Podcast

The Bachelorette Japan contestant: Jayden Toa-Maxwell

Kuki Airani rugby player Jayden Toa-Maxwell (Mauke/Atiu heritage) has been living in Tokyo for the last 8 or 9 years and this year he was asked to compete on The Bachelorette Japan Season 2.

He chats to us here about his upbringing, how he got the opportunity to be on the show, what his ideal life partner would be like, looking for love and much more.

The Bachelorette Japan Season 2 is currently playing on TV in Japan.

We'll keep you updated on how Jayden does as his journey progresses or you can follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

Interviewer - Brianna Fruean 

Editor - Sefa Taouma 

Public Interest Journalism Funded by NZ on Air 


Coco News

Abuse in NZ Care - The witness testimony of Lusi Faiva

"Being in care was like a slap in my face.  There was no freedom of choice in entering care.  I was lost in care.  There was no acceptance, brief or trust from others that I needed freedom.  Freedom is acceptance of who I am as an individual.

I think that the concept of institutions are not set up to care and look after the disabled people because it is built on a system that dehumanise disabled people and I think that hasn't changed much for how the current state care works.  Care was about medication, changing showering and other very clinical procedures that doesn't take into account of the very individual needs such as human connection and affection." - Lusi Faiva 

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The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care is currently holding the Disability, Deaf and Mental Health institutional care hearing - this hearing has focused on the lived experiences of survivors who are disabled, deaf or were placed in psychiatric institutions.…more


Humans of the Islands

Humans of the Islands - Eric Blanc

Eric Blanc 

Creative 

Samoan 

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Samoan designer Eric Blanc whose work has graced the covers of Vogue Italia, has now had his collection acquired as part of the Oceania Collection at the Uebersee Museum in Bremen, Germany.
The young designer’s work has been a smash hit across Europe, from his early start in Aotearoa. 

You recently had your designs featured in Vogue Italia – can you tell us how that  opportunity came about? 

VOGUE ITALIA was a dream come true, I remember having a meeting with Angela and I said to her “My ultimate dream is to one day be on VOGUE”, and she also had the same goal.

She proposed to me a concept shoot and I instantly fell in love with it and we started working to make it happen immediately.  

The image that made it to VOGUE was a team effort.…more


Podcast

Not Another Talanoa! podcast | Episode 4

After a brief hiatus, the Not Another Talanoa podcast is back! We're joined this time by Cook Islands musician and Maz's own friend, Sam V.

If you were a kid of the early to mid 2010s, you'll definitely know him - not long after uploading YouTube covers at 9-years-old, he signed with a major label. Fast forward to now, Sam's gone independent. How has he managed to remain relevant after all this time?

0:00 We’re in Rarotonga!

3:03 Quick fire questions

7:38 Using AutoTune

10:18 Collapsing on morning television

12:00 Growing up in NZ music industry

21:26 Hosting a radio show?

21:42 Young and slept on

25:30 Coming soon for our guy

27:10 R Kelly’s 30-year jail sentence

31:47 Being Jack Harlow’s twin

37:12 The Boy Is Mine

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Bringing you a spin-off from the hit Fresh segment, the Not Another Talanoa! podcast is a deep dive into the hot human discourse from a young Pacific lens.…more


Sports

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: First day in All Blacks Camp

Follow Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on his first day in All Blacks camp as he reveals what made him switch codes to rugby union.


Coco News

Pacific News Headlines: 14th July 2022

Watch a wrap-up of your week in news from across the Islands, in under a minute.

Yet another fatal stabbing crime claims a young Pacific life in Australia.

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Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air


Sports

I-Kiribati athlete Lataisi Mwea talks journey to Tokyo Olympics

Mwea was one from a handful of deserving athletes from the Pacific to head to the Tokyo 2020 games.

He is a track and field competitor with a bright future ahead of him.

#MicronesianExcellence 🏆

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Video credit: ONOC


Entertainment

Kiribati Dance Break

Step away from the desk and have a boogie break!

The Pacific Community have created a series of videos showcasing varying Pacific Island dance styles.

In honour of Kiribati Language Week - Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati - get up and moving with this Coco crowd.

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Credit: Pacific Community


Events

Kiribati Pride 2022 - BIMBA Makete Day Highlights

A highlight reel of the Kiribati Pride Month event held this year by BIMBA Kiribati.

Members from the LGBTQIA+ community were invited to celebrate their pursuit for education, employment and entrepreneurship.

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Video credit: BIMBA


Coco News

Pacific Islands Forum crisis as Kiribati withdraws

There are growing suspicions Beijing is behind the country’s exit, with Kiribati close to US military installations and marine resources.

Video credit:  1News

Cover photo credit:  RNZ