
Explained: The Traditions Behind the Tui Nayau Installation
“A chief is to lead in every aspect, to help his people not just by words but by actually delivering what they have promised and I will try with all my might and with all I have to lead you all.”
The installation of the Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara was a fusion and display of culture and tradition.
Na ‘Meke Taki Ni Yaqona VakaTuraga’
This week has witnessed the revival of traditions and customs that, until now, lived only in the stories shared by our elders. Among the most remarkable was the Meke Taki Ni Yaqona Vakaturaga, a traditional kava ceremony dance that has not been performed in decades. The last known documentation of this dance dates back to 1990, making its reappearance a moment of cultural resurgence. This sacred tradition has been brought back to life, offering a rare glimpse into our ancestral heritage.…more

Whakapapa, Not Passports: First Indigenous Touch World Cup to Debut in Manurewa, 2027
The world’s first Indigenous Touch World Cup is officially set for November 2027 — a four-day tournament that will bring together Indigenous teams from around the globe to compete, connect, and celebrate culture at Mountfort Park in Manurewa, Auckland.
Announced by the WAI (We Are Indigenous) Foundation, a charitable trust based in Aotearoa, this groundbreaking event flips the script on traditional sport, making whakapapa — not nationality — the criteria for competition.
“This is more than just another touch tournament,” says WAI Chairperson Patariki Spellman. “We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure this event is a true reflection of who we are as Indigenous peoples.”
Unlike mainstream international formats, where only one team per country is allowed, the Indigenous Touch World Cup invites participation from Nations, Villages, Mobs or Groups — opening the door for underrepresented communities to take the field on their own terms.
“The existing international body only allows one nation per country. That may work for some, but it doesn't work for us.…more

Nora Aati’s Short Film I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden Confronts Trauma, Stereotypes, and the Silence Around Mental Health
“As a Samoan, my experiences shape everything that I write. How I see the world through the eyes of a woman, mother and daughter. Challenge the way the world chooses to see me and others who look like me.”
Writer and actor Nora Aati makes a commanding entrance into the world of Pacific storytelling with her bold new short film I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden. Premiering at the 2025 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival and selected as a finalist for Ngā Whanaunga Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best, the film is already making an impact.
“My name is Nora Aati, and I come from the villages of Safune, Faleasi’u, Falelatai, Manono, and Apia in Sāmoa,” she says. “I was born in Aotearoa and currently reside in Tāmaki Makaurau with my husband and five children.” Though she began as an actress, it was the lack of roles for Pacific women that led her to write her own.…more

Hopes For The New Pasifika 2-Year Visa
“This change doesn’t alter who qualifies for a visa, but it does make the process much easier for those who do qualify. It supports those who already meet the criteria by giving them more time, flexibility, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles.” - Immigration Minister Erica Stanford
After decades of Visa restrictions deemed unfair for Pasifika wanting to come to Aotearoa - could we finally be seeing a light in the tunnel?
In a move seen as an important step to ease travel for Pacific communities, Immigration New Zealand has launched a new two-year multiple-entry visitor visa for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries. Having started from 6 July 2025, this new visa replaces the previous 12-month visitor visa, allowing for more flexible and cost-effective travel for those with strong family, cultural, and community ties to Aotearoa.…more

9 Pasifika Wāhine Highlighted in Y25 2025 Cohort
Aalyana Teata Partsch
Hauora Advocate, Entrepreneur & Māmā
Aalyana is an entrepreneur and advocate for cultural connection, community empowerment, and indigenous wellbeing. As a daughter, wife, māmā, friend, and leader, Aalyana continues to weave her values of faith, honesty, aroha, and kaitiakitanga into every part of her life. This passionate trailblazer’s whakapapa connects her to the beautiful islands of Sāmoa and Tahiti.
She seeks opportunities to deepen her connection to her own cultural roots while embracing the wisdom of other indigenous traditions, believing that shared knowledge can help us heal, thrive and connect. As the founder of I Mahi Ora, Aalyana is leading a transformative initiative that reimagines health and wellbeing for Māori and Pasifika young adults through indigenous frameworks.…more

