetutū for services to the Niuean community
    • Tupuna Kaiaruna for services to the Cook Islands community and performing arts
    • Maituteau Karora for services to the Cook Islands community

     

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Independent committee needed for Fiji MPs’ salaries, says parliament chief

    By Repeka Nasiko in Suva

    “Let other people decide your salaries” is the latest message in the Fiji parliamentary pay controversy.

    This is the call of Fiji’s longtime House of Representatives Secretary Edward Blakelock, who believes that the Special Emoluments Committee must be independent.

    He said the Emoluments Committee, traditionally comprised independent consultants who were not sitting parliamentarians and cabinet ministers.

    Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry echoed similar sentiments, adding the report on the review of emoluments for parliamentarians should have been cleared by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad in cabinet before it was tabled in Parliament.

    RNZ Pacific reports that the political fallout from Fijian parliamentarians giving themselves a pay rise last week is spiralling out of control after the main opposition — FijiFirst, the largest single political party in Parliament — sacked 17 out of 26 of its MPs.

    While Parliament decides on the make-up of the Special Emoluments Committee, Blakelock said it should not comprise ministers and members of Parliament.

    The Parliamentary Remunerations Act 2014 does not spell out who should be members of this committee, but in accordance with parliamentary tradition, the body is expected to be independent of the Parliament.

    It should not include current sitting members as committee members so as to ensure no conflict of interest but to be eventually be answerable to Parliament in terms of the approval of its report.

    Not eligible
    He said the 1997 Constitution specified that exclusion under Section 83 (4) — that a person whose renumeration is reviewable by the Parliamentary Emoluments Committee is not eligible to be appointed as a member.

    “As a matter of principle, I personally believe that a member of Parliament — whether a minister or not — should not be a member of a committee which reviews their own salaries, allowances and benefits purely because of conflict of interests issues and just basic fairness,” said Blakelock.

    “As mentioned earlier, the 1997 Constitution specifies that exclusion in no uncertain terms.

    “In other words, members are expected to be drawn from outside of the current membership of Parliament.

    “The Parliament itself chooses by agreement who should be a member of the committee.

    “Again, Parliament has to act within the confines of the relevant constitutional provisions and precedence, as well as the provisions in the Parliamentary Remunerations Act 2014.

    “I would have thought that if the committee had comprised of members who are not current sitting members of Parliament, we would certainly not be going through all these rigmaroles today.

    Independent committee
    “The committee should, in my opinion, be independent and consist of experienced and qualified persons from outside of Parliament.”

    The 2013 Constitution requires that Parliament “must, under its rules and orders, establish committees with the functions of scrutinising government administration and examining Bills and subordinate legislation and such other functions as are specified from time to time in the rules and orders of Parliament”.

    And according to Parliament’s Standing Orders on Special Committees, a special committee may be established by a resolution of Parliament to carry out the assignment specified in the resolution.

    This allowed Parliament to pass a resolution on July 12, 2023, for the establishment and membership of the Special Emoluments Committee.

    The committee is chaired by Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya and comprises Minister for Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, and Opposition MPs Alvick Maharaj and Mosese Bulitavu.

    Repeka Nasiko is a Fiji Times reporter. Republished with permission.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Little Ima puts a question to PM Marape for Mulitaka survivors

    By Miriam Zarriga in Mulitaka, Papua New Guinea

    Little Ima met Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape last Friday during the “haus krai” in Mulitaka, Enga, after the landslide disaster more than a week ago.

    His meeting happened when Marape beckoned him to get water from him.

    The action of the Prime Minister only moved the boy to be more courageous and in front of about 200 people at the site marked as a haus krai (traditional mourning), Ima did the unthinkable by walking up to the PM and asking him a question.

    “Could my friends join me in meeting the Prime Minister?”

    Within five minutes of asking, Marape said yes and suddenly the children came from all corners to sit with Marape and his colleagues who had come to see for themselves the devasting impact of the landslide.

    Ima had a conversation with the Prime Minister and from the smiles of the PM, Ima had made a good impression on the man who has been faced with a barrage of criticism of late.

    Walking into the “haus krai” site Marape choked back tears as he slowly made his way to the front.

    Beside him was Minister for Defence Dr Billy Joseph and Enga Provincial Member Sir Peter Ipatas.

    Highlighted children’s resilience
    His meeting with Ima highlighted the resilience of the children who continue to smile despite the challenges and the changes in their life in the last few days.

    Ima and the children have been the centre of attention as those who have come to help have doted on them.

    On Thursday, the Queensland Fire Service officers had the children’s attention as the buzz of the drone caught the eye of everyone at Mulitaka.

    As an officer with the Queensland fire service brought the drone over to show the children, it was a moment of mad scramble by the children and even adults to see the workings of a drone.

    The officer showed Ima and the rest of the children and tried his best to explain what a drone does.

    While many are still mourning the loss of loved ones, the smiles on the faces of the children was something a mother said she had not seen in a while.

    ‘Bringing peace’
    In rapid Engan language, she said that “to see her son smile was bringing peace to her”.

    Many of the women, girls and children have no clothes, basic necessities, blankets, or a shelter for the night.

    Little Ima ended his week smiling after he was granted special access to the PM of this country.

    However, for the rest of the children the Mulitaka Health Centre has been assisting providing health care for those who survived the landslide.

    Amid the arrival of the Marape, women, girls and children continued to pour in seeking help for minor injuries and sickness.

    RNZ Pacific reports that more than 7000 people have been evacuated and the PNG government believes more than 2000 people are buried under a landslip which is still moving, more than a week after the disaster.

    Miriam Zarriga is a PNG Post-Courier reporter. Republished with permission.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • King’s Birthday Honours: NZ journalist reflects on work in the Pacific

    By Alakihihifo Vailala of PMN News

    Flipped “back in time” is how New Zealand author, journalist and media educator Dr David Robie describes the crisis in New Caledonia.

    Robie has covered the Asia-Pacific region for international media and educated Pacific journalists for more than four decades.

    He reported on the indigenous Kanak pro-independence uprising in the 1980s and says it is happening again in the French-colonised territory.

    Recognised for their services to the Pacific community in the King's Birthday Honours
    Recognised for their services to the Pacific community in the King’s Birthday Honours . . . Reverend Taimoanaifakaofo Kaio (from top left, clockwise:, Frances Mary Latu Oakes (JP), Maituteau Karora, Anapela Polataivao, Dr David Telfer Robie, Leitualaalemalietoa Lynn Lolokini Pavihi, Tupuna Mataki Kaiaruna, Mailigi Hetutū and Bridget Piu Kauraka. Montage: PMN News


    Dr David Robie talks to Ma’a Brian Sagala of PMN News in 2021.     Video: PMN/Café Pacific

    Robie’s comments follow the rioting and looting in New Caledonia’s capital Nouméa on May 13 that followed protesters against France President Emmanuel Macron’s plan for electoral reform.

    At least seven people have died and hundreds injured with damage estimated in the millions of dollars.

    “The tragic thing is that we’ve gone back in time,” he told PMN News.

    “Things were progressing really well towards independence and then it’s all gone haywire.

    “But back in the 1980s, it was a very terrible time. At the end of the 1980s with the accords [Matignon and Nouméa accords], there was so much hope for the Kanak people.”

    Robie, who has travelled to Noumēa multiple times, has long advocated for liberation for Kanaky/New Caledonia and was even arrested at gunpoint by French police in January 1987.

    He reflected on his work throughout the Pacific, which includes his involvement in the Rainbow Warrior bombing — the subject of his book Eyes of Fire; covering the Sandline crisis with student journalists in Papua New Guinea; and helping his students report the George Speight-led coup of 2000 in Fiji.


    Dr David Robie talks to Ma’a Brian Sagala of PMN News in August 2018.  Video: PMN/PMC

    “Because I was a freelance journalist, I could actually go and travel to many countries and spend a lot of time there.”

    “I guess that’s been my commitment really, helping to tell stories at a grassroots level and also trying to empower other journalists.”

    Robie’s commitment has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours and he has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

    He headed the journalism programmes at the University of Papua New Guinea and University of the South Pacific for 10 years, and also founded the Pacific Media Centre at AUT University.

    What Robie calls “an incredible surprise”, he says the award also serves as recognition for those who have worked alongside him.

    “Right now, we need journalists more than ever. We’re living in a world of absolute chaos of disinformation,” he said.

    Robie said trust in the media had declined due to there being “too much opinionated and personality” journalism.

    “We’re moving more towards niche journalism, if I might say, mainstream journalism is losing its way and Pacific media actually fit into the niche journalism mode,” he said.

    “So I think there will be a growing support and need for Pacific journalism whereas mainstream media’s got a lot more of a battle on its hands.”

    Republished from PMN News with permission.


