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Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa maintains her Leadership
APIA, Samoa — Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa has retained her seat as Samoa’s Speaker of the House, Papaliʻi Liʻo Taeu Masipau, rejected calls from her own Party to remove her and several other MPs. The turmoil within Samoa’s ruling Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party stems… Listen ⇢
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Samoan Journalists Face Unprecedented Online Threats, Sparks Regional and International Outcry
By Losa Huntington, The New Atoll APIA, Samoa: Samoa’s press freedom is under attack as journalists covering the nation’s ongoing political crisis face escalating online harassment and threats, primarily through Facebook. This alarming development, highlighted in a statement by the Samoa Alliance of Media Practitioners for Development (SAMPOD), has drawn… Listen ⇢
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Pacific Islands Forum and Palau Sign Host Agreement for Ocean Commissioner Office
KOROR, Palau — The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Government of Palau signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 17, 2025, to establish the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) in Palau. The agreement was finalized in Koror after the inauguration of Palau’s President, Surangel Whipps Jr.… Listen ⇢
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Ni-Vanuatu Journalist Doddy Morris Balances Grief and Duty in the Aftermath of Earthquake
PORT VILA, Vanuatu : For Doddy Morris, a journalist with the Vanuatu Daily Post, the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on December 17, 2024, was more than just a story—it was a personal tragedy. Amid the chaos, Morris learned his brother, an Anglican Priest had died. “My mom called… Listen ⇢
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Tweetie Fatuesi Named Community Services Director at UTOPIA WA
KENT, Wash. — UTOPIA WA has promoted Tweetie Fatuesi to the role of community services director, a move that highlights the organization’s commitment to leadership development and community empowerment. Fatuesi, known for her dedication to serving Pacific Islander and LGBTQIA+ communities, shared her gratitude and excitement about the new role… Listen ⇢
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OpEd: Fiame Remains Stoic Amid Political Turmoil
An OpEd by The New Atoll In Samoa’s political landscape, marked by tradition and pursuits of power, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has a long history of leadership, and resilience. As the first female prime minister of Samoa, she has carried the weight of expectations and the scrutiny of her… Listen ⇢
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Dr. Anna Powles Wins Exceptional Research Citizenship Medal for Advancing Pacific Security and Policy Dialogue
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Associate Professor Anna Powles of Massey University has been awarded the Whaowhia Ngā Kete o te Wānanga Medal for Exceptional Research Citizenship, recognizing her significant contributions to Pacific security, geopolitical analysis, and New Zealand’s foreign and defense policy. Since joining Massey University in 2013, Dr. Powles… Listen ⇢
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The Gift of GIS Tablets to Support Fiji Conservation Efforts
New technology empowers Provincial Conservation Officers to enhance sustainable resource management. By Losa Huntington SUVA, Fiji – The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Oceania Regional Office has provided Geographic Information System (GIS) tablets to the iTaukei Affairs Board, enhancing conservation efforts across Fiji. The tablets, handed over on… Listen ⇢
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La’auli announces Fiames expulsion from FAST Party Leadership
Apia, Samoa — Political turbulence in Samoa has reached new heights as Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was announced by the Chair of her party, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt to have been expelled after a vote by 20 members of Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party… Listen ⇢
The New Atoll 