Jason Momoa was spotted today filming stunts in Auckland - it's suspected that today's filming was for the new Minecraft film currently in Production.

Credit: Louisa Tipene Opetaia 

In the midst of Auckland's pressing housing crisis, the OWN IT initiative by Tāmaki Regeneration is emerging as a transformative force, specifically designed to uplift Māori and Pasifika families facing unprecedented challenges in the city's housing market.

Afoa Tevita Malolo, spokesperson for Tāmaki Regeneration, sheds light on how this program aims not only to provide homes but also to reshape the narrative for marginalised communities.

Auckland's housing crisis has escalated to alarming levels, making headlines globally for its soaring property prices and diminishing affordability.

According to The Demographia International Housing Affordability Report, Auckland currently ranks as one of the least affordable housing markets globally, placing 88th out of 94 markets surveyed worldwide. This crisis disproportionately affects Māori and Pasifika families, pushing homeownership further out of reach.

The challenges faced by Māori and Pasifika families in Auckland's housing market are deeply rooted in historical and systemic issues. As highlighted by various studies, these communities often find themselves at the margins, facing biases in traditional mortgage environments and struggling with the increasing unaffordability of homes.…more

Thomas Pa'a Sibbett: Nurturing Polynesian Voices Through Film and Resilience

In a candid and insightful conversation, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett or Pa’a Sibbett - as he laughingly shared. “When I first started writing, I thought I needed a professional sounding name so that’s where Thomas came from but most people call me Pa’a.” The Co-writer of Aquaman shares his unique journey of self-discovery, cultural pride, and the pursuit of his voice as a screenwriter. 

Hailing from Hawaii before immigrating to Washington, Sibbett's experiences have not only shaped his identity but also fueled his passion for storytelling, particularly through the lens of his Polynesian culture.

Sibbett begins by reflecting on his childhood. Moving from Hawaii to Washington as his family were “Priced out of Paradise” as most indigenous Hawaiians are experiencing sadly. He shares that although they lived away from their island, they still remained very much connected to their culture through art & dance.

Sibbett recalls times where he and his family would use culture to keep kids out of trouble in their neighborhood.

“We also did anti-gang work.…more

'Let's Trot' Podcast's Sauce sits down with ex Panthers enforcer Spencer Leniu to chat about his new chapter at the Sydney Roosters, that water bottle incident with new team mate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, pre-season dramas, and Spencer answers the mystery question from Nathan Cleary.

All this and more!

Multidisciplinary Artist Wendy Mocke gave us a glimpse into her life. 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I am a Papua New Guinean actor, playwright, screenwriter, chauffeur to my daughter and personal chef to my daughter's pet cat. In terms of my heritage, my father’s people are from Usino Bundi in Madang Province and my mother’s people are from Simbu province. I grew up in beautiful Madang so it will always be home to me. When I was 12 years old, my parents sent me to Cairns, Australia. I went to a boarding run by Irish Catholic nuns who were equal parts scary and incredible. They helped shape my life. So I also like to say that far north QLD holds a very soft gooey space in my heart.

Have you always wanted to become an artist?

I have this very clear memory in my head. When I was eight years old, I said to my father: ‘Dad, when I grow up, I want to be an artist’.…more

FitTeens: A progamme run by youth, for youth.

15 Year old Roman Amosa is one of the head trainers of the fitness Progamme FItTeens. A programme that has created a safe space for young Pasifika youth across auckland to come together and keep in shape.

The programme began in November of 2023 with only 10 members, and has since grown to an impressive 50 FitTeens members. 

Roman takes multiple classes a week along with her sister Kaide, and fellow trainer Vincent Lee. 
The group are passionate about fitness and encouraging others to stay well. 

Youth from all around auckland travel to Zero to 100 Gym in Ormiston just to attend. It is their hope that they may one day expand enough to hold classes in North, West and South Auckland also.

Pacific and Māori players make up almost 50% of both the NRL and NRLW competitions, and last week saw the next generation showcase their rugby league talents on the big stage. 

Thousands poured through the gates at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe as it played host to the 2024 Pasifika Youth Cup (PYC) Under 18 Boys and Girls Festival. 28 games were played over five days with 13 teams competing across the Boys Championship Section, the Girls Section, and the Boys Premiership Section. Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) Māori, Niue, Fiji, Tokelau, and the Cook Islands were all represented by hundreds of young athletes who put on a fantastic display for those in attendance and those watching every game live on Sky.…more

In the heart of South Auckland, a new theatrical force is emerging, ready to redefine the narrative of Pasifika performing arts.

Enter ‘Strictly Brown,’ co-founded by Leki Jackson-Bourke and Saale Ilaua. The pair, both former teachers of Marcellin College, decided to ditch their full-time teaching jobs and go on a creative journey to educate, empower, and entertain Pasifika youth through performing arts.

Their debut production, "Pring It On," a parody of the modern classic American cheerleading film "Bring It On," is set against the backdrop of Polyfest, known to be world’s largest Secondary School’s Pasifika Cultural Festival.

The story unfolds at "South Auckland Grammar School," offering a dra-medy exploring identity, cultural clashes, teenage love, and the quest for authenticity.

The founders of Strictly Brown, Leki and Saale, are not new faces in the artistic realm.…more

As expected, hundreds turned out today for the Qualification rounds for the Manu World Champs at the Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pools in Māngere today.

The Z Manu World Champs is a “grand celebration of a beloved kiwi pastime – the Manu or (dive) bomb, perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools and secret spots throughout the country.”

Plenty of youth signed up for today’s event in hopes of qualifying for the Manu World Champs Finals that will take place in Tamaki Makaurau on Saturday 9 March.

Event organiser Toko Manuel was hopeful that the even would not only keep youth out of trouble this long weekend but also provide them opportunity to take their hobb further.…more

Tongan Filmmakers Luciane Buchanan and Vea Mafileo have taken Sundance film festival by storm. Where their short film was selected out of an outstanding 17,000 applications.

“Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue,”  follows the journey of a young Tongan speech language therapist. This unique tale unfolds the dynamic between the therapist, fluent in English only, and her client, who exclusively communicates in Tongan.

Written by Luciane Buchanan and Directed by seasoned Documentary Director Vea Mafile’o, the two reflect on what it means as Tongan women in the scripted space at Sundance.

Mafile’o stated “It’s pretty overwhelming and a super exciting space to be in…Previous Polynesian NZFC films that have screened here have been by a handful of Māori and Samoan directors. They really have paved the way for Luciane and I.…more