Why Is Tiny Tuvalu on the U.S. Travel Ban List?
Why has a small Island like Tuvalu on the US Travel Ban list?
Three Pacific Island nations, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, are among 36 countries named in a leaked U.S. State Department memo that could soon face new visa restrictions. The document, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, gives the governments of each country 60 days to respond to concerns or face full or partial bans on visa access to the United States.
According to the Post, the memo identified varied benchmarks that, in the administration’s estimation, these countries were failing to meet. Some countries had “no competent or cooperative central government authority to produce reliable identity documents or other civil documents,” or they suffered from “widespread government fraud.” Others had large numbers of citizens who overstayed their visas in the United States, the memo said.
The concerns raised include the security of passport systems, high visa overstay rates, and a lack of cooperation with U.S. authorities in deporting nationals ordered to leave the country.…more
Celebrating the life of Afa Folasa Ah Loo
Beloved Samoan Designer and Cultural Visionary
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, or otherwise known as ‘Afa’ - an extraordinary designer, proud Samoan, and vibrant creative force whose life was taken far too soon. Afa, aged 39, was tragically killed during a shooting incident at the No Kings Day protest in Salt Lake City.
He was a peaceful participant standing in solidarity with others when he was unintentionally struck by crossfire from the Salt lake City Police Department. There is a current investigation into this tragedy with the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner determining ‘the offical cause and manner of his death’.
His passing has left a deep void in the fashion world, the Pacific community, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Born and raised in Lotopa and Falelima, Samoa, Afa’s journey into fashion was anything but traditional. The former marketing manager and teacher, who also won Samoa Idol in 2010, did not set out to become a designer. In fact, his first encounter with sewing came by accident.…more
Message for Men's Health Week, Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi.
Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi, physiotherapist, academic, and PMA member, is the first Pacific PhD in Physiotherapy! 💥
For Men’s Health Week, he shares some light-hearted but practical insights, plus a bit of his own journey as a Pacific male in health. He is also a proud member of the Centre for Men’s Health at the University of Otago.
By Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi Via Pacific Medical Association
In February, my Dad passed away after serving as a faifeau of a small Samoan church community in Petone, Wellington, for almost 30 years and living for almost two decades with disabilities related to Stroke.
As a son and now a father of four, Dad’s passing and the sobering reality of the declining number of male elders in my family and community, have made this year’s Men’s Health Week a particularly important one. As a physiotherapist and emerging academic, I share some quick encouragements for Pacific men and those who support them in our Pacific communities. These tips have been adapted from winter tips from my colleagues at the Mātai Medical Research Institute.…more
Sir Collin Tukuitonga makes history as first Niuean knight and professor
“Scholarship should be activism,” he said. “It should work for the people it speaks about.” Sir Colin Tukuitonga via RNZ
With those words, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga KNZM stood before a full house at the University of Auckland’s Fale Pasifika, not just as an academic, but as a servant of the people.
On 5 June, Sir Collin delivered his inaugural professorial lecture, An Advocate for Equity, surrounded by community, colleagues and loved ones. The evening marked a significant milestone. He is now the first Niuean to hold both a knighthood and a professorial title. He is also one of only two Niuean professors in the world — a rare combination that reflects decades of service, humility and commitment to improving the lives of Pacific peoples.
From the villages of Alofi to global platforms of health leadership, Sir Collin has stayed true to the values passed down by his grandparents.
“In my case, my mother had 15 siblings — all of them were mums and dads. I was raised by my grandparents — a Niuean tradition. Grandad was tough love.…more
Samoa General Election 2025 - What You Need To Know To Vote
Samoa is once again gearing up to hold elections on 29 August 2025, but many diasporic Samoans are keen to have their voices heard this time round.
Typically, general elections in Samoa are held every five years to elect Members of Parliament (MPs), who then form the government.
So why the early election this time?
Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa had warned that she would dissolve Parliament if her 2025/26 national budget was not approved. On 27 May 2025, Parliament voted down the budget by a margin of 34–16
Following the defeat, she formally advised the Head of State to dissolve Parliament—this was then motioned on 3 June 2025.
