KEZIA SALANOA 

FILM STUDENT 

SAMOAN / SWISS / ITALIAN 

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Talofa, Bonjour! My name is Kezia Salanoa, I’m 22 years old and I come from Samoa. I was born in Switzerland. My dad is full Samoan from Falefa and my mum is afatasi Swiss and Italian. I am the second of three girls and I am currently living in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Most FAQ is do you wish you grew up in Europe? And honestly, no. Im so thankful to have been raised in the Samoan culture and environment, not neglecting my palagi side (which I love just as much), I just love that I have the fa’a Samoa with me anywhere I go. I guess I can say I have the best of both worlds.

My parents met in Honolulu, Hawaii through YWAM (Youth With a Mission) they were both in missions ministries helping with the Hawaiian community, the homeless and users. After a few months and mango picking, they fell in love.…more

#SayMyName
Watch, listen and learn on how to say some of your favourite rugby players names!

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Click here for #SayMyName - League Edition 

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 

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

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.

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

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

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.

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