From the moment the excited chatter filled the theatre’s foyer, it was clear that anticipation was high. Mā, directed and performed by Jonjon Tolovae, with a beautifully complementary performance by Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters and accompanied by Flo Akauola on guitar, unfolds as a deeply personal tribute to the enduring love of a mother.

Before the lights even dim and the show begins, ‘Mum’ by Prince Tui Teka plays on the overhead speakers, gently foreshadowing the narrative to come. As the lights dimmed and the performance began, the energy in the room shifted from excited chatter to focused, heartfelt silence. This transition immediately set the stage for a performance that promised both intimacy and a strong cultural connection, Samoan dialogue and song is interwoven throughout the show, bringing a cultural intimacy known well by the Pasifika communities in Tamaki Makaurau.

Throughout Mā, intimate recordings of conversations between Jonjon and her mother Sevai lend a heartfelt authenticity, transforming the stage into a space of familial dialogue.…more

Adyhana Urika Filifilia

Samoan

Singer / Songwriter / Actor

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Emerging Samoan vocalist and theatre performer Adyhana Urika Filifilia has decided to take the plunge and release her debut single, 'Anchor'!

From her roots in the performing arts to her journey of finding her voice as a solo musician, she reflects on the personal and cultural influences that shape her sound.

Drawing strength and inspiration from her Samoan heritage. ‘Anchor’ is an insight into her thoughts and feelings as a young Pasefika woman growing up in New Zealand, juggling the complexities of traditions and expectations in parallel with the desire to carve a unique path in this modern world, whilst still remaining grounded in who you are.

A good friend of The Coconet TV, she sits down with us talk about her new single and the exciting new journey ahead.

Auckland is positioning itself as the home for a second NRL team with the launch of Mana Pasifika, a bid that could change the future of rugby league in New Zealand. More than just adding another franchise, this is a chance to stop the talent drain that has seen many of our best players head to Australia in search of professional opportunities.

For years, New Zealand has been a breeding ground for NRL stars, yet a significant number of them have been forced to cross the Tasman to chase their dreams. In 2021 over 100 New Zealand-born players were reported to be contracted to Australian-based NRL clubs. With the Pasifika and Māori influence growing stronger in the sport, Mana Pasifika presents an opportunity to keep that talent at home, develop local pathways, and build a team that truly represents Aotearoa’s unique rugby league culture.

The bid has already garnered strong backing from across the Pacific and New Zealand, with key Māori and Pasifika leaders recognising its potential to unite both cultures.…more

Alexander Ligairi
Radio / TV Host
Fijian

There is something about a film like Tinā that lingers long after the credits are done rolling. Perhaps it's the raw, emotional storytelling. Perhaps it captures the quiet but insurmountable strength of a mother's love. Or maybe, just maybe, it's Anapela Polataivao, the driving force behind the film whose performance feels less acting and more lived experience.

But according to her, she isn't looking for all this recognition. She is about hard work, storytelling, and mainly making sure that the next wave of Pasifika artists has the tools and opportunities to take up space in an industry that hasn't always made room for them.

Behind-the-Scenes to Center Stage

When Anapela first got involved with Tinā, she had no plans on being the lead. Actually, she just wanted to help behind the camera. "My want was really just to be on the ground with the team, working from behind the scenes," she says.…more

Why our forms of loving are always about the Va. 

"The mana (power) of love is...about the mana of being connected to family, culture, community, environment, and spirituality." 

The palagi model of love is on overdrive on Valentines Day, focussing on the romantic love between two people, and giving all those who arent coupled up to feel the ‘less than’ feels..

But love in the Pacific isn’t just about romantic relationships. It can more importantly be about connection — to family, community, ancestors, spirituality, and even the environment. This Valentine’s, if you're single, maybe take a moment to think about all the other kinds of love in your life.

PhD student Reni Maiava describes the Pacific way of loving as relational, meaning it’s about the bonds we share with others, not just how we feel about someone.…more

Our stories are more important than ever before to present indigenous perspectives to the world, challenge colonisation, connect our Oceanic conversations, and impact change.   

From the beautiful personal stories of mahu, faafafine in Tahiti to the murder of ‘witches’ in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and the powerful truths of Aborigine history - the FIFO documentary festival in Tahiti has brought high impact narratives of indigenous people to screen. 

This year brought the active talanoa, tears and triumphs of indigenous stories together for a celebration of documentary and short film making in the region. 

Allan Clarke, the first nations director of ‘The Dark Emu Story’ which won the Grand Jury Prize, speaks of how vitally important it is expose the truths of our histories from the often untold perspectives of indigenous people: 

‘The Dark Emu’ speaks to the fragility that a lot of nations have been built on, because many have been built on a myth, and there are a lot of people in these countries who are terrified to say ‘open that door and re-examine the past’ and…more

When Heavyweight with Dave Letele: Tipping the Scales premieres this Thursday on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, audiences can expect more than just hard-hitting stories, they’ll see heart and authenticity.

At its core, Heavyweight with Dave Letele is about sharing stories with heart, depth, and authenticity. The latest chapter continues to spotlight voices often unheard, offering fresh perspectives on critical issues.

“I feel grateful to be part of a team amplifying Pasifika and Māori voices on screen and behind the scenes,” says Eileen Lee, Heavyweight’s co-producer. “Dave isn’t a journalist, and that’s exactly why he's perfect for leading these conversations. He creates a space where people feel comfortable sharing their stories authentically.”

Lee joined the Heavyweight team in 2023 as a Researcher and Production Manager. Her dedication and storytelling instincts quickly earned her a producer role for the second and third instalments. For Eileen, Heavyweight is  a platform to explore critical issues, from substance abuse and gang culture to obesity, through a lens grounded in lived experience.…more