Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 1

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

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

CAROL AGAFILI

CRICKET PLAYER / CRICKET DEVELOPMENT

OFFICER SAMOAN 

- What is your Pacific Heritage? - I am full Samoan.

My mum is from Sili Savai’i and Dad is from Sala’ilua. 

 - Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mangere and Manurewa. I went to Wiri Central School, a primary and intermediate school in Manurewa. Then I went to McAuley High School where I finished in 2020. The end of 2020 was that start of my cricket journey.  

 - Did you grow up playing kilikiti? 

Yes I grew up playing Kilikiki with my dad. I always attended his team training and games because I enjoyed watching and then eventually started playing for Ao Atua and G.I.  

Kilikiki was not just another sport for me, it was where we all got together and enjoyed the sport we love to play.…more

ANAPELA POLATAIVAO ONZM

DIRECTOR / ACTOR / PERFORMING ARTIST

SAMOAN
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Award-winning artist Anapela Polataivao, a celebrated and much-loved figure in the Pacific performing arts scene, recently received the ONZM honours, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Best known for her vibrant roles in Fresh and Coconet TV productions such as one half of comedic duo 'Pani & Pani', Anapela has captivated audiences for decades with her performances and heartfelt storytelling.

Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Ana humbly admits to still coming to terms with its wider implications, expressing her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and alofa from her community. 

Anapela has continuously evolved, contributing significantly to the arts while inspiring a new generation of Pasifika artists. We talk to here here.

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How big a deal is getting this spotlight shone on you, as a Pasifika artist?

I've yet to come to terms with what these things really mean in the wider context. To be honest, I always get a bit of a jolt or a surprise reaction when recognised for the work.…more

All our Alofa goes out to the family of our beloved Leatau’a Lesa Yvonne Maea Brown who passed away this week.

Aunty Yvonne filled all our lives with love, learnings and laughter and she was our star of the Coconet screen. Manuia Lou Malaga Yvonne, your legacy lives on.

Meet Lucidluca, an artist with a vibrant Tongan background! Luca's art reflects his rich cultural experiences. In our chat, Luca shares insights into his journey, the significance of cultural representation, and the inspiration behind his unique avatar maker.

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Malo lava Luca! Tell us about yourself. Who is Luca, and where did you grow up, etc. 

In my household, we call ourselves a fruit salad fam. I’m half Tongan and half Palangi, and I was born in Lautoka, Fiji, to an expat dad from Manurewa and a mum originally from Lotofoa, Ha’apai. I have three older sisters (technically halves, but we never think of it that way).

We all have different mums from different islands: Tonga, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Samoa. My dad spent decades as a tradie and a seaplane pilot in the Pacific, delivering midwives to outer islands to help women give birth safely.

However, he ended up collecting a few kiddos himself along the way, finally settling down with my mum in Tonga.…more

LUSI FAIVA

Performer & Creator

Samoan 

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Lusi please tell us about yourself? Where you grew up, Pasifika Heritage etc

Mālō, I’m a performer and creator with Cerebral Palsy and I have some great different communication abilities. I have Pasifka and European heritage. I grew up in Levin and in Lower Hutt, Wellington. My family came from Patamea. They arrived in Aotearoa back in mid sixties. My mum’s father was a traditional chef at his village. As the years passed I moved up to Auckland with my mum and my siblings.

What was your journey into the arts like?

I suppose I was fortunate enough to be part of the theatre groups that I was involved in when I was in my teens. But it was not until I attended the first workshop audition at Unitec in 96 where Catherine Chappell was facilitating the workshop that Touch Compass was starting up as the first mixed ability dance company in New Zealand.…more

2024 has only just begun but its already been a big year for young brown Musicians.

Since January we’ve seen some awesome young artists come onto the scene with debut music, or new releases! It’s no secret that Pasifika people have always expressed ouselves through art, dance and music. One could even say it’s in our blood. 

We’ve had many great Pasifika artists bless the many generations with their musical gifts, and the new generation are promising to deliver on the same legacy.

We’ve collated a few of the many exciting young Pasifika artists to watch out for right here!

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Ruby Coley

Rotuman Singer/Songwriter

Young Rotuman Songstess Ruby Coley has recently released her beautiful visuals of single "Devil on my shoulder" Directed by the talented Toa Fraser.…more

Jemaima Tiatia-Siau

Samoan

Researcher / Academic

By Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

As a child Jemaima Tiatia-Siau caught a glimpse of a university building and a voice called her unmistakingly clear - ‘you will be here one day’.

Today she sits as a full Professor and Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland. Here she talks to Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari about her academic journey and her vision for Pacific people.

Malo lava le soifua, please tell us a bit about yourself, your village, family ties?

Mālo lava le soifua. I am a daughter of Sāmoa with roots in Sālelologa, Taga, Vaimoso, Siumu, Vaigaga and Fusi Safata. I also carry the lineage of Tongan, English and French ancestry with me. I was born in Tokoroa, Aotearoa and have spent most of my life in West Auckland.…more