Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 1

A new documentary is coming to our screens this September, shining a light on one of New Zealand’s most influential figures in combat sports. Lolo: The Champion Maker tells the story of Lolo Heimuli, a fighter turned trainer who built a gym out of a church storage room and went on to produce world champions like Ray Sefo, Mark Hunt, Shane Cameron, and even mentor future coaching great Eugene Bareman.

He might not be a household name, but in fight circles Lolo is legendary. Known as the “champion maker”, he is a man of faith and discipline whose humble beginnings shaped a legacy that still echoes through New Zealand’s fight scene today.

For director Jeremiah Tauamiti, this was a story that had to be told.

“It was really important for me to make this documentary because Lolo is of a generation that we're doing things for the first time. They were truly breaking barriers and those kind of stories have always inspired me,” Tauamiti says.…more

Fiji have done the job against Samoa, winning 29-15 at Rotorua, and in doing so, they’ve handed Tonga a golden ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Tonga had already put themselves on the road to glory with a 30-16 win over Samoa in Nuku’alofa a few weeks ago, so both Pacific powerhouses are now officially booked for the big stage.

That makes Tonga the 19th team to punch their tickets and marks their 10th World Cup appearance, with plenty of history behind them and plenty of ambition to make some new records in Australia.

The Pacific Nations Cup has once again shown its worth, serving as a high-stakes proving ground for teams chasing World Cup dreams. Fiji might have had to dig deep to get past a physical Manu Samoa side, but they came through with grit, discipline, and some big plays in the second half. Tonga, meanwhile, has looked solid from the start, proving they can handle the pressure when it matters most.…more

On Sunday 17th at The Trusts Arena, three grand finals were fought and three trophies returned home to South Auckland.

The Ōtāhuhu Leopards, Papakura Sea Eagles and Ōtara Scorpions all rose to the occasion, pulling off a clean sweep that underlined what the south has long known: its players, its clubs, and its communities are the heart of Auckland rugby league.

Leopards end 15-year wait

The Fox Memorial Premiership final was a battle of inches. Ōtāhuhu edged Mt Albert 8–4, a low-scoring grind that felt like it was being played on history itself. Fifteen years had passed since the Leopards last held the shield aloft, but on Sunday, the drought finally broke.

For captain Jamel Hunt, the victory wasn’t just a trophy, it was the culmination of a lifetime in league boots.

“Most of our 2025 team is made up of Otahuhu juniors who dreamed of one day bringing a chip back to our club,” Hunt said. “From looking forward to halftime oranges at Murphy Park, to lifting the Fox shield with my brothers.…more

The worlds largest vaka race sees Pasifika teams from across the Moana training for months to compete, including a group of students from Auckland University about to take on the pros!

“This isn’t just a trip, it’s a blessing. It’s a chance for students, many from small towns, to show what’s possible when you follow a passion. It’s about discovering your limits and then going a little further, learning to communicate, to lead, and to steady your mind when things get cloudy”

“To me, it’s about elevating students who might not see themselves as we do - brilliant students and exceptional leaders. It’s about giving those who never dreamed of this experience a taste of what they can achieve if they stay committed and focused, because there’s nothing I love more than seeing our Māori and Pasifika students win.” - 'Waipapa Taumata Rau' team manager Alaimalo Mataafa. 

Before sunrise, Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland’s mixed-faculty waka ama crew, is already on the water, building rhythm for Kona, Hawai'i.…more

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

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

KOROR, PALAU – Tahiti has extended its lead at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, with Samoa holding second place on the medal table while Fiji has moved into third following strong performances in swimming, va’a, and archery.

Tahiti closed Day 2 with 23 gold, 13 silver, and 4 bronze medals, continuing its dominance across multiple sports. Tahiti’s swimmers added five gold medals on Day 2 alone, led by 16-year-old flag bearer Déotille Videau, who captured her fifth gold, and Nael Roux, who secured his fourth. The team also swept gold in the V6 500m va’a events across women’s, men’s, and mixed categories, and added golds in wrestling and archery.

Samoa is holding firm in second place with six gold and four bronze medals. Their medal tally was boosted by Paige Schendelaar-Kemp’s gold in the women’s 100m butterfly, alongside wrestling golds from Shane Palemia (87kg) and Ekitoa Tamati (97kg).

Fiji has climbed to third place with four silver and four bronze medals, showing depth across swimming, va’a, and archery.…more

The team lists for the decider of State of Origin 2025 are in, with New South Wales keeping their line-up and shuffles across the Queensland side. The series has also been seen a celebration of the growing impact of Pacific Island players in rugby league’s biggest event.

Across both teams, players with Pacific heritage are not just filling jerseys. They are pushing their teams forward, shaping the culture, and carrying their communities with them every time they step onto the field.

Queensland Maroons: Team Shuffles

Queensland has made bold moves for Game 3, with coach Billy Slater shaking things up significantly. The Maroons have reloaded key positions, especially in the backline and the forward pack.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, proudly representing his Samoan roots through his father, has moved to fullback, taking Reece Walsh's spot. ‘The Hammer’ brings impressive speed and energy, and his Pacific heritage is an essential part of his narrative.

Xavier Coates keeps his spot on the wing.…more

23 June 2025 - Every year on Olympic Day, we celebrate more than just athletes. We honour the courage it takes to chase a dream, the people who make that dream possible, and the belief that no matter how small your island is, your ambition doesn’t have to be.

By Vaimo’oi’a Ripley Olympic Sailor for Samoa | ILCA 6 Classs

For me, Olympic Day 2025 is deeply personal. 

Almost a year ago, I had the honour of becoming the first Samoan woman to compete in sailing at an Olympic Games, representing our country in Paris in the ILCA 6 dinghy class boat.

It’s a milestone I carry with pride — but one that was only possible because of the legacy of service, faith, and fierce love that shaped me.

My voyage started in Samoa, in the safe lagoon of Mulinuʻu, where I learnt to sail for the first time at the Apia Yacht Club. My first instructor was my aunt Raema von Reiche.…more

Tokelau’s bringing kilikiti back and it’s serving island pride with a side of 'bowled him out'. We keeping it real fresh out on the oval.

Director : Shimpal Lelisi

Camera : Terence Muru

Sound : Marcus Lawson

Editor : Sefa Taouma