From Cocoa to Couture: The Untold Story of Samoa’s Iconic Brand, Eveni
Step into any Samoan household and you’ll likely find a piece of Eveni. A school uniform, an elei shirt, or a dress reserved for Sunday best.
It’s a brand synonymous with Pacific identity. Yet behind the familiar label lies a story that stretches nearly a century — from copra trading posts to the global fashion stage and now their first shop in Tamaki Makaurau!
From the All Blacks to the smash hit Signature Choir, Eveni’s distinctive elei print is popping up in the spotlight across the region.
The story begins in 1929, when the Carruthers family opened their first business under the name I.H. Carruthers Ltd. “Our story begins in 1929… a family business started as cocoa and copra merchants, operating networks of rural trading stations across our islands,” says Eveni Marketing Director Hether Vaai.
For decades, the family thrived as merchants, but by the 1970s, Samoa’s rural trading economy began to falter. Something had to change. “The move into fashion was a strategic pivot, not an original objective,” says Vaai.…more
South Auckland’s clean sweep: Leopards, Sea Eagles and Scorpions claim Auckland Rugby League glory
On Sunday 17th at The Trusts Arena, three grand finals were fought and three trophies returned home to South Auckland.
The Ōtāhuhu Leopards, Papakura Sea Eagles and Ōtara Scorpions all rose to the occasion, pulling off a clean sweep that underlined what the south has long known: its players, its clubs, and its communities are the heart of Auckland rugby league.
Leopards end 15-year wait
The Fox Memorial Premiership final was a battle of inches. Ōtāhuhu edged Mt Albert 8–4, a low-scoring grind that felt like it was being played on history itself. Fifteen years had passed since the Leopards last held the shield aloft, but on Sunday, the drought finally broke.
For captain Jamel Hunt, the victory wasn’t just a trophy, it was the culmination of a lifetime in league boots.
“Most of our 2025 team is made up of Otahuhu juniors who dreamed of one day bringing a chip back to our club,” Hunt said. “From looking forward to halftime oranges at Murphy Park, to lifting the Fox shield with my brothers.…more
"Walking Backwards Into The Future" - Tongan Views of Tongan Arts
Faiva, tufunga and nimamea’a are all highlighted in a new book that celebrates Tongan art and artists.
‘Sio FakaTonga ‘ae ‘Aati FakaTonga – Tongan Views of Tongan Arts’ marks an important milestone in Tongan scholarship after an epic 13 years of research.
Launched at Māngere Arts Centre, the book brings together over a decade of work by three leading Tongan scholars: Professor Hūfanga He-Ako-Moe-Lotu Dr ‘Ōkusitino Māhina, Associate Professor Māui-Tava-He-Ako Dr Tēvita Ka‘ili, and curator Kolokesa Uafā Māhina-Tuai MNZM.
For 13 years, the trio researched, debated, and collaborated to produce a text that restores Tongan perspectives on art.
Rather than relying on imported definitions, Sio FakaTonga sets out how Tongans themselves have understood creativity, past, present, and future. It is the first book of its kind to present Tongan arts comprehensively through Tongan eyes, making it a landmark contribution not just to the arts, but to Pacific knowledge as a whole.
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The book organises Tongan creativity into three long-established categories: faivā (performance arts), tufunga (material arts), and nimamea‘a (fine arts).…more
Together as One: Waipapa Taumata Rau Ready for Queen Liliʻuokalani
The worlds largest vaka race sees Pasifika teams from across the Moana training for months to compete, including a group of students from Auckland University about to take on the pros!
“This isn’t just a trip, it’s a blessing. It’s a chance for students, many from small towns, to show what’s possible when you follow a passion. It’s about discovering your limits and then going a little further, learning to communicate, to lead, and to steady your mind when things get cloudy”
“To me, it’s about elevating students who might not see themselves as we do - brilliant students and exceptional leaders. It’s about giving those who never dreamed of this experience a taste of what they can achieve if they stay committed and focused, because there’s nothing I love more than seeing our Māori and Pasifika students win.” - 'Waipapa Taumata Rau' team manager Alaimalo Mataafa.
Before sunrise, Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland’s mixed-faculty waka ama crew, is already on the water, building rhythm for Kona, Hawai'i.…more
Smartie: The New App Making Cashless Payments and Food Delivery Easy in the Islands
“With Smartie, we are proving the Pacific can lead in creating practical, culturally relevant technology.”
