Payne Haas commits to Samoa, joining wave of Pacific stars choosing heritage over Kangaroos
Brisbane Broncos front-rower Payne Haas has officially pledged his allegiance to Toa Samoa, delivering a major boost to the Pacific nation ahead of the 2025 Pacific Championships and the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Haas, widely regarded as the best prop in rugby league, described the decision as deeply personal and long overdue.
“There was a moment when I played for Australia, when we versed Samoa in Townsville. The anthems were playing, and my mind raced back to lots of memories with my mum and making us sing the national anthem of Samoa in the back of the car,”
He said. “I think from that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum's side, the Taufua side, and really make them proud, and my grandparents as well.”
The 25-year-old has played four Tests for Australia and is a New South Wales Blues mainstay, but says the time is right to wear the Samoan jersey.…more
Driving Change: Pacific-led Licence Workshops in Ōtara
In Ōtara, three organisations are breaking down barriers to help Pacific communities get their licences.
DriveStar, Community Driver Licensing Workshop, and MintedVR have teamed up to run four-day workshops in Gagana Samoa, Lea Faka-Tonga, and English in hopes of making the learner’s licence process accessible, culturally relevant, and empowering. From the Otara Library to communities as far as Hastings, this kaupapa is transforming lives — one licence at a time.
Luciane Buchanan Reveals What Inspired Her as Kaʻahumanu in Chief of War
Actor Luciane Buchanan shares the female perspective of Chief of War — from the women who inspired her portrayal of Kaʻahumanu, to embracing female rage, and receiving a special gift from artist Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios.
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Interviewed by Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - WILLIAM SANGSTER
William Sangster
Tongan
Journalist/Storyteller
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Please introduce yourself, your heritage, what you do for a living, where you grew up
Mālō e lelei. Ko hoku hingoa ko William — my name is William. I am Tongan–European, from the villages of Lapaha and Vaini (Vaini poto, iykyk). I grew up in Onehunga and am now based in Māngere East. I’m an Editorial Producer and Video Editor at The DList*, an online disability magazine platform.
You've spent much of your life advocating for people with disabilities and telling their stories — how has this work shaped you into the person you are today?
It’s taught me so much about being selfless and showing humanity towards others. My mum always instilled in me the importance of giving back and being kind to everyone. When I’m advocating, I’m simply trying to create an easier path for others — and to show them they can do it too.…more
Celebrating the life of George 'Fiji' Veikoso
George “Fiji” Veikoso – Pacific Reggae Pioneer and Beloved Voice
Ratu George Veikoso, known to the world simply as Fiji was more than an award-winning musician. He was a storyteller, a bridge between cultures, and one of the most recognisable voices of Pacific music. His passing at the age of 55 has left the Pacific in mourning.
Born in Tailevu, Fiji, George’s love for music began early. Surrounded by a family of talented singers and musicians, his earliest performances were in church. In 1987, after political unrest in Fiji, he moved to Hawai‘i, where his sound began to take shape – a smooth blend of reggae, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and traditional island harmonies. It became known as the “Lost Coast Sound,” and it would carry his name far beyond the Pacific.
His 1994 album Evolution marked the beginning of a career that would span decades. Fiji went on to release Born and Raised, Gratitude, and many more, earning millions of streams and a place in the soundtrack of island life.…more
Celebrating 10 Years of Blue Rose Cafe
Ten years ago, partners Robbie Kainuku and Lenny Steven opened a small café in Sandringham with five tables and a big dream: to serve the food they love — honest, comforting Pacific soul food.
“We started Blue Rose because we wanted to start something up that had our food that we like to cook, with our Pacifica, Māori flavors through it,” says Robbie.
It began with a simple vision, but the impact has been global. “People come there, that’s their first stop. We just got in from LA or Australia, and we got told to come here. Even this family from Singapore — Nana, Mum, Dad, grandma, auntie, uncle, all the kids. They Googled Pacific food, and this place came up.”
Robbie grew up in Māngere and learned to cook from his mother. “She was a Pākehā and made really good Island food. When she married my dad, she wanted to learn and do it really well... My mum’s my biggest inspiration.”
Among the café’s best-loved items is the palusami pie, which Robbie proudly calls his creation.…more
Chief Of War - Moses Goods Talks Chief of War and Preserving Hawaiian Culture
Hawaiian Actor Moses Goods speaks of his life's work that has lead him to this role of 'Moku' in 'Chief of War'
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Interviewed by Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios
A Chip Off the Old Block: Ivana Lauitiiti Makes Stunning NRLW Debut
The name Lauitiiti is back in the headlines — and this time, it’s Ivana.
On a rainy Sunday in Newcastle, 19-year-old Ivana Lauitiiti made a powerful NRLW debut for the One NZ Warriors during Magic Round, following in the footsteps of her legendary father, Ali Lauitiiti. And just like her dad did 26 years earlier, she marked the occasion with a try.
Coming off the bench in the first half, the Ōtāhuhu Leopards junior crashed over for the Warriors’ first points of the match, helping to spark a gritty 12-6 win over the Cowboys — the club’s first away win since rejoining the NRLW. In just 24 minutes on the field, Ivana ran for over 100 metres, made nine tackles, and delivered a momentum-turning defensive hit that’s already doing the rounds on social media.
“I wasn’t even thinking,” Ivana told NRL.com after the game. “Coach said to run with intent, so I just went for it.…more
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - MAINEI KINIMAKA
Can you please introduce yourself, your culture and where you're from?
Aloha kākou, ʻo Maineialoha Kinimaka koʻu inoa. No Anahola, Kauaʻi mai au.
Aloha, my name is Mainei Kinimaka and Iʻm from Anahola on the island of Kauaʻi.
Surfer turned Filmmaker - what was your journey into filmmaking like?
I had a pretty unique journey into filmmaking, given that Iʻm from Kaua’i, which is a place that not many filmmakers have come from so far. I grew up in a family of waterman and women, and so surfing was the foundation of my childhood, and it was the first pathway that introduced me to photography and visual arts.
The ocean has always been a huge inspiration to me, as has been Kauaʻi and it’s natural environments, but most of all I would say it’s the people of Hawaiʻi that inspire me the most in the stories that I tell. I was lucky enough to be mentored by Jason Momoa from the age of 19, and that was my official pathway into working hands-on in the film industry.…more
Sunia Turuva on Tigers Move, Benji's Influence & Faith Influenced by his Mum
Fijian Winger Sunia Turuva talks about his fijian roots, his mother's influence and his move to the Tigers