HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - BRANDN SHIRAZ
Brandn Shiraz
Recording Artist
Kuki Airani
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Emerging recording artist Brandn Shiraz has released his new single, "Youngin from Kuki II" Hailing from the Cook Islands, Brandn blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B into a sound that’s all his own. With smooth flows and soulful beats, "Youngin from Kuki II" is a bold new vibe that’s turning heads. He shares his story with us here!
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Kia orana Brandn Shiraz, tell us a little bit about yourself
Kia orana, my name is Brandn. I was born at Middlemore Hospital, Ōtāhuhu, and I grew up in Central Auckland. My old man’s from Atiu, Aitutaki, and Rarotonga, and my mum’s from North London.
What was it like spending your earlier years in the Cook Islands?
I lived over there when I was real young, and even after we moved back to NZ, my brother and me used to go back often to visit our father throughout the years.…more
Joseph 'Asi: Leading Retaliate to the World Dance Crew Championship
The World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) kicks off on today (Monday, 14 April)! WDCC brings together elite dance crews from across New Zealand and around the world for a week of high-energy competition, global talent, and school holiday excitement at Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau.
For dancers like Joseph 'Asi, WDCC isn’t just a competition—it’s a platform to showcase Aotearoa’s world-class talent and to connect a vibrant, diverse community through the universal language of dance.
Originally from Wellington and now based in Auckland, Joseph has dedicated his life to dance, training extensively in Hip Hop, Commercial, and Contemporary styles from the age of 10. His journey has seen him work, train, and perform with some of Aotearoa’s leading choreographers and studios. Joseph has also recently taken his training overseas by attending dance camps, programmes, and classes in Los Angeles, further enhancing his knowledge and skill.
Joseph’s own competitive experience is extensive. He has performed and choreographed on both national and international stages, proving his ability to compete at the highest levels.…more
Eva Ma Le Koko: The Thursday Village Reconnecting Samoan Elders in Aotearoa
Every Thursday in South Auckland, laughter, prayer and Pacific music fill the room as a group of Samoan elders gather—not just to pass time, but to reconnect with each other and with the cultural rhythms of home.
The programme is called Eva Ma Le Koko, a space created specifically for Pacific seniors to socialise, move, and share fellowship in an environment rooted in culture and faith.
“Eva Ma Le Koko was born out of a deep love and calling to honour our Pacific Tina & Tama matutua—many of whom spent their lives serving their families, churches, and communities, often in silence and without recognition,” says co-founder Romana Fetu.
In Samoan, eva means to go out or be in the company of others, while koko refers to the traditional hot cocoa drink often shared during moments of storytelling and connection.…more
Autopilot Error and Inexperience Blamed for HMNZS Manawanui Sinking Off Samoa
On the basis of the inquiry held, a recent Court of Inquiry found that a series of human errors contributed to the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui, a New Zealand Navy ship, off the coast of Samoa in October 2024.
The inquiry held that failure to disengage the autopilot by the crew led to running aground on a reef causing a fire and subsequent sinking. The 75 personnel on board were, however, fortunately evacuated, avoiding what could have been a more tragic disaster.
The particular inquiry gave rise to several contributing factors, among them lack of adequate training, lack of supervision, and unavailability of competent personnel. Under-manned and relatively inexperienced, the crew mistook the ship's navigational problems for one of loss of thrust and simply never thought to disengage the autopilot.
In the meantime, the Navy has gone ahead to announce a set of reforms in view of better supporting its personnel and averting any such instances in the future.…more
Lelei LeLaulu: The Quiet Force for Peace, Progress, and the Pacific
By Lagomauitumua Elizabeth Ah-Hi
In the hush of Oslo’s corridors, far from the lava fields of Savai’i, Samoa, a name surfaced on the world’s most prestigious shortlist: Lelei Tuisamoa Lelaulu, a development entrepreneur focused on peace-building, climate change, oceans, sustainable tourism, and indigenous rights, nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
To many, it came as a quiet surprise. But for those familiar with his trail of work — from the Caribbean to the Pacific, from the United Nations to Indigenous community councils — the honour felt like a long-overdue recognition. It validated not only the work of one man but the quiet wisdom of an entire ocean.
