Moana Pasifika 7s Cup 2025 - Tahiti Takes On Pacific Powerhouses
We head to Otahuhu Memorial Grounds and check out Tahiti’s first-ever international outing at the Moana Pasifika 7s Cup 2025 in Tamaki Maukaurau! 🇵🇫🔥
On 13 December, Moana Pasifika hosted its biggest community tournament yet at Otahuhu College, and for the first time two teams from Tahiti travelled outside their homeland to compete against Pacific youth sides from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, and the Cook Islands 🏉🌺
Breaking Barriers in Pacific Rugby Governance: Fiji's Bitila Tawake Joins PRP Board
In a major achievement for Pacific rugby, Fijian rugby star Bitila Tawake has been named the first female player representative from Fiji on the board of the Pacific Rugby Players (PRP). This union represents professional rugby talent throughout the region.
The announcement shows a positive change toward involving women and improving representation in rugby governance in the Pacific, a region known for its love of the sport and its development of top players.
Tawake’s appointment is a shift from elite athlete to influential leader. As a two-time Super W champion with the Fijiana Drua in Australia’s top women’s competition, she also represented Fiji at the 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Her on-field career has long been marked by both performance and leadership. Tawake captained Fiji at the 2022 Oceania Championship, guiding the team through a strong campaign, which included a decisive win over Papua New Guinea and a solid performance against Tonga.…more
Why Pacific Diaspora Are Worried About New US Border Rules
“To add more restrictions will be heartbreaking if my kids only living grandparents are unable to attend important milestones in their lives due to new criteria,” said Epenesa Pakola, a Samoan mother living in California with parents in Aotearoa.
For Diasporians in NZ who regularly visit their islander families in the United States, that fear may soon become reality.
The US is planning to change the rules for people from visa-waiver countries, including Aotearoa. That is the ESTA form most travellers fill out before hopping on a flight. Under a new proposal, travellers could be asked to hand over far more personal information than ever before.
“That’s crazy. It’s extremely disappointing and unnecessary,” Epenesa said.
Under the proposal, travellers may be required to provide five years of social media history, phone numbers used over the last five years, email addresses from the past ten years, detailed information about family members, and even biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints. This information would not be optional. It would be mandatory.…more
THE COST OF “JUST PLAYING WITH AI”: STOLEN INDIGENOUS IMAGES RECREATED FOR WHITE CLICKBAIT
The Harm is Real
Recently, the work of Tongan artist Lucid Luca was fed into AI and reposted online. The original piece, inspired by his birthplace of Lautoka, captured the warmth of Fiji’s western coast.
The AI version, however, altered the work: it softened features, lightened skin, and stripped away the cultural depth Luca had embedded into every brushstroke. The repost went viral before it was eventually removed, but the broader harm remained.
Luca explains, “It chips away at the work we’ve put years into, and it distorts how our people see themselves. It may depict brown people, but it has been trained on a western lens and western data. We may become redundant but everyone else will not be far behind, so I resent being offered up as the sacrificial lamb to this shift in attitude.”
Colourism in AI, where dark-skinned Pacific faces are lightened to fit Western ideals, is a reflection of a broader, pervasive issue in Pacific communities.…more
DWAYNE JOHNSON FIRST SAMOAN TO BE NOMINATED FOR A GOLDEN GLOBE
“Over the last years, I’ve lost 15 friends who are all wrestlers and fighters to addiction... I’m so happy we made this film. It is a love letter to those that I just talked to you about.”
With that reflection, Samoan actor Dwayne Johnson steps into history as the first Samoan to ever be nominated for a Golden Globe.
After more than 60 films, his transformative turn as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has earned him long overdue awards recognition and a place in the Golden Globes record books.
For Johnson, this moment is about far more than awards. “Mark Kerr had it all and lost everything, and has since become sober... Life is good because he’s sober and because he made it. And not everyone is that lucky. That’s the movie that we wanted to make: a nod to those who fight.”
Johnson is nominated for best performance by a male actor in a drama, with Emily Blunt also recognised for her supporting role.
