Search results for “Dion Enari”


Why we need a Pasifika seat on New Zealand Rugby board - Dr Dion Enari

Posted in Coco Talanoa

OPINION

Although Pacific people are the highest percentage of All Blacks and Black Ferns, there’s still no Pasifika seat at the New Zealand Rugby board.

Pasifika communities and allies are…more


Asuelu’s cash – is sending money traditional Samoan culture?

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

Watching Asuelu, his wife, mum and sisters argue over money on 90 day fiance has sparked much debate. Some believe he did not give enough, while…more


Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau: “If you’re not invited to the table, set up your own”

Posted in Coco Talanoa

Jemaima Tiatia-Siau

Samoan

Researcher / Academic

By Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

As a child Jemaima Tiatia-Siau caught a glimpse of a university building and a voice called her unmistakingly clear…more


Pacific Academics - We Need More ASAP

Posted in Coco Talanoa

by Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

As I got promoted from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, it made me not only celebrate, but stop, reflect, and think. Although I was happy for…more


Professor Jioji Ravulo: “How will you make a difference, through your difference?”

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

When Jioji Ravulo was a case worker involved in the criminal justice system, he wanted to know why Pacific youth were overrepresented in the system,…more


Pacific Men’s Mental Health: The Influence of Culture and the Path to Positive Well-being

Posted in Coco Talanoa

In recent years, the mental health of Pasifika men has become an increasingly important topic, with growing recognition of the unique cultural factors that shape their experiences.

We spoke to…more


“Reclaiming our tongue”: Super Rugby speaking Samoan

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali'i Dion Enari 

Seeing the Samoan language spoken on prime time television was a proud moment for all Samoans around the world. Although we see many brown faces on…more


Drill rap – What it means for Pasifika?

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

Drill rap artists such as One Four and HP Boyz are Australian hip hop icons. But what does this mean for Pasifika?

There is no question…more


Should Pasifika Vote?

Posted in Coco Talanoa

This Saturday, New Zealand will decide on its Prime Minister. People in our communities have questioned whether it’s worth voting. 

As I look at our history, struggles and victories as…more


Ifoga helps bridge murder: the power of Samoan culture

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

The tragic murder of Geo Sione, allegedly by his girlfriend Naea Moli has sparked much conversation. Many are left asking

How could such a tragedy occur?…more


Samoan Language is needed in Australia

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

Despite Australia being the new land of milk and honey for Samoan and Pasifika people, we face challenges of language survival and sustainability. My love for…more


The ‘Plastic’ Islander debate – it’s old, move forward

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

Cover image '4 tha Lumana'i' by Raymond Sagapolutele 

As a Samoan Researcher, looking at the ‘plastic’ islander debate, I have seen it all. From those…more


"It will Die" - Samoan Language

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali'i Dion Enari 

Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoa language week) is not only a time to celebrate, but also reflect upon and address our language issues. Although Samoan…more


Pasifika Youth Violence in Australia - How do we move forward?

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

The killing of another Pasifika son Solomone Taufeulungaki in Melbourne was heartbreaking. Although we are confronted with murders on TV every day, this one hit close…more


OPINION: Pasifika NRL (mis)pronunciation – don’t (dis)respect my name

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

Channel 9’s rugby league personality Erin Molan’s recent ‘hooka looka mooka’ comments when referring to Pasifika rugby league players was nothing short of racism.

To purposefully…more


We are more than athletes: Maori & Pasifika must be in non playing roles too

Posted in Coco Talanoa

Cover image L-R: MMA & City Kickboxing head coach/co-owner Eugene Bareman, NRL on Nine & Stan Sports presenter Sonny Bill Williams & Ginnen Group Sports agent/manager Zen Ginnen 

By Lefaoali'i Dion Enari 

When…more


Who should get a Matai title? – The Chief debate

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

In 2021 Matai (Chief) are not only visible at Samoan events, but are also part of mainstream popular culture. Boxing greats Faumuina To'aletai Mafaufau David Tua,…more


Tatau: If you don’t have it, don’t judge

Posted in Coco Talanoa

by Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari


As I near my one-year anniversary since receiving my pe’a/tatau, I couldn't help but reflect on the debates. We have all heard it before, from…more


Siva Samoa in diaspora – Our connection home

Posted in Coco Talanoa

By Lefaoali'i Dion Enari 

As Samoans residing outside of the (Mother) land, one of the ways we connect to her is through Siva. Our beautiful Siva Samoa can be found…more


Why do Pasifika need to support the hikoi and Toitu Te Tiriti?

Posted in Coco Talanoa

by Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

As Pasifika people, I know we have all had that talk. Should we support Maori or not? After attending the Toitu te tiriti hikoi on…more