    This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by Pacific Media Watch.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • Outpouring of grief following death of acclaimed Samoan poet and writer

    RNZ Pacific

    Tributes are pouring in for an acclaimed American Samoan poet and teacher who was murdered last Saturday in Apia allegedly by a fellow poet.

    According to local police Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, a retired professor from the University of Hawai’i Manoa, was found dead at the Galu Moana Theatre in Vaivase-Uta.

    The Samoa Observer reported last Sunday that police had charged playwright and poet, Papalii Sia Figiel, with manslaughter with the death but on Monday upgraded the charge to murder.

    Playwright Papalii Sia Figiel
    Novelist and poet Papalii Sia Figiel . . . charged with murder. Image: (cc) Wikipedia

    The 78-year-old Dr Sinavaiana-Gabbard, who was also a historian and environmentalist, has been described as a peaceful and calm person.

    The Samoa Observer reports a friend of Dr Sinavaiana-Gabbard said she was completely shocked and saddened when she found out.

    She said Dr Sinavaiana-Gabbard was a kindred spirit, a brilliant writer, and a supporter of writers.

    “Someone who did not deserve to die like that. She was a very private person despite being a giant in the literary world,” they told the Observer.

    Shocked literary friends
    Dr Sinavaiana-Gabbard’s death has also shocked many of her literary friends, who have been posting messages of condolence, and resulted in an outpouring of grief on social media reacting to the news.

    Front to right - Mele Wendt, Eteuati Ete and Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard
    Mele Wendt (from left), Eteuati Ete and Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard . . . she taught creative writing at the University of Hawai’i for nearly 20 years. Image: Mele Wendt/RNZ

    In 2022, Dr Sinavaiana-Gabbard warned of the implications of the Samoa government’s inaction to address concerns about the adverse effects of paraquat. She was part of the group advocating for the ban on the dangerous weedkiller.

    Born in 1946, she was an American Samoan academic, writer, poet, and environmentalist and was the first Samoan to become a full professor in the United States. She is the sister of American politician Mike Gabbard and the aunt of politician Tulsi Gabbard.

    She was born in Utulei village in American Samoa and educated at Sonoma State University, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Hawai’i.

    Her PhD thesis called ‘Traditional Comic Theatre in Samoa: A Holographic View’. She taught creative writing at the University of Hawai’i for nearly 20 years and was an associate professor of Pacific literature at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

    In 2002, she published her collection of poetry, Alchemies of Distance and in August 2020, she was named by USA Today on its list of influential women from US territories.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • PNG’s police and defence force close ranks to foil ‘opportunist crimes’

    PNG Post-Courier

    Papua New Guinea’s Police Commissioner David Manning has commended the coordinated efforts between police and defence intelligence units in the lead up to and during the current sitting of Parliament.

    Commissioner Manning said claims made over the past five months, particularly on social media, had led to heightened public awareness of safety during significant national events, and the nation’s disciplined forces were working together to ensure security.

    “The RPNGC [Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary] and the PNGDF [PNG Defence Force] are working closely to collate and share information on potential criminal activities that might be instigated while Parliament is in session during May and June,” Commissioner Manning said.

    “This includes ongoing cooperation between RPNGC specialist units and the PNGDF Long Range Reconnaissance Unit in the analysis of information of law-and-order significance.

    “Respecting legislative and constitutional compliance, this engagement in providing for enhanced public safety and security as the nation’s leaders debate matters of policy.

    “Ongoing co-operation between police and military units further sends a very clear message to opportunists thinking they can get away with crimes with the misconception that police are distracted during this period.

    “These measures, as approved by the National Executive Council and the Governor-General, have served the country well in the lead-up to and during the current sitting of Parliament.”

    Collaborative approach
    Commissioner Manning said he had briefed NEC on the importance of ensuring a collaborative approach to criminal intelligence to ensure that PNG communities remained safe and secure during events of national significance.

    The collaborative approach, approved by NEC, was enabled by the continuing callout of the Defence Force by the Head of State.

    “The collaboration of security forces, particularly when it comes to criminal intelligence, supports a secure environment for the democratic process and to protect the community and businesses,” Commissioner Manning said.

    “It is essential that while matters of national importance are taking place, be these Parliament sittings, high level visits or even protests, that people can go about their normal business without hindrance.”

    Commissioner Manning said the job of the police force was to preserve peace and good order in the country so that PNG communities could go about their daily lives.

    “We remain focused on delivering upon this job,” he said.

    Republished from the PNG Post-Courier with permission.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Newshub closures: creating waves of change across the Pacific

    By Alana Musselle of Te Waha Nui

    Cook Islands News, the national newspaper for the Cook Islands, is one of many Pacific news media agencies expecting change in the face of New Zealand’s Newshub closure next month.

    The organisation has content-sharing agreements with traditional NZ media organisations including Stuff, New Zealand Herald, RNZ and TVNZ, and is dependent on them for some news relevant to their readers.

    Cook Islands News editor Rashneel Kumar said that Newshub, New Zealand’s second major television news and website which CIN did not have an agreement with, was still an excellent source of extra context or additional angles for the paper’s international pages, and its absence would be felt.

    Cook Islands News editor Rashneel Kumar
    Cook Islands News editor Rashneel Kumar . . . “Newshub has been a really good alternative in terms of robust and independent journalism.” Image: APR screenshot FB

    “You can understand the decisions that were taken by the owners but at the same time it is really sad for journalism in general,” Kumar said.

    “What it does is provide fewer options for quality journalism.

    “Media like Newshub has been a really good alternative in terms of robust and independent journalism.”

    Cook Islands News is in the process of signing a new share agreement with Pacific Media News (PMN), which is hiring a former Newshub reporter of Cook Islands descent.

    “This will boost our coverage because the experience he brings from Newshub will be translated into a platform that we have access to stories with,” Kumar said.

    ‘One positive effect’
    “So that is one positive effect of the closures.

    “We see the changing landscape, and we must adapt to the changes we are seeing.”

    Pacific Island countries consist of small and micro media systems due to the relatively small size of their populations and economies, resulting in limited advertising revenue and marginal returns on investment.

    Associate professor in Pacific journalism and head of journalism at the University of the South Pacific Dr Shailendra Singh said what was happening in New Zealand could also happen in the Pacific.

    “This advertising-based model is outdated in the digital media environment, and Pacific media companies, like their counterparts worldwide, need to change and innovate to survive,” he said.

    CEO of Cook Islands Television Jeanne Matenga said that the only formal relationship they had with overseas agencies was with Pasifika TV, but that Newshub’s closure meant they would no longer get any of their programmes.

    “As long as we can get one of the news programmes, then that should suffice for us in terms of New Zealand and international news,” she said.

    All major Pacific Island media organisations are already active on social media platforms, and are still determining how to harness, leverage, and monetise their social media followings.

    Newshub is due to close on July 5.

    Republished from the Te Waha Nui student journalist website at Auckland University of Technology. TWN used to be a contributing publication to Asia Pacific Report.


    This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by Pacific Media Watch.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • NZ foreign minister Peters calls for ‘calm wise heads’ in New Caledonia crisis

    RNZ Pacific

    New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says “calm wise heads” are needed to sort out the crisis in New Caledonia.

    A security force of more than 3000 personnel — more than half of them flown in from France — have returned to the capital Nouméa of the French territory to restore a sense of normalcy.

    It comes after weeks of deadly unrest during which seven people were shot and killed, and others causing more than 200 million euros (NZ$353m) in damage.

    But protests continue in the outskirts of Nouméa against the French government’s move to change New Caledonia’s electoral laws which pro-independent indigenous groups fear will dilute their political power.

    Pacific Islands Forum chair Mark Brown wrote to the New Caledonia president to offer support, while Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu blamed France for the crisis.

    Speaking earlier this week as the final evacuation flight for New Zealand citizens and other nationals was about to depart from Nouméa, Peters would not be drawn on New Zealand’s position on Kanak aspirations for decolonisation.

    “We think it’s wise for us to join with the Pacific Islands Forum, and have a statement we all agree to, rather than [New Zealand] … speaking out of turn,” Winston Peters said.

    Long-term future
    Peters said this was especially prudent given the views some members of the forum had been expressing in regard to New Caledonia’s long-term future.

    “It’s not being reluctant to say something. But when you’re dealing with a major crisis of law and order and the destruction of property and businesses which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars to fix up, we need to keep our mind on that,” he said.

    “And then, when we’ve got that under control, look at the long-term pathway forward to a peaceful solution. In the end, you would expect there to be agreed self-determination.”

    From May 21-28, seven New Zealand flights helped to evacuate 225 New Zealanders and 145 foreign nationals from New Caledonia.

    Peters paid tribute to the hardworking teams behind the joint NZ Defence Force and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) operation which made the assistance possible.

    Commercial flights into and out of New Caledonia remain closed until Sunday, June 2, and a nightly curfew is still in effect.

