Jason Momoa brings Hollywood excitement to Ōtāhuhu
A South Auckland community is buzzing as it is about to become the backdrop for Jason Momoa's latest movie.
Hollywood star Jason Momoa is bringing his latest action movie, The Wrecking Crew, to the South Auckland suburb of Ōtāhuhu.
The sound of screeching tyres, vehicle crashes, and small explosions may be heard in the neighbourhood as the film crew takes over some streets until November 6. Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina says it will put the suburb on the big screen and provide a boost for local businesses.
“It really is [cool] not only for Ōtāhuhu, but also I think for Tāmaki Makaurau and New Zealand, because the more movies getting shot here, the better for New Zealand.”
And it's not the first time the area has featured in the big screen, given Once Were Warriors was also filmed in the area.
“That's how old I was,”' he says, adding that some of the fight scenes from the iconic Kiwi film were also filmed at a pub in Ōtāhuhu.…more
Samoa to the World: CHOGM 2024 Kicks Off In Samoa
CHOGM Samoa 2024 has kicked off with a stunning morning ceremony lead by the Gaualofa vaka and Samoan voyaging society, opening the epic fortnight of Commonwealth leaders meetings.
This involves around 6000 visitors, and involves ministerial and bilateral meetings, the Commonwealth Youth, People, Business and Women's Forums, 35 side events, and launches of publications and initiatives.
It's the first time the biennial event is being hosted by a Pacific island nation and the first time King Charles III will deliver the opening address as Head of the Commonwealth - in his largely symbolic role.
The Commonwealth organsiation is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, with says its goals are ‘to protect the environment, boost trade, support democracy and promote education and gender equality’.…more
Sene Naoupu Appointed as First Pasifika Female CEO of a New Zealand Rugby Provincial Union
North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) has made history by appointing Sene Naoupu as their new CEO, marking her as the first Pasifika woman to lead a New Zealand Rugby Provincial Union.
Born of Samoan heritage, Naoupu brings her impressive international experience, both as a player and leader in the rugby community. Her career highlights include earning 48 caps for Ireland and advocating for equality and diversity in sport.
Returning to Aotearoa after 15 years abroad, Naoupu shared her excitement: “I’m honoured to be appointed CEO of my home Provincial Union. This role holds deep, personal significance as I return to where my rugby journey began.”
Outgoing CEO Colin Jackson praised her appointment, saying, “Sene has all the credentials to be a smart and innovative leader, and she brings so much international rugby knowledge.…more
CNZ Arts Awards 2024: Celebrating our Pacific Artists
The power of the pen, the camera lens, dance, visual arts and our beautiful vocal talents all celebrated in one giant night of the Pasifika Arts Awards 2024!
Recipient of the Emerging Pacific Artists Award, Sione Tuilailala Monū is an example of an artist working at the junctions of identity and artforms. They explore Pasifika queer experience across multiple disciplines.
The young artist has become known for their signature ‘Cloud’ forms and their popular kahoa workshops with community groups, as well as his installation and visual arts works.…more
Cook Islands Pageant Raises Breast Cancer Awareness with Pink Ribbon Fundraiser
The Maine Kuki Airani Aotearoa Pageant recently held a Pink Ribbon Breakfast Fundraiser to bring awareness to breast cancer within the Cook Islands community.
The event, which gathered local medical professionals and Cook Islanders working in the field, aimed to educate Pacific women on the importance of early detection and support.
The seven contestants of the pageant played a key role as ambassadors in spreading awareness.
The participants, including Inano Aniterea, Keikilani Rea, Jenna Te Ariki, Ambushia Mateariki, Siniva Talamaivao-Nickel, Ngatepaeru Maoate, and Tatyana Nomotu, are dedicated to sharing vital health messages with the community.
Guest speaker Tarani Napa shared a personal and powerful message with the attendees: “Don’t be afraid to go get tested, I chose to live.”
Her words emphasised the life-saving importance of early breast cancer detection and encouraged women to take proactive steps for their health.…more
Exciting New Release: Fiji – Viti in the Moana Oceania Series
Fiji – Viti is the newest addition to the Moana Oceania Series, arriving to fill a significant gap in quality literature about the vibrant island nation.