In a world that often confuses visibility with influence, Lelei is a rare exception. A proud son of Samoa whose impact has rippled across continents and causes, he has shaped global conversations on peace, climate resilience, Indigenous empowerment, and ethical tourism—not with fanfare, but with thoughtful precision, cultural depth, and purpose.…more
POLYFEST 2025 RESULTS
Cook Islands Stage
Division 3
1st Auckland Girls' Grammar School
2nd Waitakere College
3rd Edgewater College
Division 2
1st Otahuhu College
Division 1
Special Awards
Rakei (Costume)
1st= Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
1st= Tamaki College
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tangaroa College
Best Composition
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tamaki College
Best Drummers
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Tamaki College
3rd Manurewa High School
Pere Pere Tane
1st Manurewa High School
2nd Tamaki College
3rd Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
Pere Pere Vaine
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Manurewa High School
3rd= Tamaki College
3rd= Papatoetoe High School
Competition Categories
Rangatira Tane/Vaine
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Tangaroa College
3rd Tamaki College
Imene Tuki/Reo Metua
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tamaki College
Ute
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd= Mangere College
2nd= Tangaroa College
3rd Tamaki College
Tua Peu Tupuna
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Manurewa High School
Kapa Rima
1st Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
2nd Mangere College
3rd Tamaki College
Ura Pa'u
1st= Sir Edmund Hillary…more
Weekend Sports Wrap - Sevens Glory for Fiji and Moana Pasifika's Stunning Comeback in Aucklan
While Polyfest ramped up over the weekend, our teams were also celebrating big wins at the HSBC SVNS, with Fiji and the Black Ferns taking home trophies in Singapore! And in a thrilling turn of events, Moana Pasifika delivered a stunning 45-28 win against the NSW Waratahs in Auckland.
Fiji Men's Sevens
Fiji defeated Kenya 21-12 in the Cup Finals, coming up from behind in a dramatic victory after a nil score against Kenya at half time.
Within two minutes of the second half, Joseva Talacolo broke two tackles and sent Vuiviwa Naduvalo to the try-line and Fiji was level.
As penalties and errors mounted against Kenya, denying it possession, the Flying Fijians held their nerve to score the three second half tries that saw them sweep the cup.
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - KALI TUI
Kali Tuli
Fijian
Singer / Songwriter
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Tell us a little bit about yourself
Bula, my name is Abigail Tuiqilaqila also known as Kali Tui. Fiji has 300+ island and I am from the the village of Tubou on the Island of Lakeba with maternal links to Nukuloa, Gau, Fiji. Born and raised in Suva and I am proud to be an artist/singer in Fiji's music industry.
What was it like growing up in fiji?
Growing up in Fiji is a unique experience. We have under a million in our country's population and I'm blessed to be one of the few who gets to call Fiji home. Being home is always fun and relaxing as we live on "Fiji Time". It was also very humbling to live here as we have many different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures in this country.
Did you always want to be a singer/songwriter?
Ever since I was little, I've always loved singing for sure.…more
ASB Polyfest: What You Need to Know
ASB Polyfests 50th Event is going down this weeek & there are a few things you should know going into this year!
TICKETS
- Buy tickets online to avoid long queues
- Online tickets $7.50, Gate Sales $10
- There will be cash and eftpos available at the gates
- Children under are FREE and require no tickets
LIVESTREAM
- ASB Polyfest is the OFFICIAL and ONLY Livestream Provider for 2025
- You must pay to watch the livestream
- You must create a login and sign in when you have access to the website here
SCHEDULES
- Full Schedules for speeches and performances for all stages are available online here
CONDITIONS
- Smoke free, Vape free, Drug free event
- All bags will be checked at the gate
- Please leave your cigarettes and vapes at home if you do not want them confiscated by security
STALLS
- There are over 100 stalls this year including food, drink, arts n crafts, education, health and social services providers
- Please bring cash as some stalls may not have eftpos.
Food/Drink
- You may bring your own packed lunch and drinks to Polyfest.…more
Samoa Declares 30-Day State of Emergency Amid Power Crisis
The Samoan government has declared a 30-day state of emergency as the main island of Upolu grapples with a severe power crisis.
This has included lifting tax on electricity-related equipment and mobilising assistance to support households, businesses and the private sector.
Major disruptions to Samoa's electricity supply have affected residents and businesses, with power rationing in place since February.
The crisis is due to faults in the country's main underground power cable, severe weather causing damage to power lines and poles, and the failure of backup generators, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said last week.
A fault in the underground cable between Fiaga and Fuluasou power plants caused a blackout in Upolu last month, leading to further repairs, and three key generators failed, reducing power generation.
Last week, the country's Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaaio supported the call for the government to declare a state of emergency.
The Proclamation of Emergency will enable the Government to implement urgent measures to stabilise the energy supply and mitigate the impacts of the crisis by:
1.…more