    On Wednesday, New Caledonia’s public prosecutor confirmed three Nouméa municipal police officers were facing criminal charges after they were found to have engaged in acts of severe violence against a Kanak man they had just arrested.

    The municipal police officers are not part or the French security forces that have been sent to restore law and order in New Caledonia, RNZ Pacific understands.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • 12 reportedly dead after tribal clashes near PNG landslide in Enga

    By Eleisha Foon, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

    Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape visited Wabag, the capital of Enga  province, to meet authorities before flying to the site of last week’s landslide disaster to inspect the damage up close.

    Tribal violence between two clans in Tambitanis is still active, reportedly leading to 12 deaths since Saturday last week, reports said.

    Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka said that after 14 days the affected area would be quarantined with restricted access to prevent the spread of infection, and those who remained undiscovered would be officially declared missing persons.

    According to the UN International Organisation for Migration, 217 people with minor injuries had received treatment, while 17 individuals who had major and minor injuries were treated at the Wabag General Hospital (as of 30 May).

    The IOM said some patients with major injuries remained in the hospital

    Earlier, PNG police chief inspector Martin Kelei told RNZ Pacific people on the ground want the bodies of their loved ones to be retrieved as soon as possible.

    Meanwhile, a geotechnical expert from New Zealand, who arrived on Thursday, is conducting a ground assessment as the landslip is still moving.

    ABC News reports that uncertainty surrounds the final death toll from the landslide with a local official saying he believed 162 people had been killed in the natural disaster — far fewer than estimated by the United Nations or the country’s government.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • ‘France has caused this crisis’ – Pacific Islands Forum offers support to New Caledonia

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Cook Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chair Mark Brown has written to the president of the government of New Caledonia to offer support in finding a way forward.

    Brown said the political situation in the French territory — which is a full member of the PIF — remains deeply concerning to the Forum family.

    He said there were a number of mechanisms and processes available to PIF members to help resolve “complex and historical issues” which remain “unsettled”.

    He also stressed implementing an agreed way forward “must not be rushed”.

    “Our Pacific region is home to independent experts and skilled personnel, that are familiar with this region, its history, its people, and importantly, its context, that can support all parties to move this process forward,” Brown said.

    “Pacific Islands Forum [is ready to] to facilitate and provide a supported and neutral space for all parties to come together in the spirit of the Pacific Way, to find an agreed way forward that safeguards the interests of the people of New Caledonia.”

    French President Emanuel Macron came and left Nouméa last week without announcing a return to a freeze or scrapping of the controversial constitutional amendment, which indigenous Kanaks and pro-independence groups have been calling for.

    Dialogue promised
    He promised dialogue would continue, “in view of the current context, we give ourselves a few weeks so as to allow peace to return, dialogue to resume, in view of a comprehensive agreement,” he said.

    Indigenous Kanaks have also called for Macron to investigate the death toll, with more young rioters feared dead, and for the proposed constitutional amendments to be withdrawn.

    Concerns have also been raised around the Kanak population facing a great deal of inequity and poor health, education and job outcomes.

    Vanuatu Climate Minister Ralph Regenvanu told the media at the fourth UN Small Islands Developing States conference that “everyone could see this coming three years ago”.

    “France has caused this crisis by its failure to recognise the Kanaks’ call for the third referendum to be deferred,” Regenvanu said.

    Regenvanu said Macron’s visit made no difference “because France has to withdraw its legislative change to open the electoral rolls to allow for a resolution through dialogue”.

    He said if that did not happen it will push the situation back to the cycle of violence that was prevalent in the 1980s.

    “We are calling on France to withdraw the legislative proposals, and come back to the table and set up a new accord with the indépendantistes and the anti-independentists in the territory,” Regenvanu said.

    “If France does not withdraw the legislative amendments, the violence will continue.”

    ‘France’s credibility challenged’
    Massey University Defence and Security Studies associate professor Dr Powles said the PIF had produced a “fairly scathing” report on the third and final New Caledonia referendum.

    But the French President’s stand on the issue of the third self-determination referendum (held in December 2021 and boycotted by the pro-independence camp) is: “I will not go back on this.”

    Dr Powles said there were options for the Forum Secretariat, including using the existing regional crisis mechanism under the Biketawa Declaration.

    The declaration has been used on a number of occasions in the Pacific, in Nauru, in Solomon Islands, as well as in several other cases, she said.

    “France’s credibility was strongly challenged by virtue of the fact that it is a colonial power in the Pacific,” Dr Powles said.

    “A resilient Pacific is a Pacific in which all Pacific peoples are free and independent. And that is really the best type of resilience which will keep the region safe.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Three Nouméa police officers face prosecution after viral violent video

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    Three Nouméa municipal policemen are now facing a prosecution after a disturbing video was posted in a Facebook neighbourhood watch group, allegedly implicating them in acts of severe violence against a Kanak man they had just arrested.

    The municipal police officers are not part of the French security forces that have been sent to restore law and order, RNZ Pacific understands.

    Initial investigations established that the violence took place on at 6th Kilometre, on the night of May 25-26, and that it “followed the arrest of several persons suspected of a theft attempt”, Nouméa Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas said in a statement yesterday.

    The incident was captured in a brief video, later posted on social networks, being shared hundreds of times and going viral.

    “It is the management of municipal police themselves who have signalled this to us”, Dupas said.

    The Public Prosecutor’s Office said it had verified the authenticity of the short footage which depicted a “representative of the security forces striking a violent foot kick to the head of a person sitting on the ground after he was arrested”.

    On the same video, the other two officers, all equipped with riot gear, are seen to be standing by, surrounding the victim.

    Dupas said a formal inquiry was now underway against the three municipal police officers who were now facing charges of “violence from a person entrusted with public authority and failure to assist a person in peril”.

    “This case will be treated with every expected severity, being related to presumed facts of illegitimate violence on the part of officers entrusted with a mission of administrative and judicial police”, the statement said.

    It added that “this is the first case being treated for this type of act since the beginning of civil unrest in New Caledonia” and further stressed that law enforcement agencies deployed on the ground have displayed “professionalism” in the “difficult management of the law enforcement operations carried out”.

    “The victim remains to be approached by investigators in order to undergo medical examination and assess his current health condition.”

    TikTok ban lifted
    New Caledonia has also now lifted a ban on TikTok imposed earlier this month in response to grave civil unrest and rioting.

    The announcement was made as part of the French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc during his daily update on the situation.

    “As a follow-up to the end of the state of emergency since Tuesday, 28 May, 2024, the ban on the platform TikTok has been lifted,” a statement said.

    The ban was announced on May 15 in what was then described as an attempt to block contacts between rioting groups in the French Pacific territory.

    It had since then been widely contested as a breach of human rights.

    Doubts had also been expressed on how effective the measure could have been, with other platforms (such as Facebook, WhatsApp or Viber) remaining accessible and the fact that the ban on Tiktok could be easily dodged with VPN tools.

    Christian Karembeu speaking to Europe 1 on Monday 27 May 2024 - Photo screenshot Europe1.fr
    Christian Karembeu speaking to Europe 1 on Monday . . .. Photo: Screenshot/Europe1.fr

    World Cup 1998 winner Karembeu ‘in mourning’
    Earlier this week, former footballer and 1998 World Cup champion Christian Karembeu made a surprise revelation saying two members of his family had been shot dead during the riots.

    Speaking to French radio Europe 1 on Monday, Karembeu said: “I have lost members of my family, that’s why I remained silent (until now), because I am in mourning.”

    “Two members of my family have been shot with a bullet in the head. These are snipers. The word is strong but they have been assassinated and we hope investigations will be made on these murders”, the Kanak footballer said, adding the victims were his nephew and his niece.

    Karembeu’s career involves 53 tests for the French national football team, one world cup victory (1998), playing for prestigious European clubs such as Nantes, Sampdoria, and Real Madrid (where he won two Champions League titles), Olympiakos, Servette, and Bastia.

    He is now a strategic advisor and ambassador for Greek club Olympiakos.

    Reacting to Karembeu’s announcements, Chief Prosecutor Dupas told public broadcaster NC la Première on Tuesday he believed Karembeu was referring to the two Kanak people who were killed earlier this month in Nouméa’s industrial zone of Ducos.

    “I do not know what his family kinship relation is with those two victims who were assassinated in Ducos,” he said.

    “But concerning these facts, an investigation is underway, it has gotten pretty far already, one (European) company manager has been arrested and remains in custody. The Justice is processing all the facts, crimes, committed.”

    “We have, among the civilian victims, four persons of the Kanak community and it is a possibility that some of those could be related to Christian Karembeu”, he said.

    Asked on a possibly higher number of fatalities, he stressed the death toll so far remained at seven.

    “We have not received any other complaint regarding people shooting civilians”, he maintained, while encouraging members of the public who would be aware of other fatal incidents to come forward and contact his office.

