Google Translate adds New Pacific Languages
Google Translate continues to expand its reach, recently adding 110 new languages thanks to the advanced PaLM 2 language model. Including seven Pacific languages: Chamorro, Chuukese, Fijian, Marshallese, Tahitian, Tok Pisin, and Tongan.
The new Pacific languages join previously added Hawaiian, Māori, and Samoan.
Languages are key to preserving culture and identity, making this a very exciting development. For Pacific communities, Languages are vital links to our ancestral heritage. Including these languages in Google Translate will hopefully help support their revitalization and sustain their use for future generations.
Selecting languages for Google Translate involves prioritising the most commonly used varieties to make translations accessible and useful. With the help of advanced technology and collaboration with linguists and native speakers, Google is hopeful this will ensure accurate and culturally relevant translations.
While this expansion is a significant step forward, some are not optimistic about the accuracy of the translations. Machine translation, especially for languages with fewer resources or complex grammatical structures, can sometimes be imprecise.…more
“Bring them from the world of darkness to the world of light” with Francis Tipene | Mandate
Funeral Director and one half of the Casketeers, Francis Tipene of Tipene Funerals, talks life, business, fame and the honour of taking care of the great Fa'anānā Efeso Collins in this final farewell.
#LISTEN to more of the Mandate podcast: here
Virtual Tour of 'The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu' Unveiled by Bishop Museum
Earlier this week the Bishop Museum announced the launch of an immersive virtual tour displaying their exhibition ‘The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu.’
The exhibition explores the meanings of four large stones that were historically placed on Waikīki Beach in honour of four māhū - individuals of dual male and female spirit - who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii.
Although the stones, renderings of which took residence at the Bishop Museum two years ago, have survived for centuries, the story of their significance has long been suppressed and the respected role of māhū erased.
In an effort to document and memorialise gender and sexual diversity across Hawaii the Bishop Museum alongside Lei Pau Ala Queer Histories of Hawaii are proud to offer the virtual tour which enables all to experience The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu from the comfort of home.
The immersive experience enables viewers to virtually walk through the exhibition in its entirety.
Encounter life sized renderings of the stones, absorb the written knowledge and stories and observe captivating film on the virtual tour of The Healer Stone…more
Chief Human Rights Commissioner says this is the perfect time to get RSE scheme right
Saunoamaali'i Dr Karanina Sumeo, Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner, sees the current proposal to increase Pacific workers in New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme as a pivotal opportunity to rectify longstanding issues.
In response to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's push to expand the RSE workforce, Commissioner Sumeo emphasized that addressing past shortcomings is essential. She pointed to a comprehensive inquiry conducted by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in 2022, which uncovered significant concerns about the treatment of Pacific workers. Issues such as substandard accommodation and unfair pay deductions were highlighted, prompting calls for urgent reforms.
In an interview on Pacific Mornings Commissioner Sumeo expressed "This moment presents a crucial chance for New Zealand to implement the recommendations from the inquiry,"
"By doing so, we can not only improve the RSE Scheme but also ensure that the dignity and rights of Pacific workers are upheld."
She noted that Samoa has been particularly vocal in advocating for reforms on international platforms, underscoring the global scrutiny on New Zealand's human rights record in this area.…more
The Whau Pasifika Festival Set to bring out young and old!
The Whau Pasifika Festival is back for another year, set to take over West Auckland from July 6-13, 2024! This year’s theme, “E Lē Tū Fa’amauga se Tagata,” meaning “no one stands alone, no one succeeds alone, and no one suffers alone,” underscores the festival's focus on community, togetherness, and intergenerational collaboration. This profound Samoan proverb, notably referenced by the late Fa’anana Efeso Collins during his maiden speech last year, who was a strong supporter of the festival.
Ina Patisolo, Director of the Whau Pasifika Festival, emphasizes the importance of multi-generational involvement. “We’re thrilled to bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate our rich heritage and collective resilience. The Whau Pasifika Festival embodies community spirit and Pacific pride,” she says. “It’s more than an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of our people” across all ages.
