Humans of the Islands

HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - ANDREW JOHN FAKAUA PONTON

ANDREW JOHN FAKAUA PONTON

TUVALU

FILMMAKER

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Andrew John Fakaua Ponton, a filmmaker of Tuvaluan and Scottish heritage, was born in Tuvalu and raised in Suva, Fiji — a backdrop that would later shape his cinematic voice. His journey into filmmaking kicked off at just 13, armed with a Hi-8 video camera and an unshakable drive to tell stories, no matter the constraints. Over time, he carved out a style distinctly his own — one that draws deeply from the rhythms, textures, and realities of the Pacific.

His upcoming film Bati embodies that ethos: a grounded, character-driven story shaped by inventive filmmaking and a lifelong passion for boxing, both as a sport and a cinematic form. Shot on location in Suva and the rural province of Namosi, the film navigates the dynamic tension between city and village life, all while spotlighting the raw creative energy fueling grassroots Pacific cinema. He shares his story and work with us here!

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Please introduce yourself, your ethnicity and where you grew up? 

My name is Andrew.…more


Humans of the Islands

HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - BRANDN SHIRAZ

Brandn Shiraz

Recording Artist

Kuki Airani

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Emerging recording artist Brandn Shiraz has released his new single, "Youngin from Kuki II" Hailing from the Cook Islands, Brandn blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B into a sound that’s all his own. With smooth flows and soulful beats, "Youngin from Kuki II" is a bold new vibe that’s turning heads. He shares his story with us here!

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Kia orana Brandn Shiraz, tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia orana, my name is Brandn. I was born at Middlemore Hospital, Ōtāhuhu, and I grew up in Central Auckland. My old man’s from Atiu, Aitutaki, and Rarotonga, and my mum’s from North London.

What was it like spending your earlier years in the Cook Islands?

I lived over there when I was real young, and even after we moved back to NZ, my brother and me used to go back often to visit our father throughout the years.…more


Humans of the Islands

Lelei LeLaulu: The Quiet Force for Peace, Progress, and the Pacific

By Lagomauitumua Elizabeth Ah-Hi

In the hush of Oslo’s corridors, far from the lava fields of Savai’i, Samoa, a name surfaced on the world’s most prestigious shortlist: Lelei Tuisamoa Lelaulu, a development entrepreneur focused on peace-building, climate change, oceans, sustainable tourism, and indigenous rights, nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

To many, it came as a quiet surprise. But for those familiar with his trail of work — from the Caribbean to the Pacific, from the United Nations to Indigenous community councils — the honour felt like a long-overdue recognition. It validated not only the work of one man but the quiet wisdom of an entire ocean. 

 In a world that often confuses visibility with influence, Lelei is a rare exception. A proud son of Samoa whose impact has rippled across continents and causes, he has shaped global conversations on peace, climate resilience, Indigenous empowerment, and ethical tourism—not with fanfare, but with thoughtful precision, cultural depth, and purpose.…more


Humans of the Islands

WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - KALI TUI

Kali Tuli

Fijian

Singer / Songwriter 

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Tell us a little bit about yourself

Bula, my name is Abigail Tuiqilaqila also known as Kali Tui. Fiji has 300+ island and I am from the the village of Tubou on the Island of Lakeba with maternal links to Nukuloa, Gau, Fiji. Born and raised in Suva and I am proud to be an artist/singer in Fiji's music industry.

What was it like growing up in fiji?

Growing up in Fiji is a unique experience. We have under a million in our country's population and I'm blessed to be one of the few who gets to call Fiji home. Being home is always fun and relaxing as we live on "Fiji Time". It was also very humbling to live here as we have many different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures in this country.

Did you always want to be a singer/songwriter?

Ever since I was little, I've always loved singing for sure.more


Humans of the Islands

WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - SELA FALETOLU-FASI

Sela Faletolu-Fasi is a passionate artist, storyteller, and advocate from Christchurch, New Zealand, with roots in Samoa and Tonga.

Her work, particularly "Love; Mum" draws deeply from her personal struggles and triumphs, offering a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, love, forgiveness, and the healing power of sisterhood. 

After a sold-out developmental season in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Love; Mum is currently showing this week at Auckland's The Basement Theatre! We caught up with Writer and Actor Sela Faletolu-Fasi about her work and current show!

Malo Lava Sela - could you please introduce yourself and where you're from?

Talofa lava, my name is Sela Faletolu-Fasi. I am the daughter of the late Reverend Lapana Faletolu (Fasito'outa, Samoa), and Salote Lasei (Fasi Moe Afi, Tonga). I am married to Silivelio Fasi and mum to six beautiful children, Favor (22), Victory (20), Princeton (18), Mercedes (14), Auteletoa (10) and Lapana (7) and we live in Christchurch.

Tell us about Love: Mum - what was the inspiration behind it?

