Humans Of The Islands - Namila Benson
Namila Benson
Broadcaster/Broadcast Trainer/Boss Mama at Toddler HQ
Papua New Guinea
I’m a proud Tolai woman, from the beautiful island of Rabaul, in the East New Britain Province of PNG. Mum is from a picturesque village called Matalau, which is right on the beach. Matalau is where my heart is, although I live in Melbourne, Australia. I feel like culturally, emotionally, mentally and socially I have my feet firmly planted in both places, yet the older I get, I definitely sway more towards the island way of doing things.
What are things you treasure most in your life?
Family – they sustain, enrich and beautify my world…Culture - for guiding, educating and grounding me…Community - for uplifting, supporting and inspiring me…the Islander sistahood, who fill my life with so much passion, love and laughter. The sistas and Aunties are like a tonic for my soul. #BlackAndBrownGirlMagic…
What would you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Immersing myself in a career I love (broadcast media) and having complete confidence in what I bring to the airwaves.…more
Cook Islands road toll fatalities points to 'gutless' MP's
They dot the island like brightly coloured fast moving road insects, the cheapest, effective and most fun way to get around the tiny country.
But while the island breeze catches in the head ei's of the mamas, there is a much darker picture to this carefree vision of paradise. Lack of helmets and driving drunk are turning these machines into instruments of death - and the numbers are soaring.
After the most recent fatality over the weekend locals are labelling the Cook Islands’ parliament members ‘gutless’ as they continue to procrastinate over changes for road safety legislation.
The tiny Island of Rarotonga has the second highest road traffic deaths per capita in the world and has had five deaths by motorcycle this year on its short 20 minute island road.…more
PNG to offer citizenship for West Papuan refugees
Papua New Guinea are preparing to give citizenship to refugees from West Papua who are fleeing their homeland.
The Department of Immigration states they are in the process of granting citizenship to West Papuan refugees.
Deputy Chief of PNG Migration and Refugees Affairs, Esther Gaegaming said about 3000 refugees from West Papua who are currently stayed at refugee camps in East Awin, Iowara, Kuinga of North Fly Province have been registered.
Gaegaming says that refugees are the most vulnerable people in the world, and most of whom have lived in PNG for over fifteen years. “This is the greatest humanitarian crisis of all time, and this displacement is happening at around the world,” she said.
UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) considers the measures taken by the Papua New Guinea Government as positive act to integrate the West Papua refugees, and in order to protect the refugees, a clearer legal basis of this new migration is also in preparation.…more
Humans of the Islands - Manuia Fruean
Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust launched for his children
Following the sudden and tragic death of global rugby icon Jonah Lomu last month, the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) has established the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust to care for his two children.
NZRPA chief executive Rob Nichol said:
“With the cooperation of those assisting Jonah’s immediate family and using our own professional advisers we have a reasonable picture of the family’s ongoing financial situation following Jonah’s passing.
“While the probate of the estate will take some time, we know enough to realise that the family will not be able to rely on any financial proceeds or ongoing financial benefit.
“It appears that because of Jonah’s well-known generosity, he had taken on obligations, financial and otherwise, to support others at the expense of himself, Nadene and the children.…more
Miss World Fiji rocking Bulalicious fashions!
In case you've been wondering where the gorgeous Miss World Fiji Brittany Hazelmann gets her activewear from, check out Bulalicious!
Rocking the beautifully colourful line inspired by the natural landscapes of Fiji, the clothing line is donating a portion of every item purchased towards 'Beauty with a Purpose' - the fundraising initiative run by the Miss World Pageant.
Check out their website for more of their gorgeous range!
Images courtesy of Bulalicious.
Three Wise Cousins - World Premiere
One of the most eagerly awaited films of this year this side of the Pacific has finally arrived!
The World Premiere of the independent Samoan film Three Wise Cousins is set for December 21st at the Civic Theatre in Auckland! Click here to purchase your tickets and hang out with Vito and Fesui on the night!
Once the premiere is done, keep posted on their Facebook page to get more updates on when you can expect it at a cinema near you!
Loni 'The Tongan Bear' Uhila wins Buttabean rematch
The Hurricanes prop lost their controversial first fight but wasn't to be denied when the pair met again in Hamilton.
In the nailbiting fight in Hamilton last night, the rematch between Uhila and Dave 'Brown Buttabean' Letele was won by unanimous decision.
Source: TV One News
Fiji win Dubai Sevens!
Check out Fiji's awesome win over England in the final at the World Sevens series in Dubai!
Fiji's victory is the first time they have beaten England in a men's World Sevens Series final and they are set to be one of the favourites for the title at the Rio Olympics next year!
Oka Festival 2015
Check out some of the highlights from the first annual Oka Festival, run by the Samoa Culinary Association in Apia!
The competition was run with participating restaurants competing in 3 separate categories, coconut husking and milking, tuna filleting and Oka making, using local ingredients to create one unique Oka dish.
The competition was fierce with some of the best local chefs from the top restaurants and resorts vying for the top prize of best oka.
Unfortunately there could only be one winner, and taking out the first annual Oka Fest was Roko's Restaurant with their delicious creation!
Photos courtesy of the Samoan Culinary Association.