    Targeted by civilian gunmen
    However, on Tuesday, La Première TV reported that unidentified Kanak people spoke out to say that they were directly targeted by gunshots on May 15 while they were at a roadblock held by alleged members of armed militia groups in Nouméa’s industrial zone of Ducos.

    “We arrived in our car, I saw the roadblock, I barely had time to reverse and go back and they started to shoot. About 10 times,” the unidentified witness said, showing two bullet holes on his car.

    “I have lodged a complaint for murder attempt and now the investigation is ongoing,” he said.

    Two other Kanaks said the following day, on May 16, while in the streets of their neighbourhood, they were shot at by balaclava-clad passengers of two driving by pick-up trucks.

    “We started to run and that’s when we heard the first gunshots. My little brother managed to take shelter at a neighbour’s home, and I went on running with the 4WD behind me. When I arrived at my family’s home, I jumped into the garden and that’s when I heard a second gunshot”, he told La Première.

    “We never thought this would happen to us”.

    Dupas said another, wider investigation, was underway since May 17 in order to identify “those who are pulling the ropes and who led the “planning and committing of attacks that have hit New Caledonia”.

    “This means anyone, whatever his/her level of implication, whether order-givers or just actors”.

    Latest update
    The state of emergency was lifted on Tuesday in New Caledonia following an announcement from French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in New Caledonia on a 17-hour visit last Thursday.

    The end of the state of emergency was described by Macron as being part of the “commitments” he made while meeting representatives of New Caledonia’s pro-independence movement last week and to allow leaders to spread the message to people to lift roadblocks and barricades and “loosen the grip”.

    However, a dusk-to-dawn (6pm to 6am) curfew remains in place, including a ban on public meetings, the sale of alcohol and the possession and transportation of firearms and ammunition, French High Commissioner Louis Le France said yesterday.

    An estimated 3500 security forces (police, gendarmes and special riot squads) remain on the ground.

    Taxis have announced they were now resuming service, but bus services remain closed because “too many roads remain impracticable”.

    High Commissioner Le Franc said that since the unrest began on May 13, a total of 535 people had been arrested, 136 security forces (police and gendarmes) had been injured and the death toll remained at seven (including two gendarmes, four indigenous Kanaks and one person of European ascent).

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Palestine solidarity group condemns ‘colonial violence’ in Rafah, Kanaky

    Asia Pacific Report

    A New Zealand solidarity group for Palestine with a focus on settler colonialism has condemned the latest atrocities by the Israeli military in its attack on Rafah — in defiance of the International Court of Justice order last Friday to halt the assault — and also French brutality in Kanaky New Caledonia.

    In its statement, Justice for Palestine (J4Pal) said that Monday had been “a day of unconscionable and unforgivable violence” against the people of Rafah.

    As global condemnation over the attack on displaced Palestinians in a tent camp and the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on the ground invasion, a new atrocity was reported yesterday.

    Israeli forces shelled a tent camp in a designated “safe zone” west of Rafah and killed at least 21 people, including 13 women and girls, in the latest mass killing of Palestinian civilians.

    “Gaza deserves better. Kanaky deserves better. Aotearoa deserves better. All our babies deserve better,” said the group.

    “It is not our role to articulate what indigenous Kanak people are fighting for. Kanak people are the experts in their own lives and struggle, and they must be listened to on their own terms at this critical moment,” the statement said.

    “Our work for Palestinian rights is, however, part of a larger struggle against settler-colonialism. It is our duty, honour and joy to make connections in this common struggle.

    ‘Dangerous ideologies’
    “These connections begin right here in Aotearoa, where Māori never ceded sovereignty. As New Zealand’s current government, France and Israel all demonstrate, the dangerous ideologies of colonialism are not yet the footnotes in history we strive to make them.

    “We recognise common injustices:

    • The failure of media to place the current uprising in the context of 150 years of history of French violence in Kanak,
    • The characterisation of Kanak activists as ‘terrorists’ all while a militarised foreign force represses them on their own land,
    • The deliberate transfer of a settler population to disenfranchise indigenous people and their control over their own territory,
    • A refusal to engage with the righteous aspirations of the Kanak people, and
    •The lack of support from Western governments around these aspirations.”

    Justice for Palestine said in its statement that it was its sincere belief that a world without colonialism was not only necessary, it was near.

    “With thanks to the steadfastness of not only Kanak, Māori and Palestinian people, and indigenous people everywhere.

    “The struggle of the Kanak people is an inspiration and reminder that while we may face the brute power of empire, we are many, and we are not going anywhere.”

    Justice for Palestine is a human rights organisation working in Aotearoa to promote justice, peace and freedom for the Palestinian people.

    It added: “Now is the hour for Te Tiriti justice, and liberation for both the Kanak and Palestinian people.”


    This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • ‘I can’t just stand back’: Kanak pro-independence activist follows mum’s footsteps

    By Pretoria Gordon, RNZ News journalist

    Jessie Ounei is following in her mum’s footsteps as a Kanak pro-independence activist.

    Last Wednesday, Ounei organised a rally outside the French Embassy in Wellington to “shed light on what is happening in New Caledonia“.

    She said there was not enough information, and the information that had been reported in mainstream media was skewed.

    “It is depicting us as savages, as violent, and not giving proper context to what has actually happened, and what is happening in New Caledonia,” Ounei said.

    Her mum, Susanna Ounei, was born in Ouvéa in New Caledonia, and was a founding member of the Kanak independence movement, now the umbrella group FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front).

    “Ouvéa is the island where 19 of our fathers, uncles, and brothers were massacred,” Jessie Ounei said.

    “And it was actually that massacre that was a catalyst for the Matignon Accords and eventually the Nouméa Accords.”

    More power to Kanaks
    In 1988, an agreement, the Matignon Accord, between the French and the Kanaks was signed, which proposed a referendum on independence to be held by 1998. Instead, a subsequent agreement, the Nouméa Accord, was signed in 1998, which would give more power to Kanaks over a 20-year transition period, with three independence referenda to be held from 2018.

    Jessie Ounei (left), her mum Susanna Ounei, and her brother Toui Jymmy Jinsokuna Burēdo Ounei in Ouvéa, New Caledonia. Credit: Supplied
    Jessie Ounei (left), her mum Susanna Ounei, and her brother Toui Jymmy Jinsokuna Burēdo Ounei in Ouvéa, New Caledonia. Image: Jessie Ounei/RNZ

    In 2018, the first of the three referenda were held with 57 percent voting against, and 43 voting for independence from France.

    In 2020, there was a slight increase in the “yes” votes with 47 percent voting for, and 53 percent voting against independence.

    The third referendum however was mired in controversy and is at the centre of the current political unrest in New Caledonia.

    The date for the vote, 12 December 2021, was announced by France without consensus and departed from the two-year gap between the referenda that had been held previously This drew the ire of pro-independence parties.

    The parties called for the vote to be delayed by six months saying they were not able to campaign and mobilise voters during the pandemic and appealed for time to observe traditional mourning rites for the 280 Kanak people who died during a covid-19 outbreak.

    France refused new referendum
    France refused and Kanak leaders called for a boycott of the vote in December which resulted in a record low voter turnout of 44 percent, compared to 86 percent in the previous referendum, and the mostly pro-French voters registering an overwhelming 96 percent vote against New Caledonia becoming an independent country.

    Kanak pro-independence parties do not recognise the result of the third referendum, saying a vote on independence could not be held without the participation of the colonised indigenous peoples.

    But France and pro-independent French loyalists in New Caledonia insist the vote was held legally and the decision of Kanak people not to participate was their own and therefore the result was legitimate.

    Because of this, for the past several years New Caledonia has been stuck in a kind of political limbo with France and the pro-French loyalists in New Caledonia pushing the narrative that the territory has voted “no” to independence three times and therefore must now negotiate a new permanent political status under France.

    While on the other hand, pro-independence Kanaks insisting that the Nouméa accord which they interpreted as a pathway to decolonisation had failed and therefore a new pathway to self-determination needs to be negotiated.

    Paris has made numerous attempts since 2021 to bring the two diametrically opposed sides in the territory together to decide on a common future but it has all so far been in vain.

    A pro New Caledonia protest outside the French Embassy in Wellington
    “Free Kanaky” . . . pro-Kanak independence protesters outside the French Embassy in Wellington last week. Image: RNZ/Angus Dreaver

    New Caledonia’s ‘frozen’ electoral rolls
    Despite the political impasse in the territory, France earlier this year proposed a constitutional amendment that would change the electoral roll in the territory sparking large scale protests on the Kanak side which were mirrored by support rallies organised by pro-French settlers.

    But what is so controversial about a constitutional amendment?

    Under the terms of the Nouméa Accord, voting in provincial elections was restricted to people who had resided in New Caledonia prior to 1998, and their children. The measure was aimed at giving greater representation to the Kanaks who had become a minority population in their own land and to prevent them becoming even more of a minority.

