CathNews New Zealand

A new book, “New Flags Flying: Pacific Leadership”, was launched in Apia last last Monday.

The book describes the hopes and fears of early Pacific political leaders in the period from 1960 to 1990 as islands across the Pacific gained independence or self-government.

Ian Johnstone and Michael Powles interviewed the Pacific people in key leadership positions in the lead-up to and achievement on independence, many of whom became well-known in the Pacific and more widely.

The book presents a nation-by-nation history of this change from being colonial subjects to citizens of Pacific nations from the point of view of the leaders involved. Accompanied by maps, photographs and background information about the Pacific nations, the book explores the leaders’ views on independence and the process of gaining it.

Ian Johnstone is a journalist and broadcaster with a long-time interest in Pacific Island affairs. Michael Powles is a diplomat and the son of Sir Guy Powles who was the New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa in the formative years of the country’s independence.

Source

• Talamua
• Image: Radio New Zealand International

Additional reading

• Radio NZ Pacific leaders talk about the times of change

News category: Asia Pacific.