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Radio 531PI announces new show

" ... What excites me is the opportunity to continue serving my community by providing a platform where our people can share their stories. I also look forward to working with Tofiga to shift misconceptions about Pasifika people because this is truly our time as a people to be unapologetically proud of our origins." - Inangaro Vakaafi

Radio 531pi has announced its new look mid-morning show called ‘Island Time’, featuring legendary entertainer Tofiga Fepulea’i alongside journalist and co-host Inangaro Vakaafi.

The pair aim to deliver a show that is creative, fresh and fun when it launches this Monday 27 June at 9am.

“My vision for the show is to continue to be myself as an entertainer but also show more of Tofiga as the father, husband and passionate Pasifika male that I’ve grown to be through my upbringing, my faith and culture,” says Fepulea’i.

“I hope people will enjoy the new tag team of Ina and myself on air. I look forward to working with Ina and her Niuean flavour combined with myself a Samoan made in Wellington.”

Fepulea’i is a Samoan comedian with an entertainment career spanning three decades who has continued to serve Pasifika communities over the years and it is his warm and enjoyable nature that hopes to see listeners tune in.

Tofiga shares his world with us in the video above

“I just feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with community leaders like Tofiga who are already household names that we can relate to. It is always exciting to start something new with a fresh outlook and possibilities,” says co-host Vakaafi.

"Just for a bit of context. My parents met in Aotearoa as students at Hillary College. They were among the founding members of what would become Polyfest so they had a common love of all things Pasifika. However they left NZ in a time when it was not cool to be Pasifika. I was born, raised, educated and worked in Niue. Forever grateful for these humble beginnings that would prepare me for whatever life has thrown my way.

Moving to Aotearoa was not easy but what excites me is the opportunity to continue serving my community by providing a platform where our people can share their stories. I also look forward to working with Tofiga to shift misconceptions about Pasifika people because this is truly our time as a people to be unapologetically proud of our origins and to confidently portray that within society." Vaka'afi added

Inangaro Vakaafi shows Shimpal Lelisi how to weave a basket in Niue

Mid-morning cover host Carolanne Toetu’u will remain involved with the show with a regular segment focused on parenting and lifestyle.

‘Island Time’ refers to the slot being reserved specifically for Pasifika stories, conversations and connections, a shift from the narrative of ‘running late’.

Pacific Media Network Chief Executive Don Mann says the two are a formidable match.

"Tofiga and Inangaro will be a powerful and unique broadcasting duo, bringing their individual experiences and perspectives from serving Pacific communities worldwide.

“PMN is delighted to continue our presence in Wellington by building on the tremendous platform laid by all its previous hosts while expanding its loyal day time listenership.”

‘Island Time’ will launch with a blessing on-air Monday 27 June at 9am. The show airs weekdays from 9am - 12pm.

To find your local frequency:

Auckland 531 AM | Whangarei 103.6 FM | Hamilton 103.4 FM | Tauranga 103.8 FM | Rotorua

Follow 531pi on:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/531pi

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/531pi/?hl=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/531pi?lang=en

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYwuxy6miXlRkxoqvTgSxQ