Congratulations to Heavyweight Boxer Hemi "The Heat" Ahio who won his fight against Mohammed Ali Bayat for the WBC Middle East Championship Heavyweight title.

We caught up with the Tongan boxer from South Auckland in Dubai prior to fight night where he talks to us about how he got into boxing, what his training camp was like leading up to this fight, what motivates him and more.

"In the cage, I’m free, like a greyhound running or a bird in flight. When I’m fighting, I can transcend my life and feel grace." - Mark Hunt, Born to Fight

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"Mark Hunt remains a global superstar in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts, helping popularise the now phenomenally successful combat sport. Yet, as the documentary makes clear, Hunt has remained a rank outsider for the majority of his sporting career. This is highlighted in the film as Hunt singlehandedly takes on his employer UFC, persuading them to take a harder line with drug cheats.

Charting an almost Rocky-like trajectory, director Peter Brook Bell highlights Hunt’s career as it twists and turns in all directions. Focally, Hunt overcoming a horrendous childhood dealing with an abusive father, jail time and an adolescence spent on society's margins. No-one takes him seriously, bringing him in as a last-minute stand-in for kickboxing fights.

Despite this unpromising beginning, he almost immediately rises to global stardom. But with his increasing success also comes self-sabotage, challenging his own ascent at every step.…more

ERIC SOAKAI

POET

SAMOAN/TONGAN

Eric Soakai is a Samoan Tongan activist, artist and academic based out of South Auckland. In his artform Eric explores indigenous storytelling through his lense as a Polynesian man. 

The young and talented creative was featured in The Panthers Documentary where he shared a powerful spoken word piece.

We got to catch up with Eric and chat about his art, purpose and passion for telling indigenous stories through poetry.

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You did a powerful spoken word piece as part of the Panthers Rapp doco series - what was the essence of this piece and what drove you to write it? 

For me the essence of the piece is ‘ka mua, ka muri’. It is an expression of walking backwards into the future, of recognising we bring all that was of our gafa/whakapapa into a space of potentiality/ what will be. The way I was able to understand better the weight of what this carried was to learn the history behind the different names I carry.…more

PATRICIA LOGA 

STUDENT - DOCTORATE IN MANAGEMENT STUDIES 

FIJIAN 

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My name is Patricia Loga and I am from the village of Tubou in Lakeba, Lau with maternal links to Yaroi in Matuku, Lau. I am a proud 'mum' to my 9 year old daughter Noelani and am currently in New Zealand to pursue a Doctorate in Management studies at Massey University. I was born and raised in Suva and come from a loving Fijian family and I am what they call in Fijian the 'buina' - I am the youngest of my siblings. 

You're currently studying towards a PhD in Management history and public history, why is this particular topic important to you and something you wanted to pursue/research?

My PhD research is in the area of management history and public policy. It is titled: "Public Service Motivation in a Post-Conflict State: the case of FIji."

To be honest, I am a complete nerd at heart. I enjoy research and picked up the interest whilst completing my post-graduate studies at the University of the South Pacific.…more

via the Cause Collective 

Cover image of Manu Sina assistant coach Cynthia Ta'ala at the Rally Your Village event at the Vodafone Events Centre, via South Seas Healthcare 

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A community group of passionate Manurewa residents has responded to the rallying call to increase the vaccination rate for Samoans in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. 

The Samoa I Manurewa Tutū Fa’atasi (Samoans in Manurewa Stand Together) was formed less than ten days ago but is taking a lead to encourage and mobilise Samoans living in the Manurewa area to make the decision to get vaccinated. 

Made up of local church leaders, community representatives and young people, Samoa I Manurewa Tutū Fa’atasi will be hosting a two-day vaccination drive through event in Manurewa from tomorrow, Friday 8 October - Saturday 9 October, 9am - 4pm. 

Bookings won’t be required for the event held in the Northcrest carpark, 1-13 Maich Road, which has been made available through the Manurewa Business Association.…more

Via Pasifika Medical Association Group