By Kristin McCarthy 

The land of Milk and Honey... And Debt.

As a Pacific person, or as any person I suppose, the first way I learnt to manage my money was from how my parents managed their money.  My parents migrated to NZ from Samoa in the mid 80’s and had rarely or never managed actual physical money before that so it's safe to say that they weren’t very good at it.  Any offer of immediate money aka cash loans they would take, not understanding the repercussions aka repayments and interest.

In the Islands wealth was displayed in offering food, mats and acts of service.  So being offered the idea of “free money” or a small plastic card that magically gave you money in NZ was what they thought people meant when they said come to “NZ, the land of milk and honey.”

I hear people say “Islanders are bad with money aye.”  We’re not bad at managing money, we just don’t really know how to and we have much wider family and community commitments than your average palagi.…more

Sarah Roopinia 

Founder of Ono'u Tahiti 

Tahitian/French

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I’m 28 years old and I was born on the island of Raiatea.  I grew up in Tahiti until I was 16, then I left to do my studies abroad, first in France where I studied political science and international relations.  I then did my Bachelors in the US at Berkeley, then I went back to Paris where I did my Masters in Economics and Project Management.  I worked as an Energy Consultant for a while, then as the EU Representative of French Polynesia, in Paris.

At the moment, I still work as a consultant in communications.  I have my own consultancy company and basically I work for a leading bank in French Polynesia where I handle their Communication Marketing, this is what I do for a living.

My passion is what we created four years ago with ONO’U , which is an international graffiti and street art festival that takes place every year in Tahiti, and now in other islands.…more

NFL legends & Polynesian Football Hall of Famers Jesse Sapolu, Matt Tanuvasa & Jack Thompson were in Auckland to check out the local talent and to introduce American football as an option to the Pacific Island & Polynesian kids in New Zealand.

Introducing young filmmaker blazing the scene at the moment... Amberley Jo Aumua!

Kia ora Whanau, Malo ‘aiga my name is Amberley Jo Aumua. I’m 22 years old of Samoan/Maori descent and I’m a storyteller. I grew up in Manurewa , South Auckland and I’m the middle child of 5 siblings.

I directed a short film written by Samuel Kamu called “Waiting.” It’s about two boys who wait outside a dairy for a phone-call. It was chosen as one of six finalists for Best Shorts NZIFF 2017 and took away the jury prize for Best Short Film in New Zealand at NZIFF 2017. It has also been selected to screen at Toronto International Film Festival 2017 next month.

This past year I’ve worked on and supported many projects that I believe in such as Vela Manusaute’s  short film “The Messiah,” Rachel House & Tweedie Waititi’s “Moana (Te Reo Maori)”, and Hanelle Harris’& Mia Marama’s “Baby Mama’s Club” Web series

How did you end up on this path in film?

I’ve always been introverted and in my own world.…more

SESALINA SIMONETTI aka Shezel 

Hair Braider at King Fadez (Kingsland)

Tongan 

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Tell us a bit about yourself - What you do / Where you're from / Your Pacific heritage.

I was born and raised on the North Shore, Auckland. My parents are from Tonga - Dad is also of French/italian heritage and born in Fungamisi Neiafu Vavau Lahi.  My Mum is fromTatakamoTonga / Kolomotua Nukualofa Tonga.  They now live in Auckland.

Before getting this job – I was volunteering for church groups and second hand stores. I’m a full time mother of three kids (7,6 & 3yrs).  Now I’m working here at King Fadez as a full time member doing braids.

Its always been a hobby, something I always enjoyed especially back in high school, when we used to be rocking corn braids for dancing competitions. Then I thought I would start it up at home, so as a part time gig on the side, I was doing corn braids.…more

Keepin it Fresh at Barbercraft 2017! 

Barbers from around New Zealand were out in force to showcase their skills in demonstrations & battles.

The 2 day event also included an industry preview for barbers & others in the hair & beauty industry.

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Credits:  

Director & Editor:  Aaron Taouma

Camera Operators:  Fa'anati Mamea 

Sound Operator:  David Green 

Seta Tamanivalu, Joni Macilai & Manasa Mataele go back to their homeland of Fiji for the Crusaders Super Rugby match against the Chiefs.

Anne Christine Dunn

Paralegal preparing to pass the bar & reigning Miss Hibiscus, Miss Fiji & Miss Pacific Islands 

Fijian 

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your Pacific Island heritage.

I’m full Fijian. My Dad is from Namosi, and my mum is from Nadroga. So usually when I introduce myself, I say I’m from Namosi, vasu i Nadroga. I come from a family of two – there’s just my brother (Amos) and I, who’s 12 years older, and he has three beautiful children.

After living in the United States for so long, what brought you back to Fiji?

After elementary and high school in California, I graduated then moved to Fiji to be with my Dad. The most defining experience for me was definitely moving to Fiji. I don’t think people realise how different life is to what people perceive it to be in America. People think you have “the life” when you’re brought up overseas, but in reality, I didn’t have that, and I was raised by a single mother.…more