Humans of The Islands - John Belford-Lelaulu
John Belford-Lelaulu
Architect
Samoan
I am an Architectural Graduate from Unitec's school of Architecture. I am a New Zealand born Samoan, raised in various parts of Auckland but matured into who I am in South Auckland. My parents, at separate times, moved (from Samoa) to New Zealand, the world of milk and honey, in search for a life of prosper.
When/How did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in architecture?
I attended De La Salle College where my passion for architecture began. I vividly recall running home one day after school in third form inspired by a speech by 'Electric Technology' teacher gave me and told my mother I wanted to become an electrician and she said "Auuuu leai, alu e fai le architecture" ("Auuuu no, go do architecture"). Made me second guess my electrical path so I invested most of my time on where my talents lay, Graphics.…more
Ingham Brothers Both Make All Whites Squad
Brother's Dane Ingham (17) and Jai Ingham (23) have both been named in the All Whites squad for the OFC Stage Three Qualifiers against Fiji - the next step of FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Australian born Dane, the youngest of the brothers was selected to join the 23-man squad along side his brother Jai, the first brothers to be named in a New Zealand squad since Neil and Kenny Harlock in 1997.
"It was a pretty special moment...I was sitting at home and I got a call from my agent saying that New Zealand were interested and they were going to call me up and I got on the phone straight away to my brother and my mum and we just talked and mum was really happy to have both of us called into the squad." - Dane Ingham.
The pair qualify to play for New Zealand through their mother Virginia, who was born in Dunedin before moving to Australia when she was 16.…more
The Tragic Death of Ruby-Anne Laufa
A few days shy of her 25th birthday, Ruby-Anne Laufa lost her life in a violent and highly suspicious traffic incident.
Ruby-Anne was Miss South Pacific PNG 2012 – 2013, and campaigned passionately against gender-based violence. She passed away at Port Moresby General Hospital in PNG on the 11th February. The circumstances surrounding her death remain undisclosed, however speculation suggests Ruby-Anne may have been thrown from a moving car.
Ruby was born on February 13, 1992 in Port Moresby. She studied law at UPNG and was the owner of SKYLAR; a modelling agency and events management company. She leaves behind her father Maurice from Gulf province; her mother, Hane Sepi Nouairi-Schaaf, of Central province and Tongan-German blood, and her younger sisters, Sherridan and Rhani Villie-Maina.
Police investigations remain ongoing and no charges have been made. The lack of urgency by police has Pacific communities outraged, family and friends of Ruby are demanding answers.…more
FIGHT NIGHT FOR CANTEEN
Great Poly talent threw it down in the ring last night for Canteen at the Cloud with support from well known artists and entertainers.
Our very own Tofiga Fepulea'i put his Aunty Tala dress away & took on MC duties with ring master Jared Turner.
22 individuals from all walks of life had trained and fundraised for the last few months which culminated with them stepping into the ring last night in 11 corporate boxing matches.
Supporters and spectators were also treated to 3 Professional exhibition matches which included Kickboxer & MMA fighter Genah Fabian.
Genah along with Ritchie Hardcore and Rod Mcswain had also helped with the training, preparation and corner support for each of the corporate matches as well.
Throughout the night there were also performances by Boh Runga, General Fiyah, Kings & Stan Walker with an outstanding 3 course meal designed by celebrity chefs Michael Meredith & Aaron Freeman.
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More highlights & behind the scenes shots from the night below ....
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Suggested Links:
Humans of the Islands - Gaby Solomona
Gabrielle Solomona
Receptionist/Actress/Trainee Producer
Samoan
I have learnt the pursuit of your dreams requires a lot of sacrifice and in my case being able to work full time and earn more money is one of the sacrifices I have chosen to make because I know in my heart the dreams God has called me to pursue. I know one day my time will come where all my hard work and sacrifices will come into frutation and God willing I will be able to pursue acting and producing as a full time career. However I love that being a receptionist has connected me to so many new people on a daily basis and the variety of responsibilities that come with the role. I get to learn new skills and be challenged so I am constantly growing.…more
Womens Abuse Stories - Overcoming Sexual Abuse
Women's Abuse Stories - Abuse of Power
The woman I am today would have reacted with white knuckles and bared teeth. I would not have sat idle, silent and too shy/shocked/scared to speak up. I would have told him to go F*** himself.
Unfortunately, “I would have” is futile. The reality is, I was young, impressionable, unrealized and 100% at the mercy of a man who I was deceived into trusting. We all were. We all are.
Power: the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others.
The Abuse of Power: when selfish desire takes priority over the hauora of others. It can be subtle, passive or obvious.
Those with positions of status are entrusted with this power. We rely on them to be honorable, honest and trustworthy. Yet, time and time again, women are taken advantage of by these people. So how do we go about ending a cycle that is damaging the hauora of vulnerable women within our community?
My own experience with abuse of power involved classes I attended a few years ago.…more
Women's Abuse Stories - Escaping Abuse
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it is an opportunity to shed more light on an issue that has claimed too many lives. It's also an opportunity for everyone to take a stand against domestic violence.
The following is one woman's story of abuse in the home and how church and culture played a role in preventing her escape.
"I found myself in a lawyer’s office the morning after a brutal beating. I couldn’t walk properly due to the bruising all over my legs and back. The swelling on my head was covered by a beanie. I sat there staunchly asking for help to get the abuser out of our home. The lawyer and his assistant were kind and gentle beyond all expectation and that’s where my defences crumbled and the tears flowed freely. They started the legal process that would hopefully keep me and my children safe and keep the abusive person away from our home.
A couple of days later, an Uncle and Aunty came to visit. They were Faife’au and Faletua in their church.…more
MARK HUNT - Top 5 Knockouts in the UFC
Take a look back at Mark 'The Super Samoan' Hunt's Top 5 knockouts in the UFC ...
Samoan 'Serena Williams' - Destanee Aiava wins her first pro title
Destanee Aiava is only 16 years old and shaping up to be the first Samoan Tennis Super star! Here are a few things that she’s aced already…
- February 2017 as in last week… Destanee won her first ITF women's title of her career, snatching the $25,000 prize in Perth by defeating Viktoria Kuzmova in the final, 6–1 6–1. Aiava stole the show! She served well, facing only one break point, and she broke her rival 5 times from 14 chances, more than enough for a nice and easy triumph and another milestone in her already incredible career.…more