Joash Fahitua 

Dancer/ Aspiring Choreographer

Owner and Operator of Alpha Omega Fitness

Samoan 

I was born in Wellington and moved up to Auckland when I was three.  I lived in G.I (Glen Innes) before moving to West Auckland at the age of ten and attended Kelston Intermediate and Kelston High Boys School. After High School I went to Sydney and learnt a new Dance style called Krump. Krump gave me the confidence that I never had before and pushed me to new boundaries. I hosted the first ever Krump competition in New Zealand and was featured in Commercials and won a lot of Krump competitions with my crew. I then wanted a new challenge, so I successfully enrolled to study at P.I.P.A (Pacific Institute of Performing Arts).

In 2010 I was given an opportunity to dance for one of New Zealand's leading Contemporary Dance companies called Black Grace. I got to travel to America, Korea and Europe and perform on some of the most well known stages in theatre and dance.…more

Antony Vavia

20 Years Old

Cook Island / Fijian

I grew up in South Auckland, Manurewa with my mother. I’ve got two sisters, one older than me and one younger than me, so I am the middle child and the only guy in my family.

Being surrounded by Island women pretty much describes my upbringing. There was my mother, my two sisters and also my Nana. She’s been really influential. They've always inspired me to work hard. The reason why my family is in New Zealand is because my Mum and Nana wanted us kids to have a better education and grow in a world with more opportunities. They’re a constant reminder of that.

My Dad’s always been there too, I would visit him every fortnight when I was growing up. He’s had a really good impact on my life too in terms of being genuine and being real. He’s also the one that directed me to studying what I study now. My older sister has always really looked out for me.…more

This time last week the NRL Pacific Leadership Camp was in full swing with players identified by their clubs as being leaders or potential leaders in attendance.

Speakers included Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Frank Puletua, Nigel Vagana, Quentin Pongia with Tagata Pasifikas John Pulu on MC duties.

One of the key speakers at the camp was Digital Strategist Mahei Foliaki who spoke to the players about the platform they have as NRL players to be able to use their influence to help their community, their people and their family but making sure they were equipped with the right information and knowledge to be able to do this through Social Media.  

He encouraged them to educate themselves,  keep learning and to firstly have a strategy/plan and secondly the tactics to achieve their objectives.

Mahei stressed the importance of personal responsibility and how they're using these social media tools because it affects their brand.  He brought it closer to home by saying "Your surname!  Your surnames your brand ....…more

Parris has revealed that she has been selected by Elton John to be involved in a music video project.

Parris will be involved in a “judging board” where she will play a key role in deciding who will do Elton John's video clips. Parris told Seven Sharp that the videos will most likely be made for Elton John's older songs that currently have no visuals. 

** UPDATE:  Watch the video Parris recently released above to find out how YOU can have the opportunity to make the official music videos for Elton Johns Greatest Hits!!  

She'll be on a special lookout for the winning idea for 'Beanie & the Jets' & she gives tips on how she goes about creating her award winning music videos.

Full details are on Elton Johns site here & you have until the 23rd of January to submit your idea!

ps Dancers get ready!  ** 

When thinking about what kind of videos would be suitable for Elton’s music, Parris said - “As a dancer, for me I can see movement to anything, fast or slow.…more

Last night, the town of Apia was buzzing with excitement at the arrival of Disney's own Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of MOANA.  A blue carpet at Apollo Cinemas welcomed the rising star along with producer Osnat Shurer and directors Ron Clements and John Musker.

L-R Ron Clements, Osnat Shurer, Auli'i Cravalho and John Musker

Upon first meeting Auli'i, I could sense her energy from a mile away. A vibrant young woman, oozing with charisma and bursting with positivity. It was not hard to see why she was picked for the role. She had X Factor! She embodied everything that was MOANA. When asked why it was important that young Pacific women be portrayed as leaders, Auli'i responded that "Disney films are reflective of their times. Right now what we need are more beautiful women who are going to lead themselves."

Cherelle, Auli'i & Brianna

It was also great to have the opportunity to pick the brains of the masterminds behind the whole MOANA production.…more

We were privileged to be able to attend TWO screenings of MOANA within a few days of each other in two different countries.

We were in Sydney for the NRL Pacific Leadership Camp which was attended by players of Pacific Island descent chosen by their clubs as being leaders or potential leaders.  

On Saturday night the boys were involved in a Community Outreach near the Entertainment Headquarters where they hung out with fans, taught them a clap to march to and then did a mass Mannequin Challenge outside the theatre.  

Everyone was then treated to a special preview screening of MOANA which was put on by Pasifika Film Fest and partners.  Thanks to everyone in attendance the #PFFMoana hashtag was the number 2 trending hashtag in Australia!  

Check out some of the videos and more pics from the event here on our Facebook page.  

Special thanks to Nigel Vagana, the NRL Welfare & Education team and our friends at Pasifika Film Fest for an awesome night.…more

Tyson Pedro 

MMA/UFC Fighter

Samoan

The first Pe’a to enter the Octagon - TYSON PEDRO-MMA/UFC Fighter

Tyson Pedro has always believed in the old adage “ask and you shall receive”.

The 25-year-old light heavyweight pleaded for the chance to fight at UFC Melbourne .... And soon enough, he was granted his wish. “I’ve been training hard and I’m ready to go Dana.”

After Pedro won at AFC 17, submitting respected New Zealand warhorse Steven Warby, he called on UFC president Dana White to add him to the card at Rod Laver Arena on November 27.

“They’ve got a show in November and if someone pulls out at light heavyweight, I’m there,” Pedro said on October 15.  Pedro said it was a “dream come true” to break into the UFC.

How did you get into fighting?

My family has always been involved in martial arts; I started in karate at a young age with my father.…more