    The French government’s proposed constitutional amendment would allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia continuously for more than 10 years to vote. It is estimated this would enable a further 25,000 non-indigenous people, most of them pro-French settlers, to vote in local elections which would weaken the indigenous Kanak vote.

    Despite multiple protests from indigenous Kanaks, who called on the French government to resolve the political impasse before making any electoral changes, Paris pressed ahead with the proposed legislation passing in both the Senate and the National Assembly.

    On Monday 13 May, civil unrest erupted in the capital of Nouméa, with armed clashes between Kanak pro-independence protesters and security forces. Seven people have been killed, including two gendarmes, and hundreds of others have been injured.

    Last Wednesday, Jessie Ounei organised a rally outside the French Embassy in Wellington to raise awareness of the violence against Kanak in New Caledonia.

    “For decades, the Kanak independence movement has persevered in their pursuit of autonomy and self-determination, only to be met with broken promises and escalating violence orchestrated by the French government,” she said.

    A Kanak flag raised high at the New Caledonia protest outside the French Embassy in Wellington last week.
    A Kanak flag raised high at the New Caledonia protest outside the French Embassy in Wellington last week. Image: RNZ/Angus Dreaver

    ‘Time to stand in solidarity’
    “It is time to stand in solidarity with the Kanak people and demand an end to this cycle of oppression and injustice.”

    Ounei said she was very sad, and very angry, because it could have been prevented.

    “This was not something that was a surprise, it was something that was foreseen, and it was warned about,” she said.

    Ounei was also born in Ouvéa, and moved to Wellington in 2000 with her mum and her brother, Toui Jymmy Jinsokuna Burēdo Ounei. Susanna Ounei died in 2016, but had never gone back to New Caledonia, because she was disappointed in the direction of the independence movement.

    “Ouvéa has a staunch history of taking a stand against French imperialism, colonialism,” Jessie Ounei said.

    “I have grown up hearing, seeing and feeling the struggle of our people.”

    She said her mum, and a group of activists, were the original people who had reclaimed Kanak identity.

    “If I can stand here and say that I’m Kanak, it is because of those people,” she said.

    Now Ounei has picked up the baton, and is following in her mum’s footsteps.

    She said after spending her entire life watching her mum give herself to the cause, it was important for her to do the same.

    “I have two daughters, I have family, if I don’t do this, I don’t know who else will,” she said.

    “And I can’t just stand back. It’s not the way that I grew up. My mum wouldn’t have stood back. She never stood back.

    “And even though I feel quite under-qualified to be here, I want to honour all the sacrifices that the activists, including my mum, made.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.


    This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • New Zealand’s role in helping bring peace to Kanaky New Caledonia

    COMMENTARY: By Teanau Tuiono

    There is an important story to be told behind the story Aotearoa New Zealand’s mainstream media has been reporting on in Kanaky New Caledonia. Beyond the efforts to evacuate New Zealanders lies a struggle for indigenous sovereignty and self-determination we here in Aotearoa can relate to.

    Aotearoa is part of a whānau of Pacific nations, interconnected by Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. The history of Aotearoa is intricately woven into the broader history of the Pacific, where cultural interactions have shaped a rich tapestry over centuries.

    The whakapapa connections between tangata whenua and tagata moana inform my political stance and commitment to indigenous rights throughout the Pacific. What happens in one part of the South Pacific ripples across to all of us that call the Pacific Ocean home.

    Since the late 1980s the Kanak independence movement showed itself to be consistently engaging with the Accords with Paris process in their struggle for self-determination.

    The Nouméa Accord set out a framework for transferring power to the people of New Caledonia, through a series of referenda. It was only after France moved to unilaterally break with the accords and declare independence off the table that the country returned to a state of unrest.

    Civil unrest in and around the capital Nouméa which has continued for two weeks, was prompted by Kanak anger over Paris changing the constitution to open up electoral rolls in its “overseas territory” in a way that effectively dilutes the voting power of the indigenous people.

    Coming after the confused end of the Nouméa Accord in 2021, which left New Caledonia’s self-determination path clouded with uncertainty, it was inevitable that there would be trouble.

    Flew halfway across world
    That France’s President Emmanuel Macron flew across the world to Noumea last week for one day of talks in a bid to end the civil unrest underlines the seriousness of the crisis.

    But while the deployment of more French security forces to the territory may have succeeded in quelling the worst of the unrest for now, Macron’s visit was unsuccessful because he failed to commit to pulling back on the electoral changes or to signal a meaningful way forward on independence for New Caledonia.

    Green MP Teanau Tuiono
    Green MP Teanau Tuiono (left) with organiser Ena Manuireva at the Mā’ohi Lives Matter solidarity rally at Auckland University of Technology in 2021. Image: David Robie/APR

    Paris’ tone-deafness to the Kanaks’ concerns was evident in its refusal to postpone the last of the three referendums under the Nouméa Accord during the pandemic, when the indigenous Melanesians boycotted the poll because it was a time of mourning in their communities. Kanaks consider that last referendum to have no legitimacy.

    But Macron’s government has simply cast aside the accord process to move ahead unilaterally with a new statute for New Caledonia.

    As the Kanaky Aotearoa Solidarity group said in a letter to the French Ambassador in Wellington this week, “it is regrettable that France’s decision to obstruct the legitimate aspirations of the Kanak people to their right to self-determination has led to such destruction and loss of life”.

    Why should New Zealand care about the crisis? New Caledonia is practically Aotearoa’s next door neighbour — a three-hour flight from Auckland. Natural disasters in the Pacific such as cyclones remind us fairly regularly how our country has a leading role to play in the region.

    But we can’t take this role for granted, nor choose to look the other way because our “ally“ France has it under control. And we certainly shouldn’t ignore the roots of a crisis in a neighbouring territory where frustrations have boiled over in a pattern that’s not unusual in the Pacific Islands region, and especially Melanesia.

    There is an urgent need for regional assistance to drive reconciliation. The Pacific Islands Forum, as the premier regional organisation, must move beyond words and take concrete actions to support the Kanak people.

    Biketawa Declaration provides a mechanism
    The forum’s Biketawa Declaration provides a mechanism for regional responses to crisis management and conflict resolution. The New Caledonian crisis surely qualifies, although France would be uncomfortable with any forum intervention.

    But acting in good faith as a member of the regional family is what Paris signed up to when its territories in the Pacific were granted full forum membership.

    Why is a European nation like France still holding on to its colonial possessions in the Pacific? Kanaky New Caledonia, Maohi Nui French Polynesia, and Wallis & Futuna are on the UN list of non-self-governing territories for whom decolonisation is incomplete.

    However, in the case of Kanaky, Paris’ determination to hold on is partly due to a desire for global influence and is also, in no small way, linked to the fact that the territory has over 20 percent of the world’s known nickel reserves.

    Failing to address the remnants of colonialism will continue to devastate lives and livelihoods across Oceania, as evidenced by the struggles in Bougainville, Māo’hi Nui, West Papua, and Guåhan.

    New Zealand should be supportive of an efficient and orderly decolonisation process. We can’t rely on France alone to achieve this, especially as the unrest in New Caledonia is the inevitable result of years of political and social marginalisation of Kanak people.

    The struggle of indigenous Kanaks in New Caledonia is part of a broader movement for self-determination and anti-colonialism across the Pacific. By supporting the Kanak people’s self-determination, we honour our shared history and whakapapa connections, advocating for a future where indigenous rights and aspirations are respected and upheld.

    Kanaky Au Pouvoir.

    Teanau Tuiono is a Green Party MP in Aotearoa New Zealand and its spokesperson for Pasifika peoples. This article was first published by The Press and is republished by Asia Pacific Report with the author’s permission.


    This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • Protesters picket Rakon offices and demand NZ halt Israel-bound sales

    Asia Pacific Report

    Pro-Palestine protesters picketed the offices of Auckland-based electronics manufacturer Rakon today, accusing it of exporting military-capable products for Israel, which is under investigation by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for genocide against the 2 million people of Gaza.

    The ICJ, the world’s highest lawcourt, last Friday ordered Israel to stop its military assault on Rafah in the southern half of the besieged Gaza Strip.

    Legal commentators have argued that any country assisting Israel could potentially be prosecuted for complicity in Israel’s alleged war crimes.

    Former Shortland Street actor Will Alexander — who is in his 10th day of a hunger strike in protest over Israel’s war on Gaza war — also spoke at the Rakon rally.

    A statement by Rakon claimed it was “not aware” of any of its products being used in weapons that were supplied to Israel.

    “Rakon does not design or manufacture weapons. We do not supply products to Israel for weapons, and we are not aware of our products being incorporated into weapons which are provided to Israel,” the statement said.

