Winston Peters praised the role of Pacific media and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to the region while celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pasifika TV broadcasting across the Pacific.
Speaking at the anniversary event in Auckland Thursday, the New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister congratulated the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) and broadcasters from across the region who gathered to mark a decade of programming.
“It is a pleasure to be here today on the PCBL’s 10th Anniversary, marking 10 years of Pasifika TV on air across our Pacific region. Happy anniversary and warm greetings to you all,” Peters said.
“It’s great you are all able to come together here in New Zealand to celebrate this momentous achievement. And as with many small broadcasting operations across the Pacific, collegiality, creativity, and the ability to solve problems is essential.”
Peters emphasised the critical role media plays in Pacific democracy and culture.
“This is important because we know that broadcasting and media in the Pacific play a critical role in fostering democracy, ensuring safety, and preserving culture in communities spread across the vast Pacific Ocean.”
“Media supports democracy by holding those in power to account, providing public service announcements, and promoting civic education.”
The minister said New Zealand would continue supporting Pasifika TV and the regional broadcasting sector.
“Our ongoing support to PCBL reinforces the importance that New Zealand places on media freedom and a resilient, vibrant and regionally connected Pacific media sector.”
“PCBL is a critical partner. It connects the world to the region during emergencies. And it supports local broadcasters to produce factual and locally relevant media content.”
Peters also announced a new initiative supporting access to live sports broadcasts.
“New Zealand has been a proud provider of free-to-air content to the PCBL, and in the spirit of our shared love for sports, we are launching an initiative to support PCBL’s capacity to competitively negotiate and secure rights to show major live sports to Pacific audiences.”
Peters said New Zealand had supported the broadcasting initiative since its beginning and values the role media plays in Pacific societies.
“We are proud to have been your partner every step of the way. One of our great strengths as a region is our commitment to democratic governance. The work you do, as the Fourth Estate, helps to make our societies more connected and more robust.”
He congratulated Pasifika TV and PCBL on their milestone.
“Let us reflect on the goal that was established a decade ago by PBCL – to build and support an empowered, resilient and sustainable Pacific broadcasting community which supports informed, open and democratic societies, and regional cohesion.”
“Congratulations again on the first 10 years and all the best for the remainder of your conference,” said Peters.
Peters also stressed the growing importance of digital infrastructure across the Pacific.
“Everywhere we’ve been, our counterparts have stressed the importance of connectivity: physical and digital.”
He said digital systems support education, health services, financial inclusion and economic growth across island nations.
“Digital systems underpin access to education and health, enable financial inclusion, expand economic opportunities, and connect remote communities to essential services.”
He also said broadcasting would benefit as digital infrastructure improves.
“Technology is moving quickly in the region to support broadcasting. As Pacific broadcasters move to digital, local broadcasters begin to have access to multiple channels.”
“This creates an opportunity for digital transformation platforms as connectivity improves, spreading its reach to wider Pacific audiences,” said Peters.
