The opportunity to produce Pacific content from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, should be prized according to NBC senior video editor Wari Ila. Photo credit: Supplied.
By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, Pasifika TV/PCBL
Despite tallying more than 20 years working in the media industry in Papua New Guinea, there is no curbing Wari Ila’s hunger to learn, adapt and keep on top of his game.
For the past 15 years, Wari has worked for the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in his home country of Papua New Guinea, and currently leads the News department, operating as a senior cameraman and video editor.
Always looking for his next challenge, the 52-year-old put his hand up to be part of a Pacific cohort invited to Aotearoa New Zealand to produce content from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, for Pasifika TV to screen across the region.
Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), PCBL has partnered with Sky TV to air coverage of the Games, as well as train four Pacific media professionals alongside the Auckland-based Sky team.
Wari, alongside Katokakala Lino, visual editor at Tonga Broadcasting Commission, Jone Tomuse, producer at Fiji’s Mai TV, and Meli Ma’afu Fanua Laddpeter, sports journalist at Fiji Broadcasting Corporation will be tasked of gathering stories and producing daily highlights, focused on Pacific athletes competing in Scotland.
Wari says with so many Pacific athletes contesting the Commonwealth Games, the challenge will be to ensure the athletes’ talents are showcased to the Pacific region, and globally.
“I am really excited to be part of this team and I’d like to gain more experience, and learn about new trends,” he says.
“While I hope to learn some new tricks in video editing, I also hope I can share some of my knowledge gained over the years.”
Opportunities such as this one should be prized, due to the rise of AI within the media space, Wari says.
“It is important everyone in Pacific media upskill both their journalism and technology knowledge including technical operators like me.
“This is a great opportunity for me to learn, explore and train my colleagues when I return home.”
From July 23-August 2, approximately 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will be competing in 10 sports, across four venues in Glasgow.
Pacific countries sending athletes to this year’s Commonwealth Games include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
To view the Commonwealth Games in the region, visit Pasifika TV or your local broadcaster.