Coco Talanoa — Pacific Blog / Page 2

By Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

When Jioji Ravulo was a case worker involved in the criminal justice system, he wanted to know why Pacific youth were overrepresented in the system, this curiosity sparked his PhD. Today, he stands as the first Pasifika Professor in Australia.

Here he talks to Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari about his academic journey and his vision for Pacific people.

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Malo lava le soifua, please tell us a bit about yourself, your village, family?
Ni sa bula vinaka and G’day – I’m Jioji Ravulo, my father is iTaukei Fijian from the village of Nayavuira, in Ra, which is 2.5 hours north of Suva in Fiji. My mother is Anglo Australian from Sydney, Australia.

What motivated you to be in academia and become a professor?
To be honest – I never wanted to be an academic! I initially said no to an initial 12-month lecturer role because at the time I was working as a manger of a youth accommodation service for homeless young people in western Sydney.…more

In honour of lovers day, we’re celebrating Brown Love! We asked you about your love, here’s what you had to say.

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Single Mother: Sofia 

What does love look like in your home?

I highly value love that is shown by actions. Love in our home is: Love is a book of beautiful poetry, Love is my girl making me a cuppa tea. Love is my son watering my pot plants especially my frangipani. Love is my girl bringing me a beautiful flower she'd picked on her walk home. Love is my son bringing home some fabric, a rock, a stone or bits of Italian marble he'd rescued from a skip because he knows I will be overjoyed and will use it in a future art project. Love is knowing that my children understand they are most beloved but that i expect accountability from them. Love is allowing each of us in our fale to live our lives with freedom, satisfaction and authenticity.…more

In the midst of Auckland's pressing housing crisis, the OWN IT initiative by Tāmaki Regeneration is emerging as a transformative force, specifically designed to uplift Māori and Pasifika families facing unprecedented challenges in the city's housing market.

Afoa Tevita Malolo, spokesperson for Tāmaki Regeneration, sheds light on how this program aims not only to provide homes but also to reshape the narrative for marginalised communities.

Auckland's housing crisis has escalated to alarming levels, making headlines globally for its soaring property prices and diminishing affordability.

According to The Demographia International Housing Affordability Report, Auckland currently ranks as one of the least affordable housing markets globally, placing 88th out of 94 markets surveyed worldwide. This crisis disproportionately affects Māori and Pasifika families, pushing homeownership further out of reach.

The challenges faced by Māori and Pasifika families in Auckland's housing market are deeply rooted in historical and systemic issues. As highlighted by various studies, these communities often find themselves at the margins, facing biases in traditional mortgage environments and struggling with the increasing unaffordability of homes.…more

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) congratulates PMA Board Director, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, on his appointment as a Fellow for the International Science Council (ISC). Recognised for his contributions to Pacific health in his capacity as a Public Health and Policy expert, Sir Tukuitonga joins over 100 new fellows to support the ISC in their mission of promoting science as a global public good.     

Reflecting on the appointment, Sir Tukuitonga is honoured to be acknowledged for his contributions on a global platform.  

"The International Science Council is the premier organisation globally that promotes the use of science.…more

By FotuoSamoa Jody Jackson

If the Maota Samoa fale (house) on Karangahape Road could talk, it would gush about the Pacific people that gathered, contributed to and celebrated within it since 1978.

There were many 21st's and wedding cakes cut while island families cheered on. There would also be mention of church fundraisers, exhibitions, talent shows, company events, PIC meetings, St Mary’s Old girls gatherings and business networking events. There’s memories of Auckland Girls Grammar students and children who frequented this place or accompanied their parents as they went to visit the dentist across the hallway run by the late Papali’i Dr Taouma. Others turned up to pay airfares at Polynesian Airlines or renewed a passport with the Consul General’s office on Level 2. Then there were the learners who turned up to attend classes on culture, hospitality, cooking, social sciences, languages and more. Artists like Fatu Feu’u ONZM, Iosua Toafa and Momoe Malietoa Von Reiche exhibited in this iconic building.…more

Experience the vibrant Niuean Mutalau United Showtime showcasing some of the best of the 'Rock of Polynesia,' Niue!🇳🇺

Join us as we explore a colourful celebration filled with handicrafts, tantalising food stalls, and the infectious beats of live music. This event serves as a heartwarming gathering for the community, fostering cultural connections and providing a wonderful opportunity for younger generations to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Niuean heritage🎶🌺

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The Samoa 60 Tala commemorative banknote has proudly clinched the title of “Best Commemorative Banknote of the Year” at the High Security Printing Asia event held in Sri Lanka. Crafted to mark the 60th anniversary of Samoa’s independence, this banknote has been noted for its artistry, historical significance, and security features.

At the forefront of the design lies the portrait of the Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Samoa’s first female Prime Minister. Symbolising six decades of independence, this carefully crafted note pays homage to Samoa’s rich history. On the reverse side, a vignette featuring the Honourable Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II, Samoa’s inaugural Prime Minister during its independence in 1962, adds depth to this celebratory note.

What makes this banknote a standout on the global stage is its portrayal of a father and daughter, both having held the position of Prime Minister, making it also a commemoration to Samoa’s leadership history.

Designed and printed by De La Rue, renowned experts in security printing, the banknote boasts cutting-edge security features.…more

What does Miss Samoa do after she wins the crown?

Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke was crowned Miss Samoa on the 10th of September 2023 and for the last two months has had a number of duties to perform and engagements to attend alongside promoting Samoa as a destination.

She has also recently started 'Tāfesilafa'i' - Moemoana's own initiative - teaching young people the art of Siva Samoa and Siva Afi along with other cultural performances.

Along with her chaperone Regency Nafo'i from Samoa Tourism, they welcomed The CoconetTV along to experience a typical 'Day in the Life of Miss Samoa' and shared with us a few of the experiences she's had so far.

We joined her from the Tāfesilafa'i senior class at 12pm on Saturday in Upolu through to lunchtime on Sunday in Savai'i.

Thank you Moemoana, Regency, and Samoa Tourism Authority

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Filmed by Penina Momoiseā
Edited by Sefa Taouma

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air

Local community initiative 'I Am Mangere' has partnered up with multiple local business owners and entrepreneurs to open their collaboration retail store at the heart of the Mangere Township!

The 'Nesian Collective' is a brand-new pop-up store at the Mangere Town Centre showcasing products and services by several Pasifika entrepreneurs including baby/infant products, handicrafts and merch, pineapple pies and cookies, and even a modelling agency! 👗💍🍪💃🏿

CEO of 'I Am Mangere' Toni Helleur talks to us about the inspiration behind the Nesian Collective and their plans for the Mangere community for the future🌸

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Filmed by Penina Momoiseā
Edited by Sefa Taouma

Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ On Air

by Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

As I got promoted from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, it made me not only celebrate, but stop, reflect, and think. Although I was happy for my own individual success, it made me look at the history of our people within academia, and why I’m here.

Historically, not too long ago, palagi researcher Margret Mead hit international fame from hijacking and raping the narratives of my homeland, Samoa. Her exploitation ran rampant, from speaking in media and conferences about Samoan people, without Samoan people present, to writing about us, as if she was some authority figure whose book would validate our existence to the rest of the world.

Worse yet, the mainstream education system would force us to see her as an expert and iconic genius on Samoan culture, even though it is only our people who have ancestral, blood and spiritual ties to the islands. Being a proud Samoan, who knows my genealogical links through to Tagaloa, you can see how this started to annoy me.…more