A New Dawn for Lau: Pacific Leaders Gather for Historic Tui Nayau Installation
For the first time in 56 years, the title of Tui Nayau has passed to a new generation, with Ratu Tevita Kapaiwai Lutunauga Uluilakeba Mara installed as the paramount chief of Lau in a moment that has captured the hearts of the Pacific.
This monumental event has drawn Pacific governance to Fiji, with royal families, high chiefs, and leaders from across the region gathering in Lau to witness history and stand in support as the islands step into a new era.
On Nayau Island, families gathered at dawn in traditional attire, women letting down their hair as the village followed sacred protocols led by Kingmaker Akuila Qalo. It was a powerful return to customs passed down through generations, restoring the title once held by Ratu Tevita’s father, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji’s first Prime Minister, whose leadership left a lasting legacy. Echoing his father’s words from 1969, Ratu Tevita called on Lau’s chiefs to lead with righteousness and wisdom.
The ceremonies then moved to Lakeba Island, where Ratu Tevita was installed as Tui Lau in Tubou Village.…more

The Extra Family Boost Tupe - for Pasifika parents: what's on the table, who can access it and how you can do this?
The Government’s FamilyBoost scheme is getting an upgrade, with the maximum rebate increasing from 25% to 40% of weekly childcare fees and the income limit rising from $180,000 to $229,000.
Announcing the changes, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said, “These changes will help many families to deal with the increased costs that come with having young children.”
The boost means families paying $300 or more a week in childcare fees can now receive up to $120 a week back, up from the previous $75. Around 22,000 more households will now be eligible, and officials estimate up to 16,000 more families will access the payment.
For many Pacific parents, any extra support is welcome, but questions remain about whether the system is truly accessible.
“Any increase to the income limit will benefit some families, but we need to have a better pathway for our parents to understand and uptake this funding” says Italia Taouma, manager of the A’oga Fa’a Samoa early childhood centre.…more

Pacific Mini Games: Tahiti Leads as Samoa and Fiji Push for Podium Spots
KOROR, PALAU – Tahiti has extended its lead at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, with Samoa holding second place on the medal table while Fiji has moved into third following strong performances in swimming, va’a, and archery.
Tahiti closed Day 2 with 23 gold, 13 silver, and 4 bronze medals, continuing its dominance across multiple sports. Tahiti’s swimmers added five gold medals on Day 2 alone, led by 16-year-old flag bearer Déotille Videau, who captured her fifth gold, and Nael Roux, who secured his fourth. The team also swept gold in the V6 500m va’a events across women’s, men’s, and mixed categories, and added golds in wrestling and archery.
Samoa is holding firm in second place with six gold and four bronze medals. Their medal tally was boosted by Paige Schendelaar-Kemp’s gold in the women’s 100m butterfly, alongside wrestling golds from Shane Palemia (87kg) and Ekitoa Tamati (97kg).
Fiji has climbed to third place with four silver and four bronze medals, showing depth across swimming, va’a, and archery.…more

State of Origin Decider - Pacific Island Pride Front and Centre in Game 3
The team lists for the decider of State of Origin 2025 are in, with New South Wales keeping their line-up and shuffles across the Queensland side. The series has also been seen a celebration of the growing impact of Pacific Island players in rugby league’s biggest event.
Across both teams, players with Pacific heritage are not just filling jerseys. They are pushing their teams forward, shaping the culture, and carrying their communities with them every time they step onto the field.
Queensland Maroons: Team Shuffles
Queensland has made bold moves for Game 3, with coach Billy Slater shaking things up significantly. The Maroons have reloaded key positions, especially in the backline and the forward pack.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, proudly representing his Samoan roots through his father, has moved to fullback, taking Reece Walsh's spot. ‘The Hammer’ brings impressive speed and energy, and his Pacific heritage is an essential part of his narrative.
Xavier Coates keeps his spot on the wing.…more

Tina’ star directs groundbreaking play ‘Black F*gg*t
Beaulah Koale, Fasitua Amosa, Taofia Peseta, Shimpal Lelisi, Iaheto Ah Hi and Haanz Faavae Jackson are just a few of our starry Pasifika actors that have played the Black Faggot characters over the years.
Now the queen of film and stage Anapela Polata’ivao brings Auckland the latest iteration of this groundbreaking theatre piece.
Victor Rodger ONZM’s Black Faggot returns to Tāmaki Makaurau with fire, wit and a renewed sense of urgency, opening at Q Theatre’s Rangatira stage from June 25 to 29. Boldly queer and unapologetically Pasifika, the play reclaims a label historically used to silence and shame, delivering humour, depth and truth in every line.
First staged in 2013 in response to Destiny Church’s “Enough is Enough” march and later protests against marriage equality, Black Faggot remains unflinchingly relevant in 2024. Rodger reflects on the origins of the piece, saying:
“At the very, very least, one of those kids marching against the bill will be gay and feeling wretched about themselves as they grow up… Black Faggot is a response to that.…more