An exhibition opening in Te Papa’s Toi Art in November gives an intimate insight into the unique cultural practice of Sāmoan tattooing.

Tatau: Sāmoan Tattooing and Photography presents the work of four photographers who have documented Sāmoan tattooing over the past 40 years, in New Zealand, Sāmoa, the United States and Europe.

Works by Mark Adams, Greg Semu, John Agcaoili and Angela Tiatia portray the globalisation of tatau and the varied contexts and interpretations of Sāmoan tattooing.  

From intimate domestic scenes in suburban garages to street photography, and in relation to themes of religious iconography and female sexuality, the exhibition presents diverse perspectives on tatau.

The exhibition follows the multi-award-winning 2018 book Tatau: A History of Sāmoan Tattooing published by Te Papa Press, and co-authored by Te Papa’s Sean Mallon and French anthropologist Sebastien Galliot.

In addition to over 50 photographs, Tatau: Sāmoan Tattooing and Photography will include a small selection of indigenous Sāmoan tattooing tools.…more

Rugby League Legend and NRL Hall of of Famer Ruben Wiki sits down with the 'Asking for a Mate' team and talks growing up in Otara, his work with White Ribbon as a national ambassador speaking out against family violence and his experience with it first hand, making the NRL, his rugby league journey, New Zealand league talent here and more.

He also takes questions sent through from Facebook Live, gives his iPod top 5, when he started drinking Kava and more.

Asking for a Mate (AFAM) are informative and inspiring conversations with a variety of special guests over drinks and food. Season One is brought to you in partnership with 37 Hz and @Keys Down, Real Talk a community-led drink driving reduction campaign. ⁣

Great Britain received a rude awakening on their return to international rugby league when they were beaten 14-6 in their opening tour match by a Tonga Invitational XIII in Hamilton.

After being mothballed for 12 years, the Lions returned with high hopes for their tour of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea but instead they became the latest victims of the rise of Tonga. Although a legal dispute between the old governing body and the International Rugby League meant the hosts were forced to play under an Invitational banner, the game was given full Test-match status and the near full-strength Tongans showed their brilliant 2017 World Cup exploits were no fluke.

Kristian Woolf's men beat the Kiwis on their way to the last four two years ago before pushing England all the way in a dramatic semi-final. And their display in their first meeting with Great Britain proved beyond doubt they are worthy of tier one status.…more

DEJEALOUS SILI PALOTA-KOPA

LAW & PACIFIC STUDIES STUDENT & 

PRIME MINISTERS PACIFIC YOUTH - COMMUNITY STAR AWARD RECIPIENT 

SAMOAN 

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Dejealous is 23 years old, of Samoan descent and is currently studying Law and Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland. She has been an active volunteer, mentor and leader for a wide range of charities and organisations. From being the President of ASTRA Auckland (community service club), coordinator of health packs for Starship, being an ambassador for the Heart foundation, being a Marshall for the annual PRIDE Festiva and being a blood donor to shaking a bucket for the breast cancer foundation, all this was done out of her passion to love and serve others.

She’s always had a particular passion for working with youth with disabilities and for the past 5 years, has worked closely with the special needs community through volunteering for Recreate New Zealand, Star Jam, and the Auckland Down Syndrome Association. In 2016, she received the Sunpix Emerging Leadership Award, and more recently became the first runner up for the Miss Samoa New Zealand pageant.…more

DEJEALOUS SILI PALOTA-KOPA

LAW & PACIFIC STUDIES STUDENT & 

PRIME MINISTERS PACIFIC YOUTH - COMMUNITY STAR AWARD RECIPIENT 

SAMOAN 

.

Dejealous is 23 years old, of Samoan descent and is currently studying Law and Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland. She has been an active volunteer, mentor and leader for a wide range of charities and organisations. From being the President of ASTRA Auckland (community service club), coordinator of health packs for Starship, being an ambassador for the Heart foundation, being a Marshall for the annual PRIDE Festiva and being a blood donor to shaking a bucket for the breast cancer foundation, all this was done out of her passion to love and serve others.

She’s always had a particular passion for working with youth with disabilities and for the past 5 years, has worked closely with the special needs community through volunteering for Recreate New Zealand, Star Jam, and the Auckland Down Syndrome Association. In 2016, she received the Sunpix Emerging Leadership Award, and more recently became the first runner up for the Miss Samoa New Zealand pageant.…more

Upcoming movie release 'The Legend of Baron To'a' boasts an all-star Pasifika and Māori cast starring Uli Latukefu, Nathaniel Lees, Jay Laga’aia, John Tui, Shavaughn Ruakere and Fasitua Amosa alongside rising stars Duane Evans Jr. and Lotima Pome’e (General Fiyah).

‘The Legend of Baron To’a’ tells the story of Fritz, a Tongan entrepreneur who returns to his old neighbourhood and inadvertently causes the theft of his late father’s valued pro wrestling title belt by some ruthless gangsters led by ‘man-mountain’ Tahu. When negotiation and diplomacy fail to get it back, he is forced to embrace his father’s legacy to reclaim the title.

'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' meets 'Kung-Fu Hustle' in this action-packed urban adventure directed by Kiel McNaughton.

SAMSON SETU 

ASPIRING OPERA SINGER/PERFORMER & 

WINNER OF THE 2019 CREATIVE NZ ARTS PASIFIKA, IOSEFA ENARI MEMORIAL AWARD

SAMOAN 

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I was born and raised in South Auckland, grew up in Manurewa - Rewa Hard - for about 17 years of my life.  My family attended a church in Manurewa and still do.  My grandfather was a pastor for that church for a good 20 years.  I also went to Primary School in Manurewa, played Rugby League for the Manurewa Marlins and I'm really proud to be from Manurewa.  I'm a Samoan, my grandparents come from Samoa, my Mums family come from the villages of Vaimoso and Salelologa, Savai'i and my Dads parents come from Fasito'o uta and Fogapoa, Savai'i.…more