Over the past few weeks our very own Polynesian heroine has taken the world by storm. After years of trying to search for little bits of ourselves in Jasmine, Mulan and Elsa, our Pacific people finally have a MOANA to call our very own. Instead of looking to the western world, the western world is now stopping, turning around and looking to us.

Almost everything in MOANA gave me chills, from the Tatau on Chief Tui to the familiar beats of Te Vaka. Although, there was one scene that stood out the most to me, the scene where Grandma Tala’s spirit appears to reinsure MOANA of her purpose and MOANA sings “I am a girl who loves my island, I’m the girl who loves the sea, it calls me”. At the sound of those lyrics images of Pacific climate change warriors and activists started appearing in my head.…more

Ardie & Julian Savea took off their rugby boots and picked up tennis rackets for a good cause at the ASB Classic yesterday.

They took on the Williams sisters - Venus and Serena - in a charity match which raised over $65k for the city of Kaikoura which had been badly damaged in an earthquake towards the end of last year.  

The boys also had help from another tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and at one point even Venus jumped sides against Serena.

Great day out and a chance to see tennis super stars in action! 

Check out some more of the highlights below ...

Suggested Links:

Julian & Ardie Savea - My World 

The 2016 Kalofae/Fail moments of the year 

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