Fijian journalists welcomed by Niue community

A travelling contingent of Fijian journalists and representatives from civil society and international organisations (CSOs) who work in the media space were welcomed with a traditional ceremony by the Fijian community in Niue over the weekend.

The warm reception, which was followed by a Sunday lunch held at the Niue High School hall, comes ahead of the 7th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Media Summit, which starts this week.

There are approximately 50 Fijian families living in Niue, contributing to various sectors such as health, education, and the private sector.

For them, the opportunity to host fellow Fijians is an event not to be missed.

“We always look forward to times like these because we get to host Fijians from home. It is an opportunity to welcome them. It’s not often we have Fijians over, so we thank the Lord for the opportunity to host,” said Peni Rarasea, a school teacher and president of the Niue Fijian Community.

Fijian Media Association general secretary Stanley Simpson, a member of the travelling delegation, reflected on the deep sense of unity among Fijians, no matter where they are in the world.

“It’s something I’m always proud of going to a place and meeting a Fijian because one thing about us is when we know there is another Fijian around, we will never rest until we find each other, and we host each other,” he said.

“It’s an important part of our culture. It’s just the love. Every time I turn up to a Fijian community, it just shows the beautiful country we have, the beautiful people.”

The traditional welcome ceremony precedes the week-long PINA Media Summit, which brings together regional media practitioners for discussions and workshops on key media issues, including ongoing and emerging challenges in the Pacific.

The summit ends on Thursday.

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