The New Atoll

  • 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 ⇢

  • 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 ⇢

  • 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 ⇢

  • 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 ⇢

  • 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 ⇢

  • Dr. ‘Aisake Eke’s Journey to the helm of Tongan politics

    By Hans T Foliaki Tonga’s appointment of Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke as its new Prime Minister signals a pivotal moment for the Pacific Island nation, bringing fresh leadership during a period marked by economic recovery, climate challenges, and political change. Dr. Eke, a seasoned economist and former Minister of Finance,… Listen ⇢

  • Deep-Sea Ports Reshape Power Dynamics in the Pacific

    In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the development of deep-sea ports has become a new battleground for geopolitical influence, with major powers like China, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand vying for dominance. A new study by Vijay Naidu, Vasemaca Lutu, and Claire Asi, published in Pacific… Listen ⇢

  • Combatting Assumptions in Pacific Journalism

    Veteran Pacific island journalist comments on why the assumption of ignorance related to The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project is as harmful as it’s critics Listen ⇢

  • Pacific Island Nations Urge Enhanced Climate Financing at COP29

    By Losa Huntington Pacific Island nations have issued a compelling call for increased climate financing at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), emphasizing the existential threats posed by climate change to their survival. Representing the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), leaders from the region urged global powers to… Listen ⇢