Jerome Kaino autobiography - My Story
Growing up a skinny Samoan in South Auckland, Jerome Kaino has be fighting hard to get to where he is today - and although he was an All Black at 21, some dark years followed him on his way to the top. His new book describes his humble origins in Papakura to the dizzying heights of rugby glory.
Check out an excerpt from his new book My Story, on sale from 31 July 2015.
Te Maeva Nui Highlights 2015
Check out some of the gorgeous pics from this year's Te Maeva Nui in the Cook Islands, who are also celebrating their 50th year of Self-Governing in free association with New Zealand!
Atiu Enua Ura Pau
Mauke Ute
Aitutaki Enua Ura Pau
Tupapa Maraerenga Ute
Puaikura Reo Tupuna
Manihiki Enua Kapa Rima
Images courtesy of the Ministry of Culutre Cook Islands.
New home for abused babies in Samoa
Samoa Victim Support Group officially open the new House of Blessings.
A state-of-the-art shelter for sexually abused and abandoned babies in Samoa has been opened, due to a large donation by Janice Bradnam, who is the Director of Bradnam Windows in Australia and New Zealand
Bradnam had visited the shelters in Samoa in 2010, and had decided to help upgrade the facilities - thus building the new shelters for the babies that need help. Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau, The Samoa Victim Support Group's patron, says the organisation is seeing an increasing number of sexually abused babies.
The new shelter is on the Campus of Hope at Tuanaimato, and Samoa Victim Support Group plans to secure shelter facilities for all the children survivors of violence and sexual abuse who seek support with the Group.
Fruit Carrier Race - Heiva i Tahiti 2015
Check out the highlights from the Fruit Carrier Race as part of the Heiva of the Tu’aro Ma’ohi, as part of the Heiva i Tahiti Festival this year!
The weekend of traditional Polynesian sports includes javelin throwing, stone lifting, coconut shelling, coconut tree climbing, and fruit carrier race.
Rubbed with monoi (coconut oil) and simply dressed in a pareu in the purest Tahitian tradition, competitors run a two-km race with two loads of fruits fixed on either end of a bamboo stick.
The race tests the athletes' speed, agility and endurance, and pays homage to the traditional transportation method still used to this day during their harvest time in June.
All Blacks in Samoa
Check out the All Blacks cooling off and having fun at Papase'ea (Sliding Rocks) after their test last week!
Vid courtesy of Code.
PNG take Gold in Rugby League 9's at Pacific Games!
The host country of the XV Pacific Games defeted Samoa in the final 38-10 to win gold, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The host team were on fine form throughout the tournament, and their win was a huge morale boost for the country. Tonga come away with the bronze medal after narrowly defeating Fiji 16-14 in the bronze medal match.
The Rugby League gold brings the PNG tally up 74, with a total of 32 gold overall with one more week left for the games.
Snapchat Story: All Blacks Vs Manu Samoa 2015 with 'CocofreshTV'
Man!!!! What a beautiful moment in history! One of the most epic matches between between the NZ All Blacks Manu Samoa! Here are some snaps we managed to get off the field with some of our favorite present and pass players. Thanks for these cool guys for the shout outs!
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All Blacks vs Manu Samoa highlights
Check out the highlights from the All Blacks vs Manu Samoa test match at Apia Park!
Vid courtesy of the All Blacks.
All Blacks Haka vs Manu Samoa Siva Tau
Check out the stirring Haka and Siva Tau performance from the historic All Blacks vs Manu Samoa game held at Apia Park!
Both sides fought a hard game in this match between two great rugby-nations, but there can be only one winner, with the All Blacks winning 25-16.
Samoan fans were out in full-force, with the island-nation on holiday for half of the day as they stopped to watch the battle commence.
Hansen to receive honorary Matai title
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is to be gifted an honorary chiefly title after the historic test in Apia this week.
The title will be bestowed by the village of Vaiala, home of Sky Sport commentator Ken Laban who is helping to organise the traditional gesture.
"Steve is being honored because, as we all know, there will be no game in Samoa without his express approval. If he said no there would be no game," Laban said.
Chiefs are honoured for their leadership, service, humility and impact they have on the village, families and Samoa - Hansen has done all that and more says Laban.
The Vaiala village is also home to Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham and former sevens coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua. The venue for the All Blacks vs Manu Samoa clash is also on Vaiala land, who gifted it to the government for the building of Apia Park.
The ceremony is to take place on Thursday morning, the day after the historic test.…more