Johnson Raela

3 weeks 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.

1 month 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.

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.

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.

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.