That’s the vision driving the Cook Islands–born super app making waves across the Pacific. Smartie is the brainchild of a local tech entrepreneur Brett Baudinet who saw an opportunity to blend community values with cutting-edge solutions and in doing so, change how locals and visitors connect, pay, and experience island life.
The app’s current features include Pay and Food Delivery, but its roadmap is ambitious: Tours, Rideshare, and even a kids’ financial literacy app are already in development. It’s all part of a plan to create a single, easy-to-use platform for both residents and tourists.
“It is inspiring to see Pacific-led technology solving problems in ways that reflect our realities,” says founder Brett Baudinet “Our tourism-driven economy needs tools that work for visitors, while our communities need technology that makes everyday life easier.”
The spark for Smartie was lit years ago. After working in website development since 2000, Baudinet noticed the lack of simple, affordable payment solutions for smaller markets like the Pacific.…more
Samoan Chef Uelese Mua brings Pacific flavours to Trivet for Restaurant Month
It’s Restaurant Month in Tāmaki Makaurau, and Trivet Restaurant on Albert Street is inviting diners to experience a menu that blends international influences with the warmth of Pacific hospitality.
At the centre of it all is executive chef Uelese Mua, or Chef Wallace, who says the inspiration behind Trivet is rooted in his own upbringing.
“My thoughts behind Trivet… Well, a trivet is a device that was used to protect tables so you could put a hot pan or pot on it. With my upbringing, to’onai was always one of the highlights of the week. You break bread with family, catch up and the rest of the world fades away. Those moments, the table becomes sacred to me, so with that in mind, I wanted Trivet to protect that sacred table.”
This August, Trivet is offering a specially curated two-course Restaurant Month menu for $55 per person. Guests can enjoy Trivet classics and the restaurant’s signature flatbread with coconut butter. Wine matches are available for $12 per glass.…more
Payne Haas commits to Samoa, joining wave of Pacific stars choosing heritage over Kangaroos
Brisbane Broncos front-rower Payne Haas has officially pledged his allegiance to Toa Samoa, delivering a major boost to the Pacific nation ahead of the 2025 Pacific Championships and the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Haas, widely regarded as the best prop in rugby league, described the decision as deeply personal and long overdue.
“There was a moment when I played for Australia, when we versed Samoa in Townsville. The anthems were playing, and my mind raced back to lots of memories with my mum and making us sing the national anthem of Samoa in the back of the car,”
He said. “I think from that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum's side, the Taufua side, and really make them proud, and my grandparents as well.”
The 25-year-old has played four Tests for Australia and is a New South Wales Blues mainstay, but says the time is right to wear the Samoan jersey.…more
Driving Change: Pacific-led Licence Workshops in Ōtara
In Ōtara, three organisations are breaking down barriers to help Pacific communities get their licences.
DriveStar, Community Driver Licensing Workshop, and MintedVR have teamed up to run four-day workshops in Gagana Samoa, Lea Faka-Tonga, and English in hopes of making the learner’s licence process accessible, culturally relevant, and empowering. From the Otara Library to communities as far as Hastings, this kaupapa is transforming lives — one licence at a time.
Luciane Buchanan Reveals What Inspired Her as Kaʻahumanu in Chief of War
Actor Luciane Buchanan shares the female perspective of Chief of War — from the women who inspired her portrayal of Kaʻahumanu, to embracing female rage, and receiving a special gift from artist Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios.
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Interviewed by Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - WILLIAM SANGSTER
William Sangster
Tongan
Journalist/Storyteller
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Please introduce yourself, your heritage, what you do for a living, where you grew up
Mālō e lelei. Ko hoku hingoa ko William — my name is William. I am Tongan–European, from the villages of Lapaha and Vaini (Vaini poto, iykyk). I grew up in Onehunga and am now based in Māngere East. I’m an Editorial Producer and Video Editor at The DList*, an online disability magazine platform.
You've spent much of your life advocating for people with disabilities and telling their stories — how has this work shaped you into the person you are today?
It’s taught me so much about being selfless and showing humanity towards others. My mum always instilled in me the importance of giving back and being kind to everyone. When I’m advocating, I’m simply trying to create an easier path for others — and to show them they can do it too.…more