“The values of alofa and ‘aiga that mean so much to us as Samoans can be seen here among the families that call the high country their home. I’ve absolutely loved this project. There have been a lot of realisations for me as an artist and a Samoan that have come about from being in this community. I have been well cared for here and all doors have been open for me to explore the valley.” Raymond Sagapolutele 

Pasifika photographers Raymond Sagapolutele and Nick Netzler have completed the first-ever Pacific Arts Nature Residencies — a new Creative New Zealand initiative connecting Pacific artists with rural communities and environmental work.…more

Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands joins UNICEF in championing children’s rights across the region

Suva, Fiji / Apia, Samoa – 13 May 2025
UNICEF Pacific has officially named Samoan climate activist and former Miss Pacific Islands, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, as its new Pacific Ambassador.

The announcement was made during the Pacific Early Childhood Development Forum, following a two-day visit by Moemoana to UNICEF-supported programmes in Samoa. During her visit, she engaged with children, families, health workers and educators, witnessing firsthand the importance of community-led efforts in protecting children’s wellbeing.

“I am deeply humbled to accept this appointment as UNICEF’s Pacific Ambassador. This is a continued commitment to what I believe is the soul of our region: our children,” said Moemoana. “I offer myself fully to the work ahead, grounded in uplifting the needs, dreams and voices of our children and young people across our Blue Pacific Continent.…more

Undervalued, unseen, and struggling to survive — this is the daily reality for many Pasifika women working at the coalface of Aotearoa’s lowest-paid sectors. They are our nurses, teachers, essential service workers, and frontline staff across a range of industries.

Pasifika women are, proportionally, the lowest paid workers in Aotearoa across most sectors. The fast-tracked changes to the Equal Pay Amendment Bill now risk hitting them harder than any other demographic.

"The Pay Equity Bill was rushed through Parliament then passed to save money, which feels like a slap in the face. Pacific nurses have been undervalued for years — now we’re being told our worth is too expensive. This isn’t equity, it’s exploitation,"  says Pacific nurse and mother Jaz Bee.

For Jaz, the changes are deeply disheartening in what is already a difficult climate in the health sector, where jobs are being cut and employment prospects are increasingly unstable.

The Pasifika early childhood education (ECE) sector, largely staffed by Pasifika women, is also expected to feel the immediate impact of the new law.…more

Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban has once again made history.

Already celebrated as the first Pacific woman ever elected to New Zealand’s Parliament, Dame Winnie has nowbeen awarded an honorary doctorate from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

The honorary Doctor of Literature, to be conferred at the University’s graduation ceremony this May, recognises a lifetime spent breaking new ground for Pasifika communities in politics, education, and public life.

Born in Wellington to Sāmoan parents who migrated to New Zealand in 1954, Dame Winnie grew up in Wainuiomata, a place she continues to call home. Raised in a family committed to service, she carried these values into her professional life, beginning as a social worker and community development advocate before stepping into the political arena.

It was witnessing the closure of Wainuiomata’s Kenson Industries factory — and the devastating impact on Pacific families — that pushed her to stand for Parliament. Elected in 1999, Dame Winnie served until 2010, tirelessly championing the rights of Māori, Pasifika, working-class communities, and the elderly.…more