Coco Talanoa — Events / Page 1

The 15th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo, as well as the 8th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum opened today (Tuesday 3rd September NZT) at the Cook Islands National Auditorium in Rarotonga. 

Hosted by Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) the weeks events will see over 300 individuals from 30 Pacific utility providers flock to Rarotonga where they will prioritise, coordinate and highlight the importance of water resilience and the need to rapidly accelerate access to safe, and clean sources of drinking water in the wake of climate change. 

The theme for this years conference is ‘Water resilience in the Pasifika – Navigating the currents of change for a climate resilient region’.…more

The 20th Pacific Music Awards took place at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau last night  (Thursday 29th Aug).  

The event marked a milestone in Aotearoa’s music history, signifying two decades of celebrating  Pasifika contributions to the New Zealand music scene.  

The atmosphere ran electric as musicians, friends, families and entire communities gathered to  celebrate the achievements of the years nominated finalists.  

The first award for the evening, the Most Promising Artist Award, went to brother and sister country duo Miti. The Porirua raised siblings dedicated the award to their parents and remarked  “This is so surreal.…more

Last week the Cook Islands celebrated 59 years of Self-Governing. In Avaiki Nui, Te Kuki Airani, this momentous occasion is affectionately marked by Te Maeva Nui (The Grand Celebration.)

Te Maeva Nui is arguably the most vibrant week in the Cook Islands calendar. The nation’s capital runs electric as Cook Islanders from the Pa Enua (outer islands) and overseas flock to Rarotonga eager to represent their respective islands and villages on the stage of the National Auditorium.

The week that unfolds is one filled with float parades, trade and the most cutting edge and unique Cook Islands dancing, singing, drumming and costumes making.

Preparations for Te Maeva Nui begin months in advance with group leaders attempting to secure the best composers, choreographers, costume makers, musicians and dancers to represent their island or village.

With a population of only 17,000 people, every Cook Islander knows who the heavy hitters of Te Maeva Nui are. You know, the people who are going to elevate the performances and take their teams to the A-grade category.…more

Pacific Kids Learning: The organization dedicated to creating Educational Pacific Content for the young Pacific Generations to come. 

Pacific Kids Learning (PKL) continues to make significant strides in the education space, specifically in Pacific education. Earlier this month, PKL hosted their 4th Digital Showcase at Hoyts Cinemas in Sylvia Park, presenting “Digital Navigators: Legacy of the Islands.” This compelling feature-length film highlights the adventures of two spirited children from South Auckland, 'Alisi and Semisi,' as they explore the islands of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa through digital storytelling.

PKL’s rapid growth, from their first digital showcase at the Māngere Arts Centre four years ago to this grand presentation at HOYTS, is a testament to the dedication of its founders—parents who are passionate about creating Pacific-led children’s content. 

Co-Founder & Education Director Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson expressed her passion for educating the next generation of Pacific kids “it's about nurturing all children as if they were your own.…more

The Whau Pasifika Festival is back for another year, set to take over West Auckland from July 6-13, 2024! This year’s theme, “E Lē Tū Fa’amauga se Tagata,” meaning “no one stands alone, no one succeeds alone, and no one suffers alone,” underscores the festival's focus on community, togetherness, and intergenerational collaboration. This profound Samoan proverb, notably referenced by the late Fa’anana Efeso Collins during his maiden speech last year, who was a strong supporter of the festival.

Ina Patisolo, Director of the Whau Pasifika Festival, emphasizes the importance of multi-generational involvement. “We’re thrilled to bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate our rich heritage and collective resilience. The Whau Pasifika Festival embodies community spirit and Pacific pride,” she says. “It’s more than an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of our people” across all ages.

This year's program was designed to attract all generations! Young and old, with events that highlight Pacific Island traditions, arts, and performances.…more

Samoan recording artist Pati AF sits down with us to talk about her upcoming work 'Ka'a: The Concert Experience' happening this weekend, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th May 2024🎤🔥

She gives us the run down on the inspiration behind the concert and how it came to be about, don't miss out! Grab your tickets here 🔗

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Filmed and Edited by Destiny Momoiseā

Original Pasifika Opera Stars Return to Aotearoa for One-Night-Only Celebration at 2024 Auckland Arts Festival

The 2024 Auckland Arts Festival is poised to host an extraordinary and historic event, "The O. G’s," a celebration of the original Pasifika opera stars who blazed trails for a new generation of talented artists.

On March 24th, 2024, this one-of-a-kind celebration will grace the stage, offering a unique journey through the rich history and enduring legacy of Pasifika opera.

Pasifika immigrants arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s harbored dreams and aspirations for their families, with opera singing not typically on their radar.

However, today, Pasifika opera singers have left an indelible mark on global stages, though their journey was far from easy. "The O.G’s" is an event designed to revisit the roots of Pasifika opera, honoring the pioneers who dismantled barriers and forged paths for future generations.

"The O.G’s" concept is a tribute to the Original Pasifika Opera Stars.…more

In Sāmoa’s not-so-distant past, Pili Sā Tauilevā is a proud Ali’i (chief) in the village of Moa. He has devoted his life to the sacred fa’a sāmoa tradition of service. When he suddenly falls gravely ill and refuses to name a successor, his daughter and son become rivals for the title. But nothing plays out as expected when others come out to join the race.

O lana fanau ua ala ai ona ola umi. Auā e talepe e tamaiti mea uma, pe a to lana mānava.The only thing keeping him alive is his children. Because when he dies, they’ll ruin everything.

Power, politics and tradition collide in this darkly comic piece by Natano Keni (Sāmoa/Aotearoa) and Sarita So (Khmer/Aotearoa). It is a commentary on the growing divide between those who have chosen to stay and those who have chosen to leave.…more

The vibrant city of Hamilton is set to come alive with a unique cultural fusion as some of Waikato's top Pasifika performers take center stage at the 2024 Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa. The spotlight will shine brightly on the all-new show, "Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands," a groundbreaking performance that promises to blend Pasifika cultural traditions with the magic of musical theatre.

Created by internationally touring artists Jessica Ruck-Nu’u and Iosia Tofilau, alongside award-winning creative Benny Marama, "Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands" is not your typical musical theatre showcase. The trio, deeply involved in Waikato's musical theatre scene, sought a fresh perspective on the genre. Co-producer Benny Marama explains, "By viewing the music through a Pasifika lens, we're ensuring this concert isn't just your bog-standard musical theatre showcase."

Fresh from touring the Middle East with the acclaimed "Shrek the Musical," Jessica Ruck-Nu’u and Iosia Tofilau conceived "Cheehoo!" as a way to engage with the diverse Pasifika community in Waikato. Jessica reflects on her journey, stating, "As a Pasifika woman, I felt like I was on the outside.…more

As expected, hundreds turned out today for the Qualification rounds for the Manu World Champs at the Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pools in Māngere today.

The Z Manu World Champs is a “grand celebration of a beloved kiwi pastime – the Manu or (dive) bomb, perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools and secret spots throughout the country.”

Plenty of youth signed up for today’s event in hopes of qualifying for the Manu World Champs Finals that will take place in Tamaki Makaurau on Saturday 9 March.

Event organiser Toko Manuel was hopeful that the even would not only keep youth out of trouble this long weekend but also provide them opportunity to take their hobb further.…more