    However, Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) has written to the government asking it to suspend military-capable exports from Rakon pending an independent investigation into their use in Israel’s “genocidal attacks on Gaza”.

    Rakon makes crystal oscillators used in the guidance systems of smart bombs, PSNA national chair John Minto said in a statement published today by The Daily Blog.

    Company’s ‘military objective’
    “Their 2005 business plan says the company’s objective was to dominate ‘the lucrative and expanding guided munitions and military positioning market’ within five years,” he said.

    “Rakon sends these ‘smart bomb’ parts to US arms manufacturers which build the bombs which inevitably end up in Israel’s genocidal attacks on Gaza.

    “Already the United Nations Human Rights Council has passed a resolution calling for a halt to all arms sales to Israel and last Friday the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its attacks on Rafah because of Israel’s indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinians.”

    Minto added that the New Zealand government had been “muddying the water” by saying New Zealand did not export arms to Israel.

    “Exporting parts for guided munitions and JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munitions) bombs which end up in the killing fields of Gaza means we are actively supporting Israel’s genocide”, Minto said.

    An Amnesty International investigation has highlighted two incidents involving JDAM bombs which appear to be war crimes.

    “It is highly likely the bombs used in these mass killing events (43 civilians killed — 19 children, 14 women and 10 men) have parts manufactured in Rakon’s Mt Wellington factory,” Minto said.

    The UN Genocide Convention requires all 153 signatory countries, including New Zealand, to take action to prevent genocide.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • PNG landslide: Thousands on standby for evacuation amid fears of new crisis

    RNZ Pacific

    Close to 8000 people have been told to be on standby for evacuation from a landslide-prone area in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

    Enga provincial disaster committee chairperson and provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka told RNZ Pacific some were already being evacuated, but that number was not clear.

    As many people as possible — including those working in the recovery — were hoped to be evacuated by tomorrow, he said.

    He had visited the disaster site twice and it was “very” dangerous.

    More than 2000 people are thought to have been buried from Friday’s landslide — and rescue attempts have been hindered by the unstable terrain and lack of heavy machinery.

    Meanwhile, humanitarian aid is starting to trickle in for survivors.

    New Zealand has pledged practical and financial assistance worth $1.5 million.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters said the precise nature of the assistance would be decided after discussions with the authorities in PNG.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • The Daily Blog hacked – NZ’s most important left media outlet silenced for a day

    Pacific Media Watch

    The Daily Blog, New Zealand’s most important leftwing website of news, views and analyses at the heart of the country’s most conservative mediascape in years, has been hacked.

    It was silenced yesterday for several hours but is back up and running today.

    The Daily Blog editor and founder Martyn Bradbury launched the website in 2013 with the primary objective of “widening political debate” in the lead up to the 2014 New Zealand election.

    Since then, the website has united more than “42 of the country’s leading leftwing commentators and progressive opinion shapers to provide the other side of the story on today’s news, media and political agendas”.

    It has 400,000 pageviews a month.

    “These moments are always a mix of infuriation and terror”, admitted Bradbury in an editorial today about the revived website and he raised several suspected nations for “cyber attack trends” such as “China, Israel and Russia”.

    Bradbury, nicknamed “Bomber” by a former Craccum editor at Victoria University of Wellington, was once branded by the NZ Listener magazine as the “most opinionated man in New Zealand”

    The website includes columns by such outspoken writers and critics as law professor Jane Kelsey, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, Palestinian human rights advocate and quality education critic John Minto, political scientist Dr Wayne Hope, social justice academic and former leftwing politician Sue Bradford, and political analyst Morgan Godfery.

    It also hosts the popular live podcasts by The Working Group, which tonight features pre-budget “Economists of the Apocalypse Special” by Bradbury, with Matthew Hooton, Damien Grant and Brad Olson at 7.30pm on its revived website.

    ‘Sophisticated and tricky’
    Explaining why The Daily Blog was displaying a “maintenance page” for most of the day, Bradbury said in his editorial:

    The hack was very sophisticated and very tricky.

    Thank you to everyone who reached out, these moments are always a mix of infuriation and terror.

    We can’t point the finger at who did it, but we can see trends.

    Whenever we criticise China, we get cyber attacks.

    Every time we criticise Israel, we get cyber attacks.

    Every time we criticise Russia, we get cyber attacks.

    Every time we post out how racist NZ is, we get stupid cyber attacks.

    Every time we have a go at New Zealand First’s weird Qanon antivaxx culture war bullshit we get really dumb cyber attacks.

    Every time we criticise woke overreach we get cancelled.

    This hack on us yesterday was a lot more sophisticated and I would be surprised if it didn’t originate offshore.

    We have a new page design up and running in the interim, there will be updates made to it for the rest of week as we iron out all the damage caused and tweak it for TDB readers.

    You never know how important critical media voices are until you lose them!

    Bradbury added that “obviously this all costs an arm and a leg being offline” and appealed to community donors to deposit into The Daily Blog’s bank account 12-3065-0133561-56.

    The Daily Blog can be contacted here.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: Macron lifts state of emergency ‘for time being’

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the 12-day state of emergency imposed in New Caledonia on May 15 would not be extended “for the time being”.

    The decision not to renew the state of emergency was mainly designed to “allow the components of the pro-independence FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) to hold meetings and to be able to go to the roadblocks and ask for them to be lifted”, Macron said in a media release late yesterday.

    The state of emergency officially ended at 5am today (Nouméa time).

    It was imposed after deadly and destructive riots erupted in the French Pacific archipelago with a backdrop of ongoing protests against proposed changes to the French Constitution, that would allow citizens having resided there for at least 10 years to take part in local elections.

    Pro-independence parties feared the opening of conditions of eligibility would significantly weaken the indigenous Kanak population’s political representation.

    During a 17-hour visit to New Caledonia on Thursday last week, Macron set the lifting of blockades as the precondition to the resumption of “concrete and serious” political talks regarding New Caledonia’s long-term political future.

    The talks were needed in order to find a successor agreement, including all parties (pro-independence and “loyalists” or pro-France), to the Nouméa Accord signed in 1998.

    Attempts to hold these talks, over the past two-and-a-half years, have so far failed.

    House arrests lifted
    Not renewing the state of emergency would also put an end to restriction on movements and a number of house arrests placed on several pro-independence radical leaders — including Christian Téin, the leader of a so-called CCAT (Field Action Coordination Committee), close to the more radical fringe of FLNKS.

    The CCAT is regarded as the main organiser of the protests which led to ongoing unrest.

    In a speech published on social networks on Friday after Macron’s visit, Téin called for the easing of security measures to allow him to speak to militants, but in the same breath he assured supporters the intention was to “remain mobilised and maintain resistance”.

    Since they broke out on May 13, the riots have caused seven deaths, hundreds of injuries and estimated damage of almost 1 billion euros (NZ$1.8 billion) to the local economy. Up to 500 companies, business and retail stores had also been looted or destroyed by arson.

    Following Macron’s visit last week, a “mission” consisting of three high-level public servants has remained in New Caledonia to foster a resumption of political dialogue between leaders of all parties.

    French President Emmanuel Macron
    French President Emmanuel Macron . . . “this violence cannot pretend to represent a legitimate political action”. Image: Caledonia TV screenshot RNZ

    More reinforcements
    In the same announcement, the French presidential office said a fresh contingent of “seven additional gendarme mobile forces units, for a total of 480” would be flown to New Caledonia “within the coming hours”.

    Macron said this would bring the number of security forces in New Caledonia to 3500.

    He once again condemned the blockades and looting, saying “this violence cannot pretend to represent a legitimate political action”.

    In parallel to the lifting of the state of emergency, a dusk-to-dawn curfew remained in force.

    On the ground, mainly in Nouméa and its outskirts, security operations were ongoing, with several neighbourhoods and main access roads still blocked and controlled by pockets of rioters.

    At the weekend, intrusions from groups of rioters forced French forces to evacuate some 30 residents (mostly of European descent) some of whose houses had been set on fire.

    La Tontouta airport still closed
    Meanwhile, the international Nouméa-La Tontouta airport would remain closed to all commercial flights until June 2, it was announced on Monday. The airport, which remained cut off from the capital Nouméa due to pro-independence roadblocks, has been closed for the past three weeks.

    French delegate minister for Overseas Marie Guévenoux, who arrived with Macron last week and has remained in New Caledonia since, assured on Sunday the situation in Nouméa and its outskirts was “improving”.

    “Police and gendarmes are slowly regaining ground… The (French) state will regain all of these neighbourhoods,” she told France Television.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • Martyn Bradbury: Shallow NZ media coverage of Kanaky crackdown focused on white tourists

    COMMENTARY: By Martyn Bradbury

    The coverage by the New Zealand media over the brutal crackdown in New Caledonia by the French on the indigenous Kanak people as they erupted in protest at France’s naked gerrymandering of electoral law has been depressingly shallow.