Written by Fijian-New Zealand educator Tarisi Vunidilo, this bilingual book, featuring text in both English and Fijian, invites readers to embark on a captivating journey through Fiji's rich culture, breathtaking geography, and unique identity.
In this beautifully illustrated volume, Vunidilo shares insights into the many facets of Fijian life. From the warm-hearted values that bind families together to the colorful celebrations that mark important occasions, readers will gain a deep understanding of what it means to be Fijian.
The book covers essential topics such as society, legends, arts, and history, providing a comprehensive overview that is both informative and engaging.
One of the standout features of Fiji – Viti is its dedicated section on the over 20,000 Fijians living in New Zealand.
This part of the book highlights their stories and struggles, showcasing how they maintain strong connections to their heritage while navigating life in a different culture.…more
Samoan Citizenship Bill Passes it's Second Reading with Unanimous Support
The Bill to restore New Zealand citizenship for a group of Samoans impacted by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 passed its second reading in Parliament on Thursday morning.
The National Party, which did not support the Bill during its first reading, changed its stance, agreeing to back it with the provision that only those born between 1924 and 1949 would be offered citizenship, excluding their descendants.
National Party leader Christopher Luxon emphasized the need for clear eligibility, noting, “That core group is about three and a half thousand people, aged 76 to 100.” Former National MP Arthur Anae criticized the select committee’s changes as insufficient, calling them “window dressing” and “a Christmas box with nothing inside it.” The vote came as Luxon prepared to travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit, amid concerns about the environmental impact of the HMNZS Manawanui sinking off Upolu’s southern coast. Addressing ongoing frustrations with visa access, New Zealand Immigration announced it will expand services in Apia next month, increasing from a one-hour window to full-day service for visa assessments.…more
Maddie Feaunati | New Zealand life, 'Feaunati frown' & dad being Jonah Lomu | England Rugby Podcast
Being born in Leeds, growing up in England and New Zealand, and understanding your Samoan culture, there has been a lot of cultural influences Maddie Feaunati has taken in during her life so far.
The Exeter Chiefs back-row forward opens up on coming to rugby late, growing up with her four sisters and the influence her dad has had on her - from playing for Samoa to starring as Jonah Lomu alongside Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman.
She also tells England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line about learning Māori culture, moving half away across the world by herself and how the personality and confidence of other Red Roses inspire her. In this pod you will also hear from England team mates Sarah Bern and Amy Cokayne.
Lets Trot Show - EP49 Lets Trot with Stephen Crichton 2 (Critta)
Stephen Crichton (Critta) joins Lets Trot Podcast again for another special episode to reflect on an amazing season with the Canterbury Bulldogs and NSW Blues.
Critta opens up about his season performance at the Bulldogs, overcoming the doubters, being selected as Captain, how he handles pressure, the scenes on Belmore Road, that upsetting Finals loss to Manly, and he shares some stories on the Blues secret to success, including that one story about Michael Maguire and his baseball bat.
Bernard Kumar: The Samoan-Fijian Visionary Bringing Polynesian Talent to the Global Stage
Edenfest, Promiseland, Souled Out—massive line-ups, featuring some of the biggest international stars. But who’s behind these iconic festivals?
Pacific Island men, that’s who. It’s no surprise that such incredible events have emerged from our very own Polynesians, who are known for their talent and hard work.
In this case, the mastermind behind Festco AU is Bernard Kumar alongside the wider OG Festco team.
Emal Naim, the backbone of the company, Alex McDonell the Talent Agent that makes the big connections, and his Samoan Co-Founder who prefers to remain anonymous-but has been Bernard’s partner from day 1.
Hailing from Samoan, Fijian-Indian heritage, Bernard's rise from modest beginnings to a key player in the entertainment world is one for the books. Maybe even for Netflix one day.
From growing up in the islands, to running some of the most successful concerts in Australasia. He remembers his day’s as a young kid in Fiji.…more