20 Sep 2016

'The eyes and ears of the Samoan people'

4:02 pm on 20 September 2016

RNZI's Samoa correspondent Autagavia Tipi Autagavia has been a journalist for nearly 30 years.

He says he always wanted to be a journalist, and he loves his job.

"You need to tell the truth, you need to inform your own people because you are the eyes and the ears of the Samoan people.

Reporting on court stories, particularly cases involving church leaders, provides unique challenges.

"Especially when you cover a story about a church minister allegedly assaulting one of the members of his congregation.

"All these stories on the island are very challenging because the it's a very strong culture in my country and the Matai system we have."

RNZ International provides comprehensive Pacific coverage with the very latest Pacific stories and an extensive online news archive.

Mr Autagavia said RNZI's service was well accepted in Samoa, and it was a trustworthy news service in the region.

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