Johnson Raela

Melbourne

Writer at Freelance

Producer and Presenter at Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

Presenter/Producer for ‘The Pacific’ @abcnews @ABCaustralia. 🇳🇿 🇨🇰

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Articles

Eight people kidnapped in remote PNG - ABC Pacific

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Johnson Raela

A male health worker, an elementary school teacher and their wives along with a number of school students were taken by the gang at the village of Adumari. One of the female students managed to evade the kidnappers and ran to a nearby village, where she is now assisting police. Specialist officers were deployed to the region to help bring the hostages to safety
Rotumans across the region mark Rotuman Language Week

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Johnson Raela

In May 1881 administration of Rotuma was handed over to Fiji from Britain. Today about 1500 people call Rotuma home with more than 10,000 diaspora living in Fiji and overseas. Rotuman-Australian Dr Matt Bray says the community celebrates by putting culture, dance, and crafts on display.
Eight people kidnapped in remote PNG - ABC Pacific

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Johnson Raela

In Papua New Guinea a male health worker, an elementary school teacher and their wives along with a number of school students were taken by the gang at the village of Adumari. The Solomon Islands government has announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate millions of dollars in missing mine payments. Oxford University has announced it will be honouring one of its alumni, the late Mākereti Papakura, with a posthumous degree.
Cook Islands prime minister wants to rework ties to NZ to be more independent

1 month ago | rnz.co.nz | Stephen Dziedzic |Johnson Raela

By Stephen Dziedzic and Johnson Raela, ABCCook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says he will only re-work constitutional ties with New Zealand if the new agreement makes it clear his country is now "more independent" - risking a fresh brawl with Wellington. Brown has been caught up in a bitter dispute with New Zealand over contentious agreements he's signed with China, as well as his push to introduce a passport for Cook Islands.
Fiji scrambles to contain HIV outbreak driven by meth use and 'bluetoothing'

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Lice Movono |Johnson Raela

Mark Lal had already seen three friends die of HIV before he received his diagnosis. When he tested positive for the virus, he knew what could come next. "They started to lose a lot of weight, [their] organs were failing," he said. "Their deaths were eye-opening for me."His journey since his diagnosis has been different, as he receives medical treatment that controls the effects of HIV. But it hasn't been easy for the 23-year-old Fijian.
Commonwealth leaders gather in Samoa for meetings

Oct 23, 2024 | abc.net.au | Johnson Raela

Thousands of delegates from across the Commonwealth are gathering in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Climate change is set to dominate discussions, with Pacific countries ramping up pressure on bigger nations, like Australia, to do more. But there's also an air of excitement among locals, who are embracing the many visitors.
A rare glimpse into West Papua and the war Indonesia does not want the world to see

Oct 11, 2024 | abc.net.au | Johnson Raela |Hellena Yoranita Souisa |Sean Mantesso

Read in Bahasa Indonesia. Three years ago, Lamberti Faan was sleeping in her village when armed men woke her. It was September 2021, and the Indonesian military were hunting Papuan separatists. Three days later, she fled with her family, fearful for her life. "We know, we've learned from our brothers in the mountains, when conflict occurs, what kind of approach the military takes," she said.
LISTEN: Week three of of the Olympics, as seen through the eyes of a Pacific Islander

Aug 8, 2024 | abc.net.au | Kyle Evans |Johnson Raela

As week three of the Olympics comes to a close, all eyes are on three Pacific weightlifters. Samoa's Don Opelonge will be the first in action tomorrow in the men's 102 kilo category. His countryman Iuniarra Sipaia will compete the following day, as will Australian-Fijian Eileen Cikamatana, who is among the favourites to claim gold in her division. Meanwhile Samoa's Alex Rose has made history as the first male Pacific Island athlete in 60 years, to make an Olympic final in track and field.
Senior US leaders attend FestPac

Jun 9, 2024 | abc.net.au | Johnson Raela

It's been a sea of colour at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts in Hawaii, with Pacific Island dance and culture on full display. Aside from traditional artisans and choreographers, the event has also attracted Pacific leaders and the United States second most powerful diplomat, deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell. Mr Campbell says the purpose of his presence at FestPac is to forge root level connections with the Pacific.
Faith with a price tag: How much should people pay to connect to God?

Apr 18, 2024 | abc.net.au | Johnson Raela |Doug Dingwall

In Samoa, churches spend millions building cathedrals to connect communities to God. But as debts and poverty skyrocket, many are questioning the price tag. Note: This story is not displaying as intended. To view the story in its optimal designed format please click here.