We look at Fiji and the roller coaster role of its most dominant political leader before and after independence, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
Between 1960 and 1990, strong winds of political change swept across Pacific countries. Broadcaster Ian Johnstone has captured this change in a series of interviews with Pacific leaders which he presents with his co-editor Michael Powles in a series called New Flags Flying. Sunday Morning features highlights from the series on the last Sunday of each month during 2012. This week, Sai Lealea, commentator and blogger on Fiji affairs, joins Ian, Michael and Chris to discuss colonisation, independence, ongoing political and military ructions in Fiji, and what the future may hold for that country.
The full interviews with the Pacific leaders can be heard on Radio New Zealand International: http://www.rnzi.com/newflagsflying/
New Flags Flying - Pacific Leaders Remember
A book plus CD version - a complete record with full interviews, illustrations and text - will be published in 2012.
Contact us for more information: NewFlagsFlying@gmail.com
The interviews
Sir Robert Rex (provided by Alexander Turnbull Library) recorded by Tony Johns (1977).
Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Efi, Tofilau Eti Alesana, JH Webb, Sir Tom Davis, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, Sir Michael Somare, Hon. Solomon Mamaloni, Sir Peter Kenilorea and Father Walter Lini recorded by Ian Johnstone (1995); and Hon. Young Vivian, Sir Ieremia Tabai, Hon. Bikenibeu Paeniu, Hon. Kessai Note (2011).
Dr Ludwig Keke recorded by Michael Powles (2011).
Interviews conducted with support from Radio NZ International and NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Text written by Ian Johnstone, former East West Center Jefferson Fellow who has worked for SPC, TVNZ and RNZI and Michael Powles, former diplomat, author and founding chair of Pacific Co-operation Foundation.
Editors Ian Johnstone and Michael Powles are grateful for the help of:
UNESCO office in Apia
Radio New Zealand
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Pacific Co-operation Foundation
NZ Institute of International Affairs
Brian Lynch; Tony Johns; Hugh Laracy; Margaret Pointer; Tahu Hikuroa; Margaret Keni; Rhys Richards; Alison Quentin-Baxter; Annette Note; Teresia Teaiwa; John Laming; Christopher Chevalier; Giff Johnson; Roger Clark; Karen McDowell; Anna Powles; Guy Powles; David Filer; Ateca, Mue, Johnson at PI Forum; Fiji National Archives staff; Islands Business staff; and especially Linden Clark and Gordon Shroff, whose support and foresight made the project possible.
Photography
Location pictures by Julia Brooke-White
Archival pictures courtesy of:
The Fiji Times
Cook Islands News
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
United Nations
Alexander Turnbull Library
NZ High Commission, Port Moresby
Margaret Pointer
PI Forum Secretariat
US Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program.
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