Press Release – New Zealand Labour Party

Labour Leader Phil Goff today passed on his sympathy to the family and former colleagues of Radio New Zealand journalist Elma MaUa who passed away today. Labour farewells Pacific broadcasting pioneer

Labour Leader Phil Goff today passed on his sympathy to the family and former colleagues of Radio New Zealand journalist Elma MaUa who passed away today.

“I dealt with Elma extensively on Pacific issues during my time as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her passion and knowledge of the region always came through in her journalism,” Phil Goff said.

“She was a formidable champion of all things Pacific, both in the Islands and here at home.

“Her voice and brand of journalism on both Radio New Zealand National and Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) earned her the respect of listeners.”

Mana MP and Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson Winnie Laban said Elma MaUa broke the glass ceiling for Pacific women in broadcasting in New Zealand.

“Elma was a fighter. She proved that in her struggle to become a Pacific Island journalist in the early 1980s, and throughout her three decade long career in broadcasting,” Winnie Laban said.
“Elma was born in the Cook Islands, came to New Zealand in the 1950′s and lived in Porirua. She mentored many young broadcasters who are now big names in print, radio, and television.

“Elma was a strong supporter of Public Broadcasting and a keen sports fan. She managed to merge the two passions together in the role she held until recently as Sports Editor of Radio New Zealand International.

“She was a dear friend. The loss of her voice on airwaves, both across the Pacific and here in New Zealand, is sad for all her dedicated listeners.”

EBDS

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