By Taualofa Totu’a & Penina Momoiseā

A new generation of Moana artists across the diaspora are redefining innovation, using social media platforms to build communities, market their work and support other budding creatives online. There’s room for everyone and all are original - from 3D collages to energetic illustrations, to calendars and skillful art prints. Join the growing audiences of Pacific artists this Xmas and support their work! 

If you’re still stuck on what to gift for your loved ones, order a personalised commissioned piece by talented local Samoan illustrator Kerilyn Clarke, or opt for Fijian artist James Sanday's pacific patterns.

Read on to see where to get the best art for your own fale or for your loved one’s this Xmas season.  

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PACIFIC WEAVE, FLAGS, MAPS & CREATURES OF THE PACIFIC!

Who: Pac Art by James Sanday 

Pac Art is the work of Fijian-Rotuman artist James Sanday. He moved to New Zealand as a child, bringing the patterns and lines of the Pacific Islands with him.…more

This week on Let's Talanoa, Dr Lesina interviews well known Pacific Youth Advocate and Educational Psychologist, Sonia Pope. 

Together they talk about the things that our young people are facing each day as they navigate through COVID-19, vaccine passes, different opinions and more.  Listen up for Sonia's practical tips!  

Jason Momoa gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of Dune getting to work with some of the cast that he has looked up to and admired over the years in the acting world.  

The whole of New Zealand will move to Red in the Covid-19 Protection Framework aka Traffic Lights from 11.59pm, Sunday 23rd January due to the Omicron variant now circulating in Auckland and possibly the Nelson-Marlborough region.  

We've put together a quick reference guide below on the different traffic light settings in case you need a reminder of what life at each of the settings are.  

* Reminder - The red light setting is not a lockdown.  Get boosted before the virus becomes widespread.

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LIFE AT RED 

Swipe through for more 

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LIFE AT ORANGE 

Swipe through for more 

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LIFE AT GREEN 

Swipe through for more 

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My Vaccine Pass is a key component in the Traffic Light System.

You are legally required to provide your My Vaccine Pass to enter places that have vaccination requirements in place under the traffic light system.…more

A church that has been considered anti-vax hosted a vaccination event today to encourage their remaining unvaccinated members to get their first dose, as well as attempt to dismiss the anti-vax perception attached to the church.

Church leaders and members of the Tokaikolo ‘Ia Kalaisi church in Māngere Bridge line the entrance way to the church waving the Tongan flag as cars beep and people wave while driving past. A speaker is set up on the front lawn of a house nearby, blasting music out to the neighbourhood. The Niuean, Fiji and Cook Islands flags are being waved too, “I’m not even Cook Island” laughs the flag bearer as more cars beep, and others drive in to wait in line for their vaccination.

The large majority of church members have already been vaccinated, says Frank Koloi, the marketing and communications manager for The Fono. 

“This church has been perceived in mainstream New Zealand as well as the Tongan community as not supportive, or anti-vaxxers.…more

WWE superstar Roman Reigns talks about embarrassing his daughter by playing Christmas music too early, confirms he was the kid who was picked first in gym class and reveals if he would fight The Rock or not.

ps in case you were wondering - Roman went on to win his match over BigE at WWE Survivor Series 2021 last Sunday.

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Whose Your Name? - Tamaiti O Le Pasifika Class - Wainuiomata Intermediate School

Every name has a story. The 'Whose Your Name?' book project brings together pieces of writing from the Tamaiti o le Pasifika vasega, a Pasifika enrichment class at Wainuiomata Intermediate School.…more

via Moana Pasifika Rugby 

Moana Pasifika and apparel partner Dynasty have unveiled a stunning and special first Super Rugby jersey.
 
When the team takes to the field to open the 2022 season of Super Rugby Pacific on Friday 18 February at Mt Smart stadium, they will be competing in a uniquely designed home jersey that proudly represents the combined cultures and traditions of the Pacific Islands.

Fans who had signed up for Moana Pasifika memberships, and sponsors and stakeholders, were able to get a first look at Moana Pasifika’s home jersey at the official reveal event (Sunday evening 21 November) with Head Coach Aaron Mauger and Moana Pasifika players.
 
Patron Sir Bryan Williams said it was a special moment to imagine the team running out in the new jersey. “When I see the boys run out for that first time, it’s going to be very emotional, certainly for me and many others. It’s been quite a long journey. Moana Pasifika is so important for our community because it represents our hopes and dreams for the future.…more

Writer Taualofa Totu'a has put together a list of books by Pacific authors that we think your children and young people will love AND would also make great gifts - if you're looking for ideas for birthdays, achievements and more ... .

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For our imaginative kids 

My Gagana Samoa Series 1 - by Dahlia Malaeulu and illustrated by Darcy Solia 

All 3 stories in the first series: Malia Shares, Lagi Spies and Mase's Room

Dahlia released ‘Mila’s My Gagana Series 1’ in 2019 written for pre-school and junior primary school tamaiti. The colourful and engaging tusi faitau have gained more and more young readers since, encouraging the promotion and learning support of gagana Samoa for fanau and faiā`oga.

"Our aim was to create a rich literacy resource that reflects our tamaiti, develops gagana confidence and encourages the use of gagana amongst the first teachers in the lives of our tamaiti.…more