“Pacific Arts includes our whole village.”

Those words came to life in Auckland last Friday, as artists, cultural leaders, and community members from across Aotearoa gathered for the first-ever Wantok Stori Miting - Aucklands first Melanesian focused arts meeting. 

Held as part of Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy 2023–2028, the Miting marked the launch of the Melanesian Arts Development Initiative, a new chapter in strengthening the visibility and representation of Melanesian creatives in Aotearoa’s wider Pacific arts landscape.

Makerita Urale, Senior Manager Pacific Arts at Creative New Zealand, said:
“The miting will serve as space to share stories, celebrate creativity, and strengthen connections across the Melanesian arts community... The initiative aims to strategically focus on strengthening the Melanesian arts community and the visibility of their diverse voices within the wider Pacific arts ecosystem in Aotearoa.”

“These miting are important because they create opportunities for Melanesian creatives to come together and exchange ideas in a way that strengthens their collective presence,” she said.…more

The Pacific is rallying around Katoa, who has undergone brain surgery and will miss the 2026 NRL season.

The Moana rugby community is sending prayers and support to Eliesa Katoa, the 25-year-old Mate Ma’a Tonga forward who underwent brain surgery after sustaining multiple blows to the head during Tonga’s match against the Kiwis in the Pacific Championships on November 2nd.

While Katoa recovers and focuses on his long-term health, the NRL has launched serious disciplinary action against members of Tonga’s medical and training staff — a move that could see three team staff banned from NRL and ARLC competitions for two years.

The NRL Investigation has raised “Serious Concerns” about player safety.

Following the incident, the NRL reported that it had uncovered “serious concerns regarding possible breaches of NRL rules and protocols” in how Katoa was assessed and treated.…more

A new study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal has found that Pacific children living in Aotearoa experience some of the highest rates of serious bone and joint infections (BJI) globally, and that these infections tend to be more severe and complex than those seen in other ethnic groups.

Researchers looked at 563 children across Auckland who were hospitalised for acute bone and joint infections between 2018 and 2023. Of these, 27% were Pacific children.

The study revealed that:

• Pacific children are twice as likely to develop bone and joint infections compared to NZ European children, with rates reaching 38 cases per 100,000 children each year.

• Two-thirds (66%) of Pacific children experienced complex or severe illness, often requiring multiple surgeries or intensive care.

• Pacific children were more likely to have multifocal sepsis (30% vs 10%), bacteraemia (60% vs 34%), and longer hospital stays (average 14 days vs 9).

• Eczema was found in one-third of Pacific children with BJI, more than any other ethnic group, and was linked to severe infection.…more

Community groups or individuals passionate about youth mental wellbeing in South Auckland are invited to apply for the inaugural ManaVā fund, which was co-designed by young people themselves. 

In partnership with philanthropic funder Foundation North, a panel of five rangatahi will distribute grants to grassroots projects that support Pasifika youth health and wellbeing. This youth advisory panel includes Whenua Manukau, Nafeesah Mustafa, Madison Leilua, Riria Makara and Caleb Singh – all leaders of The Cause Collective’s Do Good Feel Good initiative, which fosters youth-led social change across South Auckland. 

“ManaVā allows young people to be the change they want to see in the world,” Singh says.

“Our panel know the next generation is ready to take the baton, carrying on the work of those before us. No idea is too big or too small, so as long as the passion is there to do good by our families and villages, please do apply.” 

Over several months, the ManaVā panel met to decide the fund’s purpose, objectives and assessment criteria.…more

In just two months, powerhouse rookie prop Ivana Lauitiiti has achieved what many dream of across an entire career: an NRLW debut, Rookie of the year, Tackle of the year at 2025 Dally M’s and now a place in the Kiwi Ferns squad.

For the 19-year-old, pulling on the black and white jersey is more than a career milestone. It’s a dream that began on the fields of South Auckland, where she first fell in love with rugby league.

“Coming from grassroots footy here in New Zealand, I always dreamed of playing in the black and white jersey,” Ivana said. “To be selected in the squad is a blessing, and I’m grateful not just for myself but for everyone who’s supported me along the way.”

In just 24 minutes on debut, she ran for over 100 metres, made nine tackles, and delivered a brutal hit that had rugby league fans buzzing.…more

Palolo Rising! Islanders around the Moana are beginning the chase for the elusive palolo worm - here are the predicted best spots in Samoa according to the Ministry of agriculture:

Samoa’s treasured coastal delicacy, the Palolo worm (Eunice viridis), is about to make its annual appearance, a natural phenomenon that has fascinated generations of Samoans and visitors alike. The Palolo, harvested only twice a year, emerges mysteriously from the reef during the months of October and November, providing not just food, but also cultural celebration for families and communities.

What makes the Palolo even more remarkable is its timing. The worm’s rising is closely linked to the lunar cycle and ocean tides. Scientific studies have confirmed what Samoans have long known – Palolo emerges seven days after the full moon, during the third quarter of the moon, when midnight high tides shift to low tide at daybreak. These conditions create the perfect window for Palolo to rise to the surface.…more

“This is a moment of enormous pride for our Pacific Legal Community. I want to acknowledge the many incredible Pasifika lawyers who serve our communities every day with empathy, kindness and humility. The path was paved by the courage and determination of pioneer Pacific lawyers, and I am deeply grateful to them.” – Tiana Epati

Former President of the New Zealand Law Society, Samoan Tiana Epati has been appointed one of just 12 new King’s Counsel — one of the highest honours in the legal profession.

Her appointment is a powerful moment of recognition not just for Tiana, but for the Pacific legal community in Aotearoa, honouring the pioneers who came before and lighting the path for the next generation of Pacific lawyers, leaders, and community advocates.

Tiana is the daughter of Judge Semi Epati, New Zealand’s first Pacific Island judge.…more

Samoa Makes History!

"Lets go! Oh my God!" — the cry of discus thrower Alex Rose as he carved his name into Samoa’s history books with a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships on Sunday, 21 September.

For the first time ever, Samoa stood on the podium at the World Athletics Championships.

Rose, 33, born in Michigan but proudly carrying the Samoan flag of his father’s homeland for more than 13 years, has battled for this moment across seven World Championships. From Moscow 2013 to now, he has worn Samoa’s colours with pride. His best finish before today was eighth in 2022 — until he finally smashed through with this breakthrough medal.

Even heavy rain couldn’t wash away destiny. The competition was suspended for hours, the throwing circle slick and dangerous. But when it mattered, Rose delivered — launching his discus 66.96m in round five, soaring into third place.

The final drama? Australian Matthew Denny was the only man left who could push him off the podium. But Denny fouled, and instead walked over to congratulate Rose.…more