Just a normal girl with normal girl issues
Early this year I was looking for an actress to play Shalimar Seiuli — the young American Samoan fa’afafine who was infamously pulled over in a car with Eddie Murphy early one morning in Los Angeles, in 1997.
A year later she was dead — and it was this that led me to write a play called Girl on a Corner, where Shalimar got to tell her version of events.
I knew the actress playing Shalimar had to be transgender. I knew she had to be good enough to carry an entire play on her shoulders. And I knew she had to have the guts to swear like a trooper in Samoan and yet be vulnerable enough to let the audience share Shalimar’s joy — and, more importantly, her pain.
In the end, I picked Amanaki Prescott-Faletau, a Tongan graduate of the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA) in Auckland. She is what Tongans call fakaleiti or fakafefine, and Samoans fa’afafine. Meaning, like a lady — like a woman.
Casting her was a leap of faith.…more
How Fiji captured the hearts of all at RWC 2015
The Pacific Islanders treated us to some breathtaking rugby and won a lot of plaudits for their attacking play during the tournament. Here are some of their best bits.
Jarryd Hayne’s heartbreaking tribute to young Parramatta fan who died after cancer battle
Rest in peace legend. Parra's #1 fan @tufftimmy8 battled through the hard times with a smile. As his body lay to rest n spirit makes it way to heaven I want to send my love and prayers to the Jelacic family @nicolejelacic you and your husbands strength for your little man is courageous. Was a blessing to do what we could for the little man n to help with his bucketlist along with @tim_cahill @chriscahill_ @tim_mannah @theparraeels love n prays from America
Former NRL star and San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne has paid tribute to “Tough Timmy” Jelacic, a young Parramatta Eels fan who died this week after battling cancer.
The eight-year-old was diagnosed with epenymoma cancer when he was just two years old and spent much of his young life in and out of hospital for surgery and radiation as tumours continued to grow in his brain.
Timothy shared a birthday with Hayne and Eels veteran Tim Mannah, and was a huge Parramatta fan
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 announced
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2016 today. Five inductees were selected from a list of 25 finalists.
The Class of 2016 includes Charles "Charlie" Teetai Ane, Jr. (Samoan ancestry), Rockne Crowningburg Freitas (Hawaiian ancestry), Troy Polamalu (Samoan ancestry), Vai Sikahema (Tongan ancestry) as player inductees, and Albert “Al” Lolotai (Samoan ancestry) as a contributor.
The inductees were chosen by a selection committee made up of past head football coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, past NFLPA president and inaugural inductee Kevin Mawae and Hawaii sportscaster Robert Kekaula.
The Class of 2016 will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, scheduled for Jan. 29-30 on Oahu.…more
New Zealand MPs having a go at Vagahau Niue
The theme of this year’s Niue Language Week, which begins today, is “Tau tagata Niue, tau magafaoa Niue, fakaaoga e vagahau Niue – Niue people, Niue families, use vagahau Niue”.
Planning a trip to Niue? Shimpal Lelisi has got you with the best tips for the island
Manu Samoa Inspire a Generation
The Samoan Rugby Union squad are all too aware of the importance of their impact as a team and individuals on the youth of today. Here Stephen Betham and his team take time out from the World Cup to spend time with local students and share their thoughts about the importance of making a difference to young people at home.
This film was made by young people of The Reporters’ Academy, a media production company run by young people. Tasked with the mission of reporting behind the scenes of team Fiji, Tonga & Samoa across the Rugby World Cup.
MOEMOANA SCHWENKE: EQUALITY, ENVIRONMENT AND EMBRACING PACIFIC CULTURE
At the age of 15, Moemoana Schwenke is one of few female Siva Afi (fire dancers) in the world, challenging gender stereotypes while pushing her own limits of fearlessness.
The connection she shares with her Polynesian culture is so strong that it influences almost everything that she does, from performing arts and promoting equality to advocating for the preservation of our environment.
At such a young age, Moemoana shows us a beautiful example of what it looks like to be a young Pacific woman who isn’t afraid to stand up and show the world who she is. We’re proud to bring you her story and we hope it inspires you to embrace everything it means to be who you are as a Pacific person – as Moemoana says, “You are not just anybody.”
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Tell us a bit about yourself, your connection with your Polynesian culture, and how you came to follow that path?
Talofa Lava. My name is Moemoana Schwenke, meaning ‘sleeping ocean’ and I am 15 years old.…more
The Katinas Live in Auckland
Legends All Blacks Haka for Jerry Collins
Classic All Blacks haka in Toulon just after a very moving minute's silence for Jerry Collins and Alana Madill
Toulon have beaten an All Blacks legend team 68-21 in a memorial match for Jerry Collins. Great effort from both sides.
Samoan Uptown Funk
Not the Samoan 'Uptown Funk'