New Zealand's local body elections ended on Saturday with the preliminary results in by Saturday afternoon.

The governing body consists of the mayor and a number of ward councillors which differ depending on the region.  For example Auckland has one mayor and 20 ward councillors.  

The governing body focuses on the big picture and on region-wide strategic decisions and are responsible for things like making rates and bylaws, regional strategies, policies and plans and consulting with and considering the views of local boards before making a decision which affects the communities in the local area.  

Congratulations to these Pacific Island candidates who were voted in as ward councillors.

Auckland - Manukau Ward

Alf Filipaina 

Fa'anana Efeso Collins

South Wairarapa District Council 

Lee Carter 

Dunedin City Council 

Marie Laufiso 

Local board members are also important as they have a significant and wide-ranging role - they make decisions on local matters, provide local leadership and build strong local communities.

The local boards provide important local input into region-wide strategies and plans including those of the council-controlled organisations.…more

"The Street Store" had it's first Pop-Up store in Otara based out of Crosspower New Zealand's premises today.

Crosspower NZ who are a charitable trust based in Otara, Auckland decided to tackle some of the need & poverty they saw  in their local community by providing practical help and supplies through The Street Store which they ran out of their dance studio today.

'The Street Store' is the first one officially registered in New Zealand.  It's based in South Africa and has now gone world wide as you can register to run one in your country.  It is hoped that if it went well today they'll be able to run more of them in different locations - the idea being that it's "Community helping Community"

We spoke to the project manager Casey Smith and organising committee member Charene Siakimotu about how the day was going earlier.…more

Hot Kalo, ripe mangoes, and a dizzying array of island fashions make up all the colours of the rainbow at the big breezy produce makeki in Fugalei.

It's the centre point of local trade that does the thing every community market is supposed to do- hum with the sounds smells and visuals of local life, and offer up things you may never find anywhere else in the world.

 

Update as at 13 October 2021 - 

Officer Scanlan's family had shared his story with us (below) shortly after his shooting five years ago, as they hoped & prayed for a miracle. We wish them our deepest condolences, thoughts & prayers at this time.  Toamalama leaves behind his wife, Tepatasi, and six children.

Manuia lau malaga Officer Scanlan

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The fact that Samoan Corrections officer Toamalama Scanlan is even breathing today is a miracle in itself and now his wife and family are praying for another miracle .... full recovery.

On the 3rd of September the father of 6, along with fellow officer Juanita Davila - a mother and grandmother - who both worked at Fresno County Jail, California, were shot in the head and neck as they tried to calm a visiting ex convict.  Toamalama was shot in the head and Juanita was shot in the neck.…more

We caught up wtih Pita Taufatofua - guess what he said!?

Inspired by Disney's 'MOANA' a student from the University of Central Florida has re-imagined Pacific style Princesses!

NZ Fashion Week comes to an end today ...

Although there were no Pacific designers featured & we're not sure how diverse the catwalk models were, we thought we'd take a look at some of our own Pacific beauties who can rock anything from sportswear to streetwear to island wear to high fashion looks and back again.

And we can't forget our MEN! 

Suggested Links:

London Fashion Collective 

Tim Cahill makes History 

Business class passengers flying Air New Zealand are about to get a taste of Pacific fine dining, thanks to award-winning chef Michael Meredith, as they sail through the skies.

As the airline's newest culinary consultant, the Samoa-born chef known for his degustation menus and adventurous approach will design dishes for 'Business Premier' passengers - Air New Zealand's executive class.

This year alone Meredith won the Metro Restaurateur of the Year and best fine-dining restaurant. He now joins the airline's other consultant chef, Peter Gordon, an airline menu contributor for 20 years.

"It's a huge privilege to be given the chance to showcase my take on New Zealand cuisine to people from all over the world.

"There's a bit of pressure but I'm also really excited to see what we can do together," Meredith said.

Air New Zealand general manager customer experience Carrie Hurihanganui said Kiwi cuisine was renowned for its fresh, high quality and diverse produce - and its wine.

"Michael will bring a fresh perspective to the table.…more

At least half of New Zealands Pacific teenagers are living in poverty, a study has revealed.

Auckland University's research showed almost one in five secondary school students and nearly half of all Pacific students were struggling.

The study used data from the Youth 2012 study of 8500 students and was published in the International Journal for Equity in Health.

It pooled students by household poverty based on nine markers of deprivation:

* No car

* No phone

* No computer

* Parental worry about not having enough food

* More than two people sharing a bedroom

* No holidays with family

* Moving home more than twice a year

* Garages or living rooms used as bedrooms

* No parent at home with employment.

Students needed to report at least two markers before being classed as experiencing poverty.

Senior lecturer and co-author of the report Dr Terry Fleming said some results mirrored those found by the Ministry of Social Development and the Child Poverty Action Group.…more