This year's program was designed to attract all generations! Young and old, with events that highlight Pacific Island traditions, arts, and performances.…more
First place is just a number | Telesia Tanoa’i | TEDxWellington
In her journey through academic competitions, 16-year-old Telesia Tanoa'i confronts the weight of her own expectations and the toll it takes on her mental well-being. As she navigates through numerous disappointments, Telesia discovers a transformative realisation: by prioritising purpose over perfection, she finds the resilience to persist and grow.
Telesia's story is a testament to the power of purpose in overcoming setbacks and finding fulfillment amidst challenges. Telesia Tanoa’i is a Samoan New Zealander with an international view of the world. As the daughter of a diplomat, she has spent her childhood in Taiwan, Fiji, and New Zealand. She is a year 12 student at Wellington’s Samuel Marsden Collegiate, where she is the Māori/Pasifika representative on the Head Girls’ Committee. For Telesia, the issue she cares about the most, and the one she considers to be critical for her generation is climate justice.
Telesia’s film “Telesia 2 the World” has so far been selected for four Film Festivals in the US, UK and New Zealand, including Māoriland Film Festival.…more
OVERJOYED, OVERWHELMED, AND RECOGNISING THE OVER-COLONISED: FESTPAC 2024!
“Our Language and Cultural Identities are not negotiable," Aeau Chris Hazelman, CEO of Samoa Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture
Weaving our Moana stories into taonga
All the extraordinary people of the Moana weaving an ocean of indigenous knowledge and creativity in one place at one time. What’s not to love and learn?
The magnificence of our vaka, visual arts, dance, tatau, tokstory, and some of the most precious taonga are showcased in two of the most special weeks of the decade for Moana people.
There were lots of slogans under the FestPAC banner of ‘bringing the best of the Pacific together’ but amidst the many extraordinary sights and sounds - it’s the stories of our shared knowledge and the vital talanoa that connect us in this time.
“Celebrating commonalities in all areas of arts, culture and language and the best of our beautiful people on show. Tā tatau, mahi whaikairo, poetry and waiata. Mahi alofa. Discussions on Protecting Oceania, Niu Ola, and the absence of Kanaky people and continued genocide in West Papua.…more
How One Pasifika Entrepreneur is Revolutionizing Supermarket Shelves
In a market where products from Pasifika and Maori communities often aren't as visible in big stores, Pasifika-owned business 'Drink Da Milgy' is breaking new ground. Landing a deal with Woolworths (Countdown), making them one of the first Pasifika-owned beverage companies to be sold in a major supermarket.
Founded by a visionary entrepreneur of Niuean and Tongan heritage, this Pasifika venture is reshaping the dairy industry with a mission to amplify representation and inclusion.
"At the beginning of 2023, I noticed a stark absence of Pasifika and Maori products in supermarkets," shares the founder, Saion Angi. "I realized I needed to be the one to create that change."
The journey commenced with a strategic focus on the milk market, a fiercely competitive domain. "I chose milk because it's a highly competitive space," the founder explains.…more
'Keeping It Fresh' at the 2024 Many World Champs 🌊
Celebrate a Kiwi classic past-time, the good ol' Manu! Keep it Fresh with the country's most hardcore manu enthusiasts at this year's Z Manu World Champs
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Keepin It Fresh brings you all the freshness happening in our Moana communities, from Siva Afi Festivals to Fashion Shows.
Credits:
Director: Mario Faumui
Camera: Faanati Mamea
Sound: David Green
Editor: Mario Faumui
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - ANAPELA POLATAIVAO
ANAPELA POLATAIVAO ONZM
DIRECTOR / ACTOR / PERFORMING ARTIST
SAMOAN
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Award-winning artist Anapela Polataivao, a celebrated and much-loved figure in the Pacific performing arts scene, recently received the ONZM honours, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Best known for her vibrant roles in Fresh and Coconet TV productions such as one half of comedic duo 'Pani & Pani', Anapela has captivated audiences for decades with her performances and heartfelt storytelling.
Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Ana humbly admits to still coming to terms with its wider implications, expressing her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and alofa from her community.
Anapela has continuously evolved, contributing significantly to the arts while inspiring a new generation of Pasifika artists. We talk to here here.
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How big a deal is getting this spotlight shone on you, as a Pasifika artist?
I've yet to come to terms with what these things really mean in the wider context. To be honest, I always get a bit of a jolt or a surprise reaction when recognised for the work.…more