At the age of six, Sala Tiatia experienced domestic violence for the first time. It was the verbal abuse however, that bought the most darkness to Sala’s internal world⁠—until one particular English class, with one particular English teacher, turned Sala’s dark world around.

In this compelling and emotional talk, Sala shares the words that bought light to his world and how he speaks light into the world of some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable young people. Sala Tiatia is a local youth educator who has been involved in youth work for the last 30 years; his roles have varied from church ministry, community work and running youth work workshops about youth work for youth workers, right through to running leadership programmes in mainstream schools and alternative education.

He is still working with youth and their whānau today, and is a huge advocate for everyone, especially men, to seek help in counselling, have a greater sense of self care and be intentional with their holistic health.…more

Stand Up Stand Out is Auckland's premier secondary school music and dance competition - from RnB, Reggae, Folk, Rock to Jazz Ballet, contemporary to hip hop.

Stand Up, Stand Out gives Secondary School youth a chance to shine, gaining experience and exposure in front of judges from the NZ Music and Performing Arts industry.

They're also in to win more than $6k in prizes!  

Check out highlights from the finals here ...

All Blacks Loose Forward Ardie Savea recently started a podcast as a space to bridge the gap between the listeners and professional athletes.  Along the way he shares his journey and thoughts as well as interviews other people "so we can all learn and grow".

In this episode he interviews All Blacks Prop forward Angus Ta'avao (Samoan/Australian) who shares his journey through rugby, family, life, the uncertainties of being a professional athlete and finally making the All Blacks at the age of 28.

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Subscribe to Ardie's podcast on any of the platforms below and check out his clothing line here:

https://ardiesaveaclothing.co.nz/

Matt Brown started his barbershop in a tin shed in his backyard in New Zealand, but he always wanted it to be more than just a place where you go to get a haircut. Having grown up in a violent household, he knew firsthand how important it was for men to have a place where they could be heard, a place where they could be truly seen.

In this raw, emotional and unflinching talk, Matt shares what he learned from more than 25,000 hours of talking to men—and letting them be their true selves. Watch all the way to the end for a powerful tribute from some of the people whose lives he's touched. Matt Brown is an internationally acclaimed barber and hair artist, author, husband, and father of three known for ‘giving great cuts’ and ‘inspiring great men.’

He is a survivor of family and childhood sexual abuse and shares his story with the men who frequent his busy Christchurch-based shop, My Fathers Barbers, as a way to foster vulnerability, healing, and connection.…more

Olina Loau's stunning rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic ballad 'Don't cry for me Argentina' in the Grand Final of Australia's Got Talent.  She had previously received 2 Golden Buzzers to put her straight through to the Grand Final but missed out to Pole Dancing Mum Kristy Sellars.

Leading up to the final she had also visited this Mt Druitt Hospital's palliative & supportive care unit to sing 'Hallelujah' to Brenda, a terminally ill patient.  There wasn't a dry eye in the room as staff and carers watched the emotional duet.

All 3 of our Pacific teams have started their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaigns with Samoa taking on Russia last night.  All of them are looking to make it past the Pool rounds of the tournament and will need vital bonus points and good for/against points differential to get them there.

Our week 1 extended highlights thanks to the Rugby World Cup include Fiji vs Australia (vid above), Tonga vs England and Samoa vs Russia (video highlights below)

Tonga vs England

Samoa vs Russia 

With Fiji set to take on Uruguay tonight and USA still to play in Tonga's pool we only have Pool A's standing so far and Samoa have taken a good lead.

WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - VENNA TOHILIMA & AMA HEMANA 

OWNERS & MANAGERS of LASHFIX 

NIUEAN/SAMOAN 

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We are two Samoan/Niuean sisters. Venna (32) & Ama (25), we grew up in Ranui (West Auckland).  Just like most Pacific Island parents, our parents worked in factory jobs most of their life. Some weeks working up to 80 hours a week. Even after all of those hours of working, our parents still dedicated a couple of hours to maintaining our house. They were proud to own their home and made sure the paint wasn’t faded or grass didn’t over grow. They always talked about us inheriting their home when they pass.…more

Our 3 Pacific Islands rugby teams have bowed out of the 2019 Rugby World Cup at the end of Pool Play.  

We've put together a Pacific Islands player guide so you can see which other teams have Pacific Islanders playing in them that you can now support with our island nations no longer in the playoffs mix.

We've counted 55 players of Pacific Islands heritage playing for 8 other countries so if any one of those countries win the Rugby World Cup - we've all won! 

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FIJI 

Fijians you can support in other country's teams:

AUSTRALIA 

Isi Naisarani, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani & Marika Koroibete

ENGLAND 

Joe Cokanasiga 

FRANCE 

Virimi Vakatawa & Alivereti Raka 

JAPAN 

Michael Leitch 

NEW ZEALAND 

Sevu Reece 

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TONGA 

Tongans you can support in other countries teams:

AUSTRALIA 

Folau Fainga'a, Tolu Latu, Adam Coleman, Sekope Kepu & Taniela Tupou

ENGLAND 

Billy Vunipola & Mako Vunipola 

JAPAN 

Asaeli Ai Valu, Uve Helu, Amanaki Lelei Mafi, William Tupou, Ataata Moeakiola, Lomano Lemeki & Isileli Nakajima Vakauta

NEW ZEALAND 

Shannon Frizzell, Richie Mo'unga,  Atunaisa Moli & Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 

USA 

Paul Lasike & Olive Kilifi 

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