News Page

News Archives

Website Contents


Archived News: June 2016

From Pacific Islanders in Communications (29 June 2016)

The Land Has Eyes, which was filmed on Rotuma under the direction of Vilsoni Hereniko, has been honored by Pacific Islanders in Communications on the organization's 25th anniversary. The video honoring the film can be viewed at http://www.piccom.org/pages/the-land-has-eyes-1


From Fiji Times Online (26 June 2016)

Music in their genes

By Talebula Kate

THE love of music is in their genes, it runs in the family.

The Tivaknoa sisters who are participants of the Kaila! Star Search this year and have made to the second round of the show which will be held next week on Saturday July 2, have been inspired by none other but their father.

Lagi Tivaknoa, 18, said they came from a family of six sisters, of which she was the fifth sibling and Ofa Tuivaknoa, 14, who she had teamed up with for the show, was the sixth.

"We have musical parents and we've sang publicly only a few times at the ROC market, but to join Kaila! was a big step for us," Lagi said.

She said they wanted to expose their talent.

"So we don't really get out much to meet and socialise with other groups so Kaila! was our way of stepping up," she said.

As for their inspiration Lagi said people did not hear much of Rotuman singers but her dad Harry Tivaknoa who had a music studio had made a name for himself.

"He loves music so much that he writes, sings and people know of him. That's our goal to push the Rotuman name up there," she said.

The sisters both sing, as for Ofa, she said she was a one band person because she played bass guitar, drums, piano, violin and other instruments. She produces music for her dad.

Meanwhile, Kaila! Star Search co-ordinator Isireli Mainavukea says for round two of the show, the 18 participants get to choose their own song.

"It's going to be a mixture of everything," Mr Mainavukea said.

The Kaila! Star Search is sponsored by the Fiji Times Ltd.

Tivaknoa Sisters
Lagi (left) and her sister Ofa Tivaknoa at The Fiji Times office yesterday.
Picture by: Jona Konataci

From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (21 June 2016)

Government in its 2016/2017 National Budget has announced major funding for the construction and repair of health centres, including a $2m upgrade of Rotuma Health Centre.


From John Taito in Navua, Fiji (21 June 2016)

On Saturday, 28th May 2016, the Navua Rotuman Community gathered at the Serua Provincial Council Hall, Naitata, Navua for their 15th Annual Food-show. Guests and friends from as far away as Lautoka, Valelevu and Suva corridor arrived in good numbers to witness first-hand what their brothers in Navua had produced for this year's competition.

Mr. Jioje Fonmoa was again pronounced the 2016 Overall Champion for the fifth consecutive year. Humble in victory, the champion acknowledged the stiff competition this year with a special mention to veteran competitor Mr. John Kaitu'u as being the pillar of strength in his words of advice and passion for gardening and the continuity of such an event. The champion's sound advice was for all the competitors to prepare well for next year's competition and then thanked his family for their awesome support all year around, especially his dear pearl in Mrs. Lily Fonmoa.

Download a complete report of the event

Photos


From Fiji Times Online (11 June 2016)

Update: [Airport Fiji Ltd. executive chairman Faiz Khan] said two flights were charted by AFL from Fiji Link to take AFL staff, shortlisted bidders, consultants and a representative from the Department of Environment to Rotuma for site inspection. The first Twin Otter with eight passengers went on Thursday while another eight will go today.

"Government has a vision of better connecting Fijians in outer islands to our main land and boosting their local economies. In Rotuma we will be able to land the ATR 42 aircraft after the runway upgrades. A compliant runway that allows bigger more efficient aircraft to land will result in greater frequency and lower air fares."


From Fijivillage.com (10 June 2016)

Rotuma runway extension process now underway

By Ana Ravulo

The Rotuma runway extension is now well underway with the contractor selection to take place in two months' time.

Airports Fiji Limited Executive Chairman Faiz Khan said with these runway upgrades, they will be able to boost their outer island local economies in line with the government's vision.

Khan said Rotuma will be able to land the ATR 42 aircraft after the runway upgrades.

He added that a compliant runway that allows bigger more efficient aircraft to land, will result in greater frequency and lower air fares.


From Fiji Times Online (10 June 2016)

Selection for Rotuma runway extension contractor underway

By Roland Koroi

AIRPORTS Fiji Limited staff, shortlisted bidders, consultants and a representative from the Department of Environment travelled on an AFL chartered flight to Rotuma yesterday for site inspection as part of the pre-tender due diligence and selection process for the Rotuma runway extension.

AFL executive chairman Faiz Khan said two flights were charted by AFL from Fiji Link to take AFL staff, and the second will fly out tomorrow. The selection for the main contractor will take place in the next two months.