I recently listened to a podcast that described parenting a neurodiverse child — or any child with a disability — as “Elite Sport Level Parenting.” As a Pacific mother raising a four-year-old on the spectrum, I can confirm: that description is spot on.

For the select few of us who have been blessed with neurodiverse kids, everything looks different. Birthdays. School performances. Family vacations. Even a quick trip to Pak’nSave. All of it takes more thought, more planning, more care — more mental load. Because our children move through a world that wasn’t designed with them in mind. But that’s okay. Because my son has parents who were made just for him.

That’s a sentiment echoed by many Pacific parents in Rochelle Nafatali’s thesis, “E lē Ma’i, o le Malosi!” (He’s Not Sick, He’s Strong!) — the first Pacific-led research project to explore the experiences of Pacific families raising autistic children in Aotearoa. Through talanoa and Pacific research frameworks, the voices of 15 parents revealed a collective truth: we are navigating uncharted waters, drawing strength from our culture, our families, and our faith.…more

ANDREW JOHN FAKAUA PONTON

TUVALU

FILMMAKER

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Andrew John Fakaua Ponton, a filmmaker of Tuvaluan and Scottish heritage, was born in Tuvalu and raised in Suva, Fiji — a backdrop that would later shape his cinematic voice. His journey into filmmaking kicked off at just 13, armed with a Hi-8 video camera and an unshakable drive to tell stories, no matter the constraints. Over time, he carved out a style distinctly his own — one that draws deeply from the rhythms, textures, and realities of the Pacific.

His upcoming film Bati embodies that ethos: a grounded, character-driven story shaped by inventive filmmaking and a lifelong passion for boxing, both as a sport and a cinematic form. Shot on location in Suva and the rural province of Namosi, the film navigates the dynamic tension between city and village life, all while spotlighting the raw creative energy fueling grassroots Pacific cinema. He shares his story and work with us here!

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Please introduce yourself, your ethnicity and where you grew up? 

My name is Andrew.…more

Straight out of Ōtara, South Auckland, Village90 are a five-piece band breathing fresh life into Aotearoa’s music scene, bringing back the soulful grooves and smooth melodies of early 2000s R&B. 

Village90 is made up of lead singer Daniel "Dansz", bassist Elcid, guitarist William "Nami" Langi, drummer Sione Langi, and keys player Doulos. All five grew up in South Auckland, carrying strong Samoan and Tongan heritage.

The group came together while studying at MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand). “We had known each other outside of studying through gigging and high school but jamming together at MAINZ is when we decided to become a band,” they said. 

Originally aiming to be a covers band inspired by groups like Beat Council and Levite Session Band, they spent two years gigging all over Auckland before finding their identity: “It all culminated in us playing a hybrid RnB style.” In 2019, they released their first original single, Young Love, and have been releasing music ever since.

Their shared love of music remains at the heart of everything they do.…more

Brandn Shiraz

Recording Artist

Kuki Airani

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Emerging recording artist Brandn Shiraz has released his new single, "Youngin from Kuki II" Hailing from the Cook Islands, Brandn blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B into a sound that’s all his own. With smooth flows and soulful beats, "Youngin from Kuki II" is a bold new vibe that’s turning heads. He shares his story with us here!

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The World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) kicks off on today (Monday, 14 April)! WDCC brings together elite dance crews from across New Zealand and around the world for a week of high-energy competition, global talent, and school holiday excitement at Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau.

For dancers like Joseph 'Asi, WDCC isn’t just a competition—it’s a platform to showcase Aotearoa’s world-class talent and to connect a vibrant, diverse community through the universal language of dance. 

Originally from Wellington and now based in Auckland, Joseph has dedicated his life to dance, training extensively in Hip Hop, Commercial, and Contemporary styles from the age of 10. His journey has seen him work, train, and perform with some of Aotearoa’s leading choreographers and studios. Joseph has also recently taken his training overseas by attending dance camps, programmes, and classes in Los Angeles, further enhancing his knowledge and skill.

Joseph’s own competitive experience is extensive. He has performed and choreographed on both national and international stages, proving his ability to compete at the highest levels.…more

Every Thursday in South Auckland, laughter, prayer and Pacific music fill the room as a group of Samoan elders gather—not just to pass time, but to reconnect with each other and with the cultural rhythms of home.

The programme is called Eva Ma Le Koko, a space created specifically for Pacific seniors to socialise, move, and share fellowship in an environment rooted in culture and faith.

“Eva Ma Le Koko was born out of a deep love and calling to honour our Pacific Tina & Tama matutua—many of whom spent their lives serving their families, churches, and communities, often in silence and without recognition,” says co-founder Romana Fetu.

In Samoan, eva means to go out or be in the company of others, while koko refers to the traditional hot cocoa drink often shared during moments of storytelling and connection.…more

By Lagomauitumua Elizabeth Ah-Hi

In the hush of Oslo’s corridors, far from the lava fields of Savai’i, Samoa, a name surfaced on the world’s most prestigious shortlist: Lelei Tuisamoa Lelaulu, a development entrepreneur focused on peace-building, climate change, oceans, sustainable tourism, and indigenous rights, nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

To many, it came as a quiet surprise. But for those familiar with his trail of work — from the Caribbean to the Pacific, from the United Nations to Indigenous community councils — the honour felt like a long-overdue recognition. It validated not only the work of one man but the quiet wisdom of an entire ocean. 

 In a world that often confuses visibility with influence, Lelei is a rare exception. A proud son of Samoa whose impact has rippled across continents and causes, he has shaped global conversations on peace, climate resilience, Indigenous empowerment, and ethical tourism—not with fanfare, but with thoughtful precision, cultural depth, and purpose.…more

Cook Islands Stage

Division 3

1st Auckland Girls' Grammar School
2nd Waitakere College
3rd Edgewater College

Division 2

1st Otahuhu College

Division 1

Special Awards

Rakei (Costume)

1st= Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
1st= Tamaki College
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tangaroa College

Best Composition

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tamaki College

Best Drummers

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Tamaki College
3rd Manurewa High School

Pere Pere Tane

1st Manurewa High School
2nd Tamaki College
3rd Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate

Pere Pere Vaine

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Manurewa High School
3rd= Tamaki College
3rd= Papatoetoe High School

Competition Categories

Rangatira Tane/Vaine

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Tangaroa College
3rd Tamaki College

Imene Tuki/Reo Metua

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tamaki College

Ute

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd= Mangere College
2nd= Tangaroa College
3rd Tamaki College

Tua Peu Tupuna

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Manurewa High School

Kapa Rima

1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tamaki College

Ura Pa'u

1st= Sir Edmund Hillary…more

While Polyfest ramped up over the weekend, our teams were also celebrating big wins at the HSBC SVNS, with Fiji and the Black Ferns taking home trophies in Singapore! And in a thrilling turn of events, Moana Pasifika delivered a stunning 45-28 win against the NSW Waratahs in Auckland.

Fiji Men's Sevens

Fiji defeated Kenya 21-12 in the Cup Finals, coming up from behind in a dramatic victory after a nil score against Kenya at half time. 

Within two minutes of the second half, Joseva Talacolo broke two tackles and sent Vuiviwa Naduvalo to the try-line and Fiji was level.

As penalties and errors mounted against Kenya, denying it possession, the Flying Fijians held their nerve to score the three second half tries that saw them sweep the cup.