Aysha Nanai-Leifi launches her first-ever print issue as Editor-In-Chief of ISLE Magazine. In only a few days the first batch of pre-orders for the magazine has sold out and the in-demand restock is running out fast. The new print issue is based around the CLASS OF 2020: ISLES School of Pasifika Excellence. The class presents 21 rising stars ranging from Actors, Activists, Rappers, DJs, Film Directors and so much more. ISLE Magazine is a new independent online and print publication. Its mission is to spotlight and empower Pasifika excellence. 

Editor-In-Chief Aysha Nanai-Leifi is a 23-year-old artist and activist of Māori and Sāmoan descent. She was born in Wellington and raised in Melbourne. In the past year, Aysha has been featured in VOGUE Magazine and has even presented on online broadcasts with big American stars like Issa Rae. That is just the tip of the iceberg of work and projects that this rising star has done. 

Our coco team connected with Aysha and got to hear about the success that has been ISLE Magazine.…more

The president of the Pacific Pharmacists’ Association, Kasey Brown, is disappointed that a government led Pharmac review has not consulted her organisation or has not included a Pacific representative on its panel, especially when one of the issues they will be addressing is equity amongst Pacific people.

Pharmac is the government’s drug buying agency and decides what lifesaving and life transforming drugs are made available to New Zealanders. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister Andrew Little announced a panel of experts will lead an independent review of the agency, focusing on the timeliness and transparency of decision making. It will also consider the issue of equity, including access to medicines and medical devices for Pacific communities.

Brown, who is also a member of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), is one of 38 Pacific pharmacists in New Zealand and she is disappointed that there is no Pacific representation on the panel to give a voice to the 300,000 Pacific people in New Zealand.…more

Via Fine Mat Creative 

The outlook for Samoa’s tourism sector remains bleak and uncertain, leaving the Hospitality and Tourism providers scrambling for the domestic dollar, to soften a devastating blow dealt by the COVID19 global Pandemic.

Agritourism, on the other hand, is making an unlikely debut on this troubled scene, and could hold the key to rebuilding a more resilient and sustainable tourism model for the future of Samoa and the Pacific.

At least that’s what one cacao farmer and agritourism entrepreneur believes. Owner and operator of Ms Sunshine Organic Farms, Floris Niu says;

“Agritourism is a very simple idea, service or product. It is about taking your farm, plantation or garden along with your produce, and the everyday activities of life on the farm, and putting it on display.”

“Since its debut in the Pacific less than 10 years ago, agritourism has been mostly associated with the farm-to-table concept, where pacific food was gaining more attention and demand from the tourism sector. It was not showcased as a farm/food experience on-site.…more

Amongst the hardworking staff administering the Covid-19 vaccines is a familiar face to the Pasifika community, the multitalented Fonoifafo Mcfarland Seumanu. She is not only a registered nurse and vital frontline worker, but she is also the reigning Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands. 

Fono has spent her reign serving within the health sectors in both Samoa and New Zealand. In 2019 she was a key part of the team that implemented the mass measles vaccination program following Samoa's measles epidemic. Fast forward to 2021, she is still playing an important part in public health programs. Fono is one of the few independent authorised vaccinators in New Zealand that has undergone special training which allows her to vaccinate with the Pfizer vaccine.…more

South Aucklanders may have been feeling disheartened by the shade thrown around around this week in the wake of the Papatoetoe Covid outbreak, but despite the constant negativity sent their way, that Southside tenacity has been shining through.

We all know how resilient our aiga there have been, in withstanding living around the biggest border entry and being the home to most essential workers. 

* Image above of a group of students from South and wider Auckland who peacefully marched through Otahuhu in a display of inter-school solidarity last year.

Although many have turned to online negativity, a bunch of people have also come to South Auckland's defense. People like Auckland Councillor on the North Shore, Richard Hills tweeted a thank you to South Auckland a few days ago.

Counties Manukau District Health Chairperson Vui Mark Gosche said to media recently: “New Zealand owes a debt of gratitude to these people, to the constant, ongoing work they do, without complaint. They just get on and do it.”

He also singled out the local Māori and Pacific healthcare workers.…more

Acclaimed Samoan poet, performer and children's book writer, Tuisiata Avia has made history becoming the first Pacific woman to win the prestigious Mary and Peter Biggs Award for poetry in its 53 year history.  The award carries prize money worth $10,000 and is part of the annual Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.

We talk to her about her winning book 'The Savage Coloniser', representation and more here - 

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What is The Savage Coloniser Book about and what drove you to write it?

Colonisation - particularly in the Pacific - and its LONG term effects on us. Racism (which is Colonisation's brother). They are the main themes - I also talk about illness, Covid, jealousy and a bit of sex for good measure lol  These are things I have always felt strongly about.

How different is it to your other work?

I've been talking about these things - in slightly different ways - for years. This is my 4th book of poetry - in some ways. I think this is my strongest. I don't hide anything.…more

Yesterday the New Zealander of the Year – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa team announced the list of finalists for the prestigious awards. The six categories of the awards cut down their nominees to a final three, from a list of thousands of nominations.

Amongst the list of 18 finalists were 3 Pacific islanders. Aigagalefili Fepulea’i Tupua’i and Mataio Brown are finalists in Kiwibank's New Zealand Local Hero of the Year category. While Brianna Fruean is a finalist in The University of Canterbury’s Young New Zealander of the Year category.

We introduce you to your 3 Pacific finalists and how they're feeling about this monumental announcement. 

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BRIANNA FRUEAN - Environmentalist and voice of Pacific Youth on climate change.

Finalist in The University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year - Te Matatahi o te Tau award 

Brianna Fruean has been campaigning for climate justice for most of her life.…more