Telebere News

O ne of the Solomon Island’s most dramatic cultural events,  the  centuries-old  Wogasia Spear Throwing Festival has  once again proven a major success for the people of  Santa Catalina.   Taking place from 25-27 May and following a tradition set down for hundreds of years, this year’s festival has again achieved its objective, uniting the Atawa and Amoea tribes in a sacred celebration of thanksgiving, cultural preservation, and ancestral tribute.   Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, (Ag) Dagnal Dereveke said events alike Wogasia are  unique to the Solomon Islands and so much more than just   cultural performance.   But more, he said, needs to be done to bring the event, and other similar events, to world-wide attention. Wogasia Warrior preparing for battle. “To the people of Santa Catalina, Wogasia is  sacred, real, and powerful  and we must ensure we continue to support  and promote this event as a symbol of  cultural pri...

As the world marks World Ocean Day 2025, Australia Awards alumnus Henry Kaniki is making waves in marine conservation across Solomon Islands, turning academic expertise and community passion into real-world impact. From protecting endangered turtles to empowering coastal communities, his work is helping ensure the ocean continues to sustain Solomon Islanders for generations to come. Henry holds a Master of Science in Fisheries Science and Management from James Cook University, Australia, supported by an Australia Awards Scholarship. As the world celebrates World Ocean Day on 8 June, Henry’s story highlights the critical role of community-based conservation in safeguarding the ocean and marine resources. Growing up along the coast, Henry developed a deep bond with the ocean. “I was always drawn to the sea,” he said. “So, when I entered university, I chose to study Marine Science.” The study set him on a path that would include more than a decade of conservation work. One of hi...

In a groundbreaking trial, Plastic Wise Gizo, a grassroots recycling initiative in the western province, Solomon Islands, is testing ways to repurpose plastic from baby diapers into compost and other materials. The effort is part of a broader push to tackle the Pacific’s plastic crisis while empowering women and protecting marine life. Plastic Wise Gizo is piloting a diaper recycling initiative to produce compost and recover reusable materials. Founded by Mrs Rendy Solomon, the group has already gained attention for transforming plastic and aluminium waste into jewellery, tiles, and household goods through its "Garbage Weavers of Gizo" program. But its latest experiment—recycling diaper plastics could offer a solution to one of the most stubborn waste problems in island communities across the Solomon Islands. “First, we separate the soaked foam for compost, then clean and dry the plastic to make recycled crafts,” explains Rendy Solomon, founder of Plastic Wise Gizo. “Th...

A vibrant trade is unfolding each morning at the Honiara Central Market, where women and men resellers eagerly await the arrival of vehicles loaded with fresh garden produce from rural farmers in Guadalcanal Province.     These vendors, mostly women, are becoming a crucial link in the value chain, buying fresh produce directly from farmers and reselling it at the market.   Vendors gather around a delivery vehicle outside Honiara Central Market early in the morning, buying fresh produce directly from Guadalcanal farmers. The business is proving to be profitable, with both the vendors and the farmers benefiting equally from the arrangement.     “This is a 50-50 business,” one vendor explained. “We pay the farmers a fair price, and we also make enough to meet our daily needs.”     The farmers, many of whom are women, travel long distances to bring their produce into the capital.     Early each morning, their trucks and vehicles arrive with an ar...

In today’s digital era, Gloria Hong, Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Samedia Limited, champions TikTok as a powerful tool to amplify community voices and drive meaningful social media engagement. Speaking at the Best Use of Social Media Workshop—proudly supported by BBC Media Action and facilitated by the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI)—Hong shared her personal journey from over a decade in the private and public sectors to fully dedicating herself to her family-run media organization in 2017. She said to group of reporters that digital platforms like TikTok are no longer just entertainment tools—they are powerful instruments for storytelling, advocacy, and even economic opportunity. “TikTok isn't just a trend,” said Hong. “It’s a storytelling format that, when used wisely, can drive awareness, influence mainstream media, and support grassroots development.” As the app grows in popularity globally, including in Solomon Islands, Hong highlighted its strength i...

Hot on the heels of the annual Wogasia Festival in Santa Catalina, the people of Santa Ana have staged a major cultural event to welcome passengers on board the Silver Seas Cruise Lines’ Silver Cloud which visited on 26 May. The 250 passengers on board the ship vessel were treated to a traditional welcome ceremony, dancing and music before being accompanied on a number of tours showcasing the local culture. Silver Cloud passengers being entertained with traditional Santa Ana dancing. These included visits to the Santa Ana Airstrip, a Kastom Haus at Natagera Village, and the Wairafa and Wai Piapia freshwater lakes. Given the ship was anchored at Santa Ana for close on 10 hours, the passengers also had time to enjoy the environment, some snorkelling and shopping for the various local handicrafts on offer including wood and stone carvings, traditionally woven artefacts and jewellery. Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke said the visit by the cruise ship offered its passeng...

Building on its ongoing strategy to promote the huge range of cultural and adventure activities the Solomon Islands offers international visitors, Tourism Solomons last week hosted three prominent Australian and New Zealand travel writers. A key part of the national tourist office’s International Media Visitation Program (IMVP), the trio, – Vacations & Travel Editor Helen Hayes and freelancers Daniel Scott and Eleanor Hughes – took part in an immersive program designed to show the many different activities visitors can enjoy while visiting Munda, the Marovo Lagoon and Honiara. From left to right: Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, Dan Scott, Helen Hayes, Tourism Solomons marketing officers Brenden Mautoa and Eldona Lokay, and Eleanor Hughes.   The group’s busy itinerary included cultural performances and village visits, SCUBA diving, snorkelling and island hopping in the Marovo Lagoon as well as being given insight into the destination’s unique WWII history in Mu...