His journey with the film began seven years ago.…more
Samoan restaurant Tala Wins Supreme Award with tastes of home
“The approach we take at TALA to represent the Samoan way and culture is instilled in our staff and evidenced through the apa fafano ceremony. This is our way of showing gratitude (gaga fa’afetai), servitude (tautua) and respect (fa’aaloalo) to the guests.”
For Henry Onesemo, executive chef and co-owner of Tala, these words define everything the restaurant stands for. Yesterday, Tala was crowned the Supreme Winner of Viva’s Top 50 Restaurants 2025, a milestone moment for Pacific cuisine in Auckland and a rare celebration of Samoan excellence in a predominantly Palagi-dominated fine dining scene.
Judges made the decision almost instantly. “Choosing a Supreme Winner usually takes hours of discussion and negotiation, but I will be honest and tell you that this year it only took a few seconds,” said Viva dining out editor Jesse Mulligan, who delivered the news in person to Henry and co-owner Debby Onesemo.
At just two years old, Tala has already redefined what Samoan food can look and feel like in Parnell.…more
Two Pasifika Queens Light Up Miss France 2026
Hinaupoko Devèze of Tahiti takes the crown, with Julie Collet of Kanaky (New Caledonia) as first runner-up — a double win for the Moana.
The Pacific is celebrating this week as two young Polynesian women stepped into the global spotlight at the Miss France 2026 pageant — and walked away with the top two titles.
On Saturday (local time in France), 23-year-old Hinaupoko Devèze, Miss Tahiti 2025, was crowned Miss France 2026 in Amiens. Standing right beside her in the final results was another daughter of the Moana — Julie Collet, Miss New Caledonia 2025, named first runner-up.
For many across the Pacific, this felt like more than a pageant result, it felt like a moment of collective pride — a celebration of Pacific beauty, culture, and identity shining on a European national stage.
Hinaupoko Devèze, a psychology graduate with roots in the Marquesan island of Ua Pou, carried the mana of her tūpuna with her as she stood before millions of viewers.…more
Wellington’s Fale Malae Takes Major Step Forward as Resource Consent Approved
“This consent recognises Aotearoa’s Pacific identity and moves us closer to realising a long-held vision... The Fale Malae will be a place where our connection to Te Moana Nui-a-Kiwa is honoured and made visible” - Adrian Orr, Chairperson Fale Malae Trust
Wellington’s long-anticipated Fale Malae — an iconic cultural centre honouring Aotearoa New Zealand’s deep Pacific identity — is one step closer to reality, with resource consent for the project now formally approved.
Planned as a central feature of the redevelopment of Frank Kitts Park on the Wellington waterfront. This has been championed for years by the Fale Malae Trust, mana whenua, Pasifika leaders, Wellington City Council, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and the New Zealand Government.
The proposal aims to establish a national cultural institution that celebrates the many nations of Moana Nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). While also providing a dedicated space where Aotearoa’s Pacific communities. And the wider public — can gather, learn, and celebrate their shared heritage.…more
THE YOUNG ISLANDER’S GUIDE TO FIJI (BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET)
By Jane Vavaitamana
If you’re an Islander heading to Fiji for the first time, get ready for a warm welcome! This guide is for young Islanders looking to enjoy Fiji without breaking the bank.
SLEEPING IN SUVA: OPTIONS GALORE!
Most start in Suva, where stays range from rainforest retreats like Colo-i-Suva Rainforest Eco Resort to city spots like Tanoa Plaza, perfect for walking around. If nightlife is your scene, close enough to hear the random “HOIIYYAAHH” at 2am, but still far enough to avoid the street chaos after the clubs close.
NADI: A BUDGET-FRIENDLY HAVEN!
In Nadi, Smugglers Cove will forever be a spot for kava and entertainment, while Sailors offers stunning beachfront views that are always Instagram worthy. If you need to be close to the airport, Tokatoka or Raffles Nadi are convenient options that will have you never missing a flight, unless you’re really talented.
FEASTING LIKE ROYALTY ON A BUDGET!
Fiji’s food scene is a budget-friendly delight.…more