    To date most mainstream NZ media (with the exception RNZ Pacific, Māori media and the excellent David Robie) have been focused on getting scared Kiwi tourists back home, very few have actually explained what the hell has been going on.

    This sudden eruption of protest follows a corrupt new draft law French law allowing French people to vote after only 10 years living there.

    A typical NZ media headline during the New Caledonia crisis
    A typical NZ media headline during the New Caledonia crisis . . . trapped Kiwis repirted, but not the cause of the independence upheaval. Image: NZ Herald screenshot APR

    This law is a direct attack on Kanak sovereignty, it’s a purely gerrymandering response to ensure a democratic majority to prevent any independence referendum.

    While no one else is allowed in there, as Asia Pacific Report reports the French are using heavy handed tactics…

    Pacific civil society and solidarity groups today stepped up their pressure on the French government, accusing it of a “heavy-handed” crackdown on indigenous Kanak protest in New Caledonia, comparing it to Indonesian security forces crushing West Papuan dissent.

    A state of emergency was declared last week, at least [seven] people have been killed — [five] of them indigenous Kanaks — and more than 200 people have been arrested after rioting in the capital Nouméa followed independence protests over controversial electoral changes

    In Sydney, the Australia West Papua Association declared it was standing in solidarity with the Kanak people in their self-determination struggle against colonialism.

    Don’t stand idly by
    We should not as a Pacific Island nation be standing idly by while the French are giving the indigenous people the bash.

    We need to be asking what the hell has France’s elite troops being doing while no one is watching. The New Zealand government must ask the French Ambassador in and put our concerns to them directly.

    Calm must come back but there has to be a commitment to the 1998 Noumea Accord which clearly stipulates that only the Kanak and long-term residents prior to 1998 would be eligible to vote in provincial ballots and local referendums.

    To outright vote against this as the French National Assembly did last week is outrageous and will add an extra 25,000 voters into the election dramatically changing the electoral demographics in New Caledonia to the disadvantage of indigenous Kanaks who make up 42 percent of the 270,000 population.

    This was avoidable, but the French are purposely trying to screw the scrum and rig the outcome.

    We should be very clear that is unacceptable.

    Our very narrow media focus on just getting Kiwis out of New Caledonia with no reflection whatsoever on what the French are doing is pathetic.

    Republished from The Daily Blog with permission.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • PNG landslide buried ‘more than 2000 people alive’: Rescue teams navigate unstable terrain, infighting

    By Eleisha Foon, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

    More than 2000 people were buried alive in the huge landslide which hit Papua New Guinea on Friday, the National Disaster Centre has now confirmed.

    An entire community living at the foot of a mountain in the remote Enga Province were buried in their sleep about 3am.

    Earlier reports suggested 670 people died and 150 homes flattened.

    It is the largest landslide since the 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Hela Province in 2018.

    Yambali villagers are using their bare hands to dig out the buried bodies of family members while they wait for more help to arrive.

    So far only three people have survived the catastrophic landslide, and only four bodies have been recovered.

    The Provincial Emergency Response Team is working with the United Nations on the ground, while the rest of the victims lay under boulders and six to eight metres of dirt and debris.

    Excavator donated
    A local businessman donated an excavator which has been used to dig up bodies but wet conditions and moving terrain has meant engineers have had limited access to the site.

    Community leader Miok Michael has visited the site and said it was heartbreaking.

    “People are still crying for help as hundreds, if not thousands of bodies are still scattered.”

    RNZ Pacific correspondent Scott Waide said that “many people have accepted their loved ones are dead. But in PNG there needs to be closure so a lot of people will want to dig up the bodies for closure”.

    Police station commander Martin Kelei said the situation was slow-moving.

    “It is not gravel you can easily remove. They are under very big boulders of rock.”

    The government has set aside 500,000 kina (NZ$210,000) for relief aid.

    The Disaster Management Team have assessed the damage.

    Joint statement
    A joint statement has been provided following the assessment official of damage on behalf of acting director Lusete Laso Mana along with Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph, Defence Secretary Hari John Akipe, Government Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu and Defence Force Chief commodore Philip Polewara.

    “The disaster committee determined that the damages are extensive and require immediate and collaborative actions from all players including DMT, PNGDF, NDC and Enga PDC to effectively contain the situation.

    “The landslide buried more than 2000 people alive and caused major destruction to buildings, food gardens and caused major impact on the economic lifeline of the country.”

    The number of residents in the village is much higher than previously thought.

    CARE PNG country director Justine McMahon said 2022 data estimated 4000 people lived in the area, not including children or people who flocked there after being displaced by tribal violence.

    Many challenges remain including removing boulders that block the main highway to Porgera Mine.

    The situation remains unstable as the landslip continues to shift slowly, posing ongoing danger to rescue teams and survivors.

    Tribal fighting
    There is also tribal fighting in the area, something which Enga province is notorious for.

    UN International Organisation for Migration representative Sehran Aktoprak said that as the death toll mounted, 250 homes nearby had been evacuated.

    How the PNG Post-Courier reported the disaster today
    How the PNG Post-Courier reported the disaster today with three pages of images inside the paper . . . and the spotlight on the non-confidence motion in Parliament tomorrow. Image: PNG Post-Courier screenshot APR

    He was also concerned over tribal fighting that had “flared up between two clans halfway between the capital of the province Wabag and the disaster site”.

    He said about eight people had been killed, and five businesses, shops and 30 houses had been burnt down as a result.

    Aktoprak said the IOM humanitarian convoy witnessed “many houses still burning” on the way through to the Yambali disaster site.

    “Women and children seem to be displaced. Whereas men and youth in the area seem to be carrying bush knives, standing on alert. It is such a dangerous place. The convoy can’t stop to observe their needs. The only way the transport corridor can remain open is thanks to security escorts.”

    Tough conditions
    World Vision PNG representative Chris Jensen said rainfall and tough conditions on the ground may cause aid delays.

    “There’s a huge amount of challenges in getting to such a remote location,” he said.

    “we also have continuing landslides that do create a problem as well as the tribal fighting so this does inhibit our ability in the international community to move quickly but we’re doing all we can and help will be there as soon as possible.”

    Although the call for help from international partners has been made, the political focus has now shifted from the disaster in Enga province to the capital Port Moresby, for a vote of no confidence against the nation’s Prime Minister James Marape.

    New Zealand and Australian governments are on standby to help.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • French repressive policies in New Caledonia have ‘betrayed’ Kanak hopes

    Alex Bainbridge talks to David Robie on Kanaky and settler colonialism.   Video: Green Left

    Green Left Show

    Indigenous Kanaks in Kanaky (New Caledonia) have sprung into revolt in the last two weeks in response to moves by the colonial power France to undermine moves towards independence in the Pacific territory.

    Journalist David Robie from Aotearoa New Zealand spoke to the Green Left Show today about the issues involved.

    We acknowledge that this video was produced on stolen Aboriginal land. We express solidarity with ongoing struggles for justice for First Nations people and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

    Interviewer: Alex Bainbridge of Green Left
    Journalist: Dr David Robie, editor of Asia Pacific Report
    Programme: 28min


    This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by Pacific Media Watch.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • Amid Kanaky New Caledonia’s unrest, I saw first-hand the same colonial white privilege that caused it

    “In the aftermath of the ‘No’ denying an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in Australia, I deeply sympathise with the Kanak people’s frustration, fear, and anger at being outvoted and dismissed,” writes Angelina Hurley.

    COMMENTARY: By Angelina Hurley

    After the trauma of completing a PhD on decolonising Australian humour, I needed a well-deserved break.

    I always avoid places with throngs of patriotic Aussies, so I chose Nouméa, in New Caledonia, over Bali, settling on a small outer island.

    One night, a smoke alarm jolted me awake. I went to the balcony and smelled smoke, seeing fires and smoke clouds from the mainland. The next morning, I learned from the only English-speaking news channel that riots had erupted there.

    Protests against French control of New Caledonia have resulted in seven dead — five Kanaks, and two police officers (one by accodent) — and a state of emergency

    I woke to a fleet of sailboats, houseboats, and catamarans anchoring near the island, ready to offer a quick escape for the rich (funny how the privileged are always the first to leave before things are handed back to them on return).

    Travelling from hotel to hotel, I reached a quiet and desolate Nouméa in the late afternoon. Finding transport was difficult, but a kind French taxi driver picked me up, and we bypassed barricaded streets.

    At the hotel, an atmosphere of anxiety and confusion lingered among tourists and staff, although I felt safe.

    The staff worked tirelessly, maintaining normalcy while locals lined up for food outside supermarkets. With reports of deaths, I constantly scanned the internet for news from both French and Kanak perspectives. As days passed, the Aussie tourist twang grew louder and more restless.

