ON THE RISE - PAFE MOMOISEA X BASKETBALL
On The Rise basketballer Pafe Momoisea talks about growing up in Manurewa, South Auckland, getting a scholarship to play basketball for a US university in South Carolina and his dream of being in the NBA.
Since he came back from the US he won a full scholarship to Lincoln University in Christchurch, signed to play with the Otago Nuggets and is currently the #1 ranked in NZ for 3x3 basketball.
Not bad for 'Just a kid from Manurewa' ;)
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Director - Crystal Vaega
Camera Operator - Fa'anati Mamea
Editor - Sapati Apa

VUNILAGI VOU OPENS IN OTAHUHU
South Auckland's newest art gallery, community & consultancy space Vunilagi Vou opened in Otahuhu a week and a half ago with a large group exhibition WWJD:2 featuring predominantly local, South Auckland based artists. We talked to Director & Artist-Curator Ema Tavola about the exhibition as well as her hopes & dreams for the gallery.
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I’m a Fijian-New Zealander with maternal heritage connecting me to England and Ireland, and paternally to the island of Dravuni, Kadavu in Fiji, and Suva, where I was born. I was brought up in England and Belgium, and finished secondary school in Wellington. I bounced around between Fiji and New Zealand until I started tertiary studies and settled in South Auckland; I’ve been here for almost 18 years now.
For the past 15 years I’ve worked as a curator, arts project manager, advisor and advocate for Pacific art and South Auckland. I started my career formally as Pacific Arts Coordinator for what was then Manukau City Council, and in that capacity was able to establish Fresh Gallery Ōtara, an exhibitions gallery in the Ōtara Town Centre.…more

THE HEELS ARE ALIVE - FINE FATALE
Ahead of their upcoming foray into the world of cabaret we talk to Fine Fatale Co-Director & Choreographer Mario Faumui about their new show 'The Heels are Alive'
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Who is Fine Fatale and how/why did the group form and can you also talk about the role you have in the group etc?
Fine Fatale was a springboard off of PIPA & LIMA DANCE.
It was about creating our own space and not so much relying on other industry folks to do it for us when we can create a space to tell our stories ourselves. I’m the Co-Director and Choreographer alongside my Kelly Rowland Amanaki Prescott-Faletau.
Your show 'The Heels are Alive' premieres this Thursday - can you tell us about the show and why it's unique?
The Heels Are Alive is a celebration of people from all walks of life. Whether you is a little kitty kat heel, a construction boot heel, a church stomping heel, a 6 inch business woman heel stomping K Road, or even barefoot on the earth vibes.…more
PLAYER CATCHUP - MA'A NONU
Blues midfielder Ma'a Nonu sits down with Mils Muliaina to chat about his early days at the Hurricanes, his move to the Blues plus more.

HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - TOVIA VA'AELUA
TOVIA VA'AELUA
COUNTRY MANAGER, RHIPE NZ (THE CLOUD CHANNEL COMPANY & CHAIRPERSON OF PASIFIKA IN IT
SAMOAN
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I was born in Sagafili, Samoa and had four siblings but moved with only three of them to NZ because immigration laws back then limited migrant families to no more than four children. We lived in Grey Lynn like most but then moved to Avondale to be closer to dad’s work – hence all the schools we attended were there. My mum is from Falelatai which explains why I have the titles I do and dad came from Lalomalava. Our family has always been in law enforcement and I was preparing to enter but was told by my father and brother that I wasn’t allowed because it would “change” me. And I had already graduated with a Major in Education and realized I wasn’t inspiring enough to be a teacher, so I shifted to technology.
What were the pathways that led you to what you're doing now?
This crazy palagi woman (whom I still love dearly to this day – e.g.…more

HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - THOR KATOA
THOR LOPINI KATOA
ENTREPRENEUR & BUSINESS OWNER
TONGAN
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My name is Thor Katoa. I was born in Guam, but was raised in St.George, Utah. I come from a large family, with 8 brothers and 1 sister. I am full Tongan and am currently on track to earn my Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Communications from Oregon State University. In addition to being enrolled at OSU, my father and I have started our own business.
Can you tell us about the business you own and why it's unique?
Yes, my father and I are business owners of a CBD (Cannibidiol) company, CBD IVI , which is based in the U.S. (Oregon). Polynesian CBD focuses on Hemp derived products. However, the difference between us and other CBD companies, is that we’ve chosen a more unique path by adding an “island twist” to our product line (Island “smells” & tastes: ex. Coconut, pineapple, mango etc.)
We're also doing some product development with Kava at the moment too.…more
KEEPIN IT FRESH - FIFO FILM FESTIVAL TAHITI
Highlights from FIFO 2019 film festival in Tahiti.
Pacific film makers across Oceania show their work at the FIFO Film Festival - Check out some of the amazing new docos you can check out here on the CoconetTV and some that are coming out soon.

WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - JOHANNA SETEFANO
JOHANNA SETEFANO
HEAD GIRL OF ST CUTHBERTS COLLEGE
SAMOAN
Talofa lava! My name is Johanna Iutita Talitha Setefano meaning “Gracious Gift of the Lord” and I am the eldest daughter of Rev. Dr Imoa and Amelia Setefano. I was born right here in Aotearoa New Zealand and spent a large amount of my childhood moving back and forth from Malua Theological College in Samoa. My dad is from the villages of Fasito’o Tai, Vaivase Tai and Palauli and my mum is from the villages of Afega and Vailele in Samoa. I come from a strong Christian family with 3 brothers and 1 sister that are devoted to God and a current member of Papatoetoe Congregational Christian Church of Samoa.
I am currently a Year 13 student and also humbling enough the Head Girl of St Cuthberts College for 2019. It’s such a privilege to be able to attend the top secondary school in NZ all thanks to my parents and my Year 7 teacher, Mr Theunisen (Mr T) who shared a vision that I attend the best school available.…more

'NOT SAMOAN ENOUGH' - A REALISATION
By Tovia Va'aelua
Most people who have chosen not to identify with their heritage may often refer back to an incident involving rejection by that people or culture. Like the time when they tried to speak the language of their ancestors in public, only to fail miserably and swearing never to return. Or, the time when Violet (the supermarket checkout lady) found out you were "Samoan" and after a one-way conversation in Samoan (of which you could offer nothing except a blank stare and an awkward smile), she would then complete her Mortal Kombat fatality combo by saying (with an added tone of disappointment) "you should know how to speak your language". Pure, unadulterated, unbridled rejection. And yet, both situations which conjure up these feelings of not belonging (even today), also confirmed that you were very much of Samoan heritage as you seriously considered opening up your carton of eggs and letting them loose on Violet’s forehead. Ah yes – the roots run deep.
Mine was a little different, in that I had all the bases covered.…more

WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - FAUMUI PENELOPE GINNEN
FAUMUI PENELOPE GINNEN
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
SAMOAN
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What does your recent appointment of District Court Judge mean for you?
I am so honoured to have been appointed. I am proud to be following the path that has been trail blazed by inspirational Samoan women like Judge Ida Malosi, the first Samoan woman judge in New Zealand; and Justice Mata Tuatagaloa, the first Samoan woman Judge in Samoa. Both of these women have shown the power of combining a sharp legal mind with a true heart for our people. Our countries will be well served if I am able to successfully model myself on their example.
What will it mean for pacific communities to have another pacific judge?
I feel affirmed, that the work that has been important to me throughout my career has been recognised as important in this role: the wellbeing of children, social justice, indigenous rights and responsibilities, fighting inequity. I have had the loveliest messages celebrating my appointment. I am struck by how connected Pacific people are.…more