Love; Mum was inspired by a goodbye letter I wrote to my six children in 2023.…more


Humans of the Islands

WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - ADYHANA URIKA FILIFILIA

Adyhana Urika Filifilia

Samoan

Singer / Songwriter / Actor

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Emerging Samoan vocalist and theatre performer Adyhana Urika Filifilia has decided to take the plunge and release her debut single, 'Anchor'!

From her roots in the performing arts to her journey of finding her voice as a solo musician, she reflects on the personal and cultural influences that shape her sound.

Drawing strength and inspiration from her Samoan heritage. ‘Anchor’ is an insight into her thoughts and feelings as a young Pasefika woman growing up in New Zealand, juggling the complexities of traditions and expectations in parallel with the desire to carve a unique path in this modern world, whilst still remaining grounded in who you are.

A good friend of The Coconet TV, she sits down with us talk about her new single and the exciting new journey ahead.

Tell us about your new song! What was the inspiration behind your debut single 'Anchor'?

"Anchor" is a piece I wrote during my final year of high school, with one of my close friends accompanying me on guitar.…more


Humans of the Islands

HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - ALEXANDER LIGAIRI

Alexander Ligairi
Radio / TV Host
Fijian

Tell us a bit about yourself
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Bula I'm (cue Government Name) Ratu Mainalebakula Rasalusalunitoba Cabemaiwai Alexander Ligairi. Yeah, so to save you from accidently casting a spell, just call me Alex or Ally. I'm 32. A Virgo and currently the Team Leader for the radio station, 2DayFM Fiji under the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation.
We play whatever is hot, new, charting & relevant to our audience. Not only that, we're very big on playing & supporting music from local Fijian Artists as well as South Pacific Island Artists. I also co-host on a TV show called Teapot Talk with two other workmates. It's pretty unhinged & that's the best way I can describe it. As for identity, ok don't laugh I'm bad at  this. But according to my friends that are well informed & have better knowledge on "identity" say I'm Non Binary. I don't believe them (I still don't understand it fully) but I, me, myself identify as a Gay Vixen.more

Humans of the Islands

HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - HUALĀLAI CHUNG

Hualālai Chung
Actor
Kanaka Maoli

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Hawaiian actor Hualālai Chung is the voice of Moni, a character that joins Moana on her journey in the franchise's sequel, 'Moana 2.' Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, he carries with him the rich cultural heritage of his Polynesian roots, inspired by his upbringing in a family of performers and entertainers.

Hualālai shares his passion for storytelling, especially through film and music, and his desire to represent Pasifika cultures and share their stories with the world.

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. My parents were both performers and avid entertainers in our local industry here, so I grew up throughout Waikīkī, running around all the different showrooms and entertainment venues. It was when I was a child that I knew I wanted to be a performer, specifically a Sāmoan fire knife dancer.

Fire knife dancing has been an immense passion of mine, eventually expanding my horizons into acting and music as I got older.…more


Humans of the Islands

HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - SEPI TO'A

SEPI TO'A

TONGAN/FIJIAN

ACTRESS 

Could you please introduce yourself and your Pacific Heritage


Malo le lei, my name is Sepiutaruth To’a known as Sepi To’a and I am proudly Tongan
and Fijian. On my mothers side, we come from Mua Tatakamotonga in Tonga and on
my fathers side we come from Lau Lakemba in Fiji.


Where did you grow up?


This question is always so interesting for me to reminisce on as we have lived in so
many places. Born in South Auckland, younger years in Laotoka Fiji before we flew to
the middle of the dessert - Cloncurry QLD Australia. Made our way up the coast to
Darwin in the NT living on a houseboat to Toowoomba up in the mountains before
choosing to reside near the beach in Brisbane QLD and now a full circle back in
Auckland Aoteoroa.…more


Humans of the Islands

WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - JUNE POTIFARA

JUNE POTIFARA

MUSICAL THERAPIST

SAMOAN

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This year, Music Therapy New Zealand celebrates a significant milestone: 50 years of music therapy practice in Aotearoa. Samoan Musical Therapist June Potifara shares more about her journey into the industry.

Could you please introduce yourself and your Pacific Heritage  

Malo le soifua maua, ma le lagi e mamā. My name is June Potifara. I am of Samoan heritage, hailing from the villages of Falease’ela, Lefaga, and Sapunaoa, Falealili, but was born and nurtured here in Aotearoa. Therefore, I acknowledge the whenua and extend my gratitude to the tangata whenua whose mātauranga and tikanaga have enriched my upbringing.  

Where did you grow up?  

I grew up in the home of the brave, Otara in Tāmaki Makaurau. What I consider the heart of the Pacific, here in Aotearoa.  

For those who don't know, could you please tell us about your work in Music Therapy?  

My current work is within the disability and adult mental health sectors.…more