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What does this mean for voters?
The same requirements for eligibility to vote apply regardless of the time. Voters from other countries must come back to Samoa to finish their biometric registration by July 4, 2025, and Samoan citizens who are 21 years of age or older must register by then. The only way to vote is in person.…more
'It goes beyond just a home’: Why OWN IT is helping Māori and Pasifika families make homeownership a reality
For many Māori and Pasifika families, the dream of homeownership can feel just out of reach. But through Tāmaki Regeneration's OWN IT programme, that narrative is changing — with over 80% of its homeowners being Māori and Pasifika whānau, the programme is seeing real transformation, one family at a time.
Afoa Tevita Malolo, who works closely with whānau as part of the OWN IT team, says it’s their grounded approach that sets the programme apart.
“Our team are hands-on when supporting whānau to navigate the process and journey, and hold a deep understanding of this complex space,” says Malolo. “Our team are out on the ground in communities meeting people, and thus understand the barriers many Māori and Pasifika whānau experience in the housing market.”
Practical support to navigate the journey
With housing unaffordable for many despite years of savings, OWN IT offers real, practical support.
“OWN IT provides a range of support for whānau to navigate the journey towards homeownership,” says Malolo.…more
Moe Laga’s “Fetū x Fetu’u” Is a One-Night-Only Celestial Reckoning
Moe Laga, the revered performance artist, mother, healer and fearless fa’afafine voice from South Auckland, returns to the stage with Fetū x Fetu’u — a powerful solo work premiering for one night only as part of F.O.L.A. [AKL].
The piece was developed during Moe’s three-month ANIVA residency at Pātaka Museum in Porirua, supported by Creative New Zealand. It became a space for deep reflection and transformation.
“Fetū x Fetu’u is a solo performance work born out of my time as the ANIVA...Over three months, I was given space to reflect, grieve, and shed skin,” Moe says.
“This work is deeply personal, a constellation of stories, ancestors, curses, and blessings. It draws from my experiences as a Samoan fa’afafine born in Aotearoa, navigating the sacred and the profane, the celestial and the shadow. The title itself speaks to duality — Fetū (stars/light) and Fetu’u (curses/darkness). It came about because I needed a space where all of me could exist.”
Fetū x Fetu’u is presented in collaboration with Cypris Afakasi — a Māori and Samoan, Irakē interdisciplinary performance artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau.…more
Life Kitchens feed the community | Otara
Powered by LIFE Community, these kitchens serve thousands across Auckland with dignity, compassion, and hope. With 10 kitchens across Auckland - they provide more than just food, but also community and the opportunity for connection with others that some families might miss out on.
For more information please see here: https://www.lifecommunity.org.nz/life-community-kitchens
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - CAYZA
CAYZA
SAMOAN
RAPPER
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Introduce yourself -your ethnicity and where you grew up.
Talofa lava, my name is Caleb Fatialofa-Sapati, also known as CAYZA. I’m a proud full Samoan, born in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. My family hails from the villages of Lepa and Lalomanu in Upolu, and Fogapoa and Siufaga in Savai’i. I was raised in Maraenui, a suburb of Napier in Hawke’s Bay.
What was your journey into music like?
It’s been both a blessing and a humbling experience. The journey of building a full-time music career hasn’t been easy, but staying grounded in faith is what helped me through. There have been a lot of wins, but just as many lessons -each one teaching me something new and keeping me focused. That’s what makes me appreciate the journey even more.
How has your upbringing - both in a Samoan family and in Maraenui—shaped you as an artist and musician?
Growing up in a loving Samoan family - especially one blessed with the gift of music - shaped me deeply.…more
Kilikiti hits the Oval | Keeping it Fresh
Tokelau’s bringing kilikiti back and it’s serving island pride with a side of 'bowled him out'. We keeping it real fresh out on the oval.
Director : Shimpal Lelisi
Camera : Terence Muru
Sound : Marcus Lawson
Editor : Sefa Taouma