    Amusing, strange, disappointing: the reactions of the privileged
    The airport closed, and flights were cancelled indefinitely, fuelling frustration among Australians (and New Zealanders) who couldn’t access the consulate.

    Australian government representatives eventually arrived to update us on the situation, leading to a surge of complaints.

    Despite concerns about being stuck, I didn’t feel significantly inconvenienced beyond travel delays and added expenses. We were being well taken care of.

    Not everyone agreed. Some found the answers insufficient.

    The reactions of the privileged are amusing, strange, and disappointing: while anxiety about the unknown is understandable, some people need to get a grip.

    Complaints poured in about the lack of access to information from Australia, despite the State of Emergency. There were debates and demands for updates via text (sorry, Gill Scott Heron, this revolution will be broadcast on WhatsApp).

    It was amusing to hear people discussing social media information sharing while claiming lack of access, despite the readily available internet, English news on TV, and information from hotel staff.

    As I listened, I humorously observed the gradual rise of White Aussie Privilege.

    Their perception of disadvantage was very different to mine: an elderly migaloo woman requested daily personal phone updates to her room, while boomers threw tantrums over not being called on quickly enough.

    There’s always the outspoken sheila, interrupting whenever she feels like it, and the experts proclaiming knowledge exceeding that of all the officials.

    A rude collective sigh followed a man’s inquiry about the wellbeing of those handling the crisis outside, with someone retorting, ‘It’s their bloody job.’

    The highlight was GI Joe informing the French, as if they didn’t know, of the presence of a helicopter pad attached to the hotel, angrily suggesting Chinook helicopters from Townsville should evacuate everyone.

    What?! I burst out laughing, but no one seemed to find it as hilarious as I did.

    The irony eluded him: the helicopters, named after the Chinook people, a Native American tribe Indigenous to the Pacific Northwest USA, would have First Nations saviours flying in to rescue the Straylians.

    Despite the severity of the emergency situation, white travellers still found cause to complain
    Despite the severity of the emergency situation, white travellers still found cause to complain about a lack of WhatsApp updates. Image: NITV

    Despite the severity of the emergency situation, white travellers still found cause to complain about a lack of WhatsApp updates.

    The Australian consulate rep patiently reminded everyone of the serious State of Emergency, with lives lost and the focus on safety and unblocking roads, making our evacuation less of a priority for the French at that time.

    When crises hit, White people often react uncomfortably towards the only Black person in the room (which I was, besides an African couple).

    They either look at you suspiciously, avoid eye contact, ignore you, or become overly ally-friendly.

    The White Aussie Privilege resembled narcissistic behaviour — the selfishness, lack of empathy, and entitlement was gross.

    The First Nations struggle around the world
    Sitting safely in the hotel, the juxtaposition as an Indigenous person felt bizarre.

    This isn’t my first such travel experience; I’ve been the bystander before in North America, Mexico, Belize, South America, South Africa, and India.

    As a First Nations traveller, I’m always aware of the First Nations situation wherever I go.

    Recently, the French National Assembly adopted a bill expanding voting rights for newer residents of Kanaky (New Caledonia), primarily French nationals.

    It’s a move likely to further disenfranchise the Kanak people, impacting local political representation and future decolonisation discussions.

    At least at home, we have representation in the government.

    There are currently no representatives from Kanaky New Caledonia sitting in the French National Assembly.

    No consultation with the First Nations people took place (sounds familiar).

    In 1998, the Nouméa Accord was established between French authorities and the local government to transition towards greater independence and self-governance while respecting Kanak Indigenous rights.

    Since 2018, three referendums on independence have been held, with the latest in 2021 boycotted by Indigenous voters due to the covid-19 pandemic’s impact on Kanaks.

    With the Accord now lapsed, there is no clear process for continuing the decolonisation efforts.

    As stated by Amnesty International (Schuetze, 2024), “The response must be understood through the lens of a stalled decolonisation process, racial inequality, and the longstanding, peacefully expressed demands of the Indigenous Kanak people for self-determination.”

    An all-too familiar story
    Relaying the story back to mob in Australia, conversations often turn to the behaviour of the colonisers.

    We compare our predominantly passive and conciliatory approach as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, offering the hand of reconciliation only to be slapped away.

    Despite not promoting violence, we note the irony of colonisers condoning violence as retaliation, considering it was their primary tactic during invasion.

    As my cousin aptly put it, “French hypocrisy. So much for a nation that modelled itself on a revolution against an oppressive monarchy, now undermining local democracy and self-determination for First Nations people.”

    After the overwhelming “No” vote denying an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in Australia, following decades of tireless campaigning by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, I deeply sympathise with the Kanak people’s frustration, fear, and anger at being outvoted and dismissed.

    In French Polynesia, there are both movements for and against decolonisation.

    As I sit amid this beautiful place, observing locals on the beaches and tourists enjoying their luxuries, I know things will return to the settler norm of control — and First Nations people are told they should be grateful.

    Angelina Hurley is a Gooreng Gooreng, Mununjali, Birriah, and Gamilaraay writer from Meanjin Brisbane, a Fulbright Scholar and recent PhD graduate from Griffith University’s Film School. This article was first published by NITV (National Indigenous Television).

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.

  • PNG landslide: Couple pulled alive from rubble as 690 feared dead

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    Amidst the despair of the Kaolokam landslide disaster in the Enga Province of Papua New Guinea, there was a tiny glimmer of hope as villagers pulled out a husband and wife who had been trapped under the rubble.

    Johnson and Jaqueline Yandam’s home missed the brunt of the landslide, but still got covered by massive rocks.

    They told public broadcaster NBC journalist Emmanuel Eralia that they had both accepted that they were going to die together.

    “Large rocks that fell on their house created a barrier that prevented additional debris from harming them. They would have died of hunger and thirst if they had not been found,” Eralia told RNZ Pacific.

    It was only after the noise had stopped that they began calling out. The Yandams have three children. All three were not at Kaolokam when the disaster struck.

    Hundreds of people from nearby villages have come to help where they can. In a country where the disaster response is largely adhoc, the first responders are almost always relatives of those affected.

    After four days, the remains of only a handful of people have been found — including the partial remains of a 25-year-old man who has been identified by his extended family members.

    At least 500 are feared to be buried under the rubble, but a UN migration agency mission in Papua New Guinea has revised the estimate to 690 deaths based on the number of homes buried.

    The Enga provincial government has delivered relief supplies to those affected by the landslide.

    The National Disaster and Emergency Service has allocated funds for the recovery efforts.

    Sketchy information
    Getting an understanding of the true scale of the Kaolokam landslide disaster in the first 12 hours was difficult.

    The first snippets of video posted on Facebook showed people walking on rubble with a commentary in the local Enga language.

    Women could be heard weeping in the background as men tried to dig through the mud and rocks.

    Those who were closest to the disaster, traumatised by the tragedy, gave estimates of the number of the dead. Eventually threads of a story emerged.

    “We took a man injured in the landside to Wabag Hospital. As far as I know, only four bodies have been recovered. Those are the ones I saw,” Larsen Lakari said.

    It had been raining the previous night. Larsen’s house was about 100m from the landslip.

    “Pieces of earth had started to come loose. But we didn’t imagine that the whole mountain would break and fall onto the village.”

    In the first few hours, villagers counted at least 300 men, women and children who were unaccounted for.

    But that figure has gradually increased to more than 500. This was a whole clan, buried in one landslide.

    A huge landslide has hit the Yambali village in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea on 24 May, 2024.
    The huge landslide that hit Yambali village in Enga province in Papua New Guinea on 24 May 2024. Image: RNZ/Scott Waide

    Tribal conflict and a disaster
    Managing Enga is an enormous challenge for the provincial administration. It has been a tumultuous year marked by both human and natural disasters.

    In February, 50 people were killed during a tribal clash in the Wapenamanda District.

    The violence was exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal firearms, turning disputes deadly and highlighting the challenges of maintaining peace in the region.

    The massacre, described as one of the worst in recent history, prompted calls for a state of emergency and stricter gun control measures.

    A huge landslide has hit the Yambali village in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea on 24 May, 2024.
    The huge landslide at Yambali village in PNG’s Enga province . Image: RNZ/Scott Waide

    ‘People still buried’
    A community leader from in the area, Mick Michael, said the scene was “heartbreaking”.

    “Really heartbreaking to see people displaced,” Michael told RNZ Pacific, who went to the area on Saturday.

    “People are still buried. You can hear them crying out [for help].”

    He said there has been no proper response yet, adding UNICEF was at the scene of the disaster.

    He said the need now was to dig out the bodies and relocate the people who were affected.

    On Friday, Prime Minister James Marape said that government was sending disaster officials, the Defence Force, and the Department of Works and Highways to meet provincial and district officials in Enga and start relief work, recovery of bodies, and reconstruction of infrastructure.

    Additional reporting by RNZ Pacific’s Lydia Lewis. This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.