25 Feb 2003

New Zealand to fund Forum media workshop

5:15 pm on 25 February 2003

New Zealand has provided funding to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for a media workshop at this year's 34th Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland.

The assistance will cover the costs of a small regional team of media participants to attend the workshop and stay on to cover the Forum and related meetings from 12-19th of August.

The Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Iosefa Maiava, says the project means that Pacific Island media will have a visible presence at Forum meetings that discuss and decide issues affecting their communities.

Mr Maiava says a strong and vigorous media is essential for good governance, as its work contributes to public discussion on matters of public interest.

The teams of seven to eight members will be selected in consultation with regional media organisations.