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

Beaulah Koale, Fasitua Amosa, Taofia Peseta, Shimpal Lelisi, Iaheto Ah Hi and Haanz Faavae Jackson are just a few of our starry Pasifika actors that have played the Black Faggot characters over the years.

Now the queen of film and stage Anapela Polata’ivao brings Auckland the latest iteration of this groundbreaking theatre piece.

Victor Rodger ONZM’s Black Faggot returns to Tāmaki Makaurau with fire, wit and a renewed sense of urgency, opening at Q Theatre’s Rangatira stage from June 25 to 29. Boldly queer and unapologetically Pasifika, the play reclaims a label historically used to silence and shame, delivering humour, depth and truth in every line.

First staged in 2013 in response to Destiny Church’s “Enough is Enough” march and later protests against marriage equality, Black Faggot remains unflinchingly relevant in 2024. Rodger reflects on the origins of the piece, saying:

“At the very, very least, one of those kids marching against the bill will be gay and feeling wretched about themselves as they grow up… Black Faggot is a response to that.…more

The 2025 Pacific Music Awards are nearly here—and the excitement has already begun. Last night, finalists were revealed in a packed ceremony at the Māngere Arts Centre, where Pacific creatives gathered to celebrate the growing legacy of our music and stories.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the awards, with a record-breaking 34 finalists named across 13 categories. Among them are 15 first-time nominees, reflecting the rising wave of new Pacific talent across Aotearoa.

One of the exciting categories is the NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video, where five bold and beautifully crafted visuals have made the final cut:

This category is a chance to shine a light on the visual expressions of our talented musicians, but also the Pasfiika directors who have brought this vision to life: 

For director Samson Rambo, The Lecture was always about more than a music video.

“For me, The Lecture was always about creating a cultural impact that future generations.…more

The announcement of Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best is here, and we’re proud to celebrate the Pacific talent featured in this year’s powerful selection. Out of 88 submissions, 13 films were chosen, with four of them involving members of PISA (Pacific Islands Screen Artists).

Congratulations to everyone involved in these standout projects:

🎥 Picking Crew

A subtle and moving exploration of Pasifika masculinity and where it intersects with queerness and cultural expectations.
Directed by Tanu Gago, a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker born in Sāmoa and raised in Manukau. His work draws heavily on his South Auckland roots, focusing on gender, identity, and urban life.
The film stars Henry Auva’a, an actor with a background in theatre, film, and commercial work, who recently featured in the coming-of-age Polyfest film First Place.

🎥 Let’s Settle This

Directed by Jack Woon and produced by siblings Stallone and Abba-Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa. The duo is known for creating self-funded Pacific films including 3 Wise Cousins, Hibiscus & Ruthless, and Take Home Pay. Usually, Stallone directs while Abba-Rose produces.…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

JAYE TUIAKI

SAMOAN/COOK ISLAND

MUSICIAN

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Can you introduce yourself - where you’re from, your cultural background, and a bit about how you were raised?

My name is Jaye Tuiaki. I’m a 22-year-old up-and-coming artist, born and raised in South Auckland, currently based in Papakura. I’m of Tongan and Cook Islands descent and the youngest of six. I was raised in the LDS church, and growing up in a musical family meant I was constantly surrounded by singing and faith. Church was a big part of our lives, and some of my earliest memories are singing together with my family.

What was life like growing up in South Auckland, and how did that environment shape you as a person and as an artist?

Growing up in South Auckland meant I was constantly surrounded by talent - not just in music, but across all forms of creativity. Being raised around other Polynesians who were expressing themselves through their art inspired me to find my own voice, which naturally became music, given my background.…more

Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi, physiotherapist, academic, and PMA member, is the first Pacific PhD in Physiotherapy! 💥

For Men’s Health Week, he shares some light-hearted but practical insights, plus a bit of his own journey as a Pacific male in health. He is also a proud member of the Centre for Men’s Health at the University of Otago.

By Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi Via Pacific Medical Association

In February, my Dad passed away after serving as a faifeau of a small Samoan church community in Petone, Wellington, for almost 30 years and living for almost two decades with disabilities related to Stroke.

As a son and now a father of four, Dad’s passing and the sobering reality of the declining number of male elders in my family and community, have made this year’s Men’s Health Week a particularly important one. As a physiotherapist and emerging academic, I share some quick encouragements for Pacific men and those who support them in our Pacific communities. These tips have been adapted from winter tips from my colleagues at the Mātai Medical Research Institute.…more