🌺✨ Join us on the blue carpet for the highly anticipated premiere of Moana 2!  Te Reo🎥🌊

In this video, we chat with the cast, crew, and special guests about the magic behind bringing this Polynesian adventure to life. From behind-the-scenes stories to heartfelt moments of cultural pride, you won’t want to miss what the stars have to say.

Get ready to dive into the world of Moana once again as we celebrate its legacy, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music. 🌀🎶

🎤 Featuring interviews with:
🌟 The voices of Moana, Maui, and new characters
🌟 Directors and producers sharing what’s new this time around
🌟 Polynesian cultural consultants on how the film honors Pacific traditions

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Moana 2 content and your chance to relive the magic of the blue carpet! 💙✨ #Moana2 #BlueCarpet #PolynesianPride

In our vibrant tapestry of Fijian culture, few symbols resonate as deeply as the traditional hairdo known as the Buiniga. Proudly worn by both our iTaukei men and women it embodies not only a unique aesthetic but also a history that sets us iTaukeis apart from the rest of the world.

Growing up surrounded by family members adorned with the Buiniga—my mother, grandmother, aunties, and uncles—I have always felt a profound connection deeper than blood to my vuvale.

Straight silky hair was always the portrayed embodiment of beauty and i would be lying if i said I’ve never thought of conforming to society by taming my natural curls. A trip to the supermarket was always met with a list of hair products to rid myself of the rough texturised hair, that I thought for a long time was an embarrassment.

Little by little with every hair straightening product doused on my head it began to wash away the little cultural identity I shared with not only my family, but my people.…more

🌺 Actress and Moana 2 star Auli'i Cravalho sits down with Coco Correspondent and PEAK Pasifika founder Kristian Fanene Schmidt to reflect on her journey in Hollywood, the importance of Pacific Islander representation, and her exciting future ahead.

The two discuss everything from working with Dana Ledoux Miller and the Moana team to Auli'i's upcoming birthday celebration filled with the best Pasifika feeds!

Moana 2 coming to cinemas November 27 2024 🎬

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 Wednesday, I believe we need to stand with our Maori family now, more than ever before.

As an Indigenous Samoan I believe, unless you came to New Zealand and added your own piece of land, we are on Maori land. The land of our cousins. As family, it is our duty as Tangata Moana to stand in  solidarity with our Maori family in their sovereignty fight.

When one is attacked, we are all attacked. As I saw several Pasifika at the hikoi, I was excited to hear their insights as well, interestingly my sentiments were shared. This is what some of them said.

“Attending the hikoi was important to me as a Tangata Moana and Tangata Tiriti, having migrated here from Tonga, because I understand how deeply sovereignty and connection to our land are woven into our identity.…more

I remember a famous Fijian folk song titled “Lei Tei Dalo Ko Tamaqu” that we would sing to distressed babies or use as a lullaby to put our kids to sleep.

Knowing little of the dark history the musical notes entailed, it was a tune that most Fijian kids sang their hearts out to. Like how storytelling, music and dance was a form of relaying our history to younger generations, this folk song carried the weight, tears and heartbreak of our ancestors.

A simple song, but broken down opens a new chapter of clarity.

The sad reality of this folk song describes the inhumane capture of our Pacific Islanders, leaving behind their island homes for a life of turmoil on new land.

Evelyn Koi, descendant of Reginald Koi who was brought to Fiji from The Solomon Islands in 1883 through Blackbirding, describes learning about Blackbirding in school without the knowledge that she was a descendant of one of those caught in the captivity.…more

A bold new exhibition, Kau Leka Mei Tahi, is on display at Four Shells Kava Lounge in Auckland, offering a raw, unapologetic glimpse into the world of Selekā, a Tongan art collective that has been pushing boundaries since its inception.

On display until 15th December, Kau Leka Mei Tahi features works by Selekā members and local Tongan youth, continuing the collective’s mission to redefine what it means to be Tongan and creative in a world that often marginalises both.

Kau Leka Mei Tahi: A Celebration of Tongan Youth and Creativity

The Kau Leka Mei Tahi exhibition, which translates to "Children from the Sea," is a testament to Selekā’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression among Tongan youth. The title of the exhibition reflects the collective’s deep connection to the ocean and the sea as a metaphor for growth, renewal, and self-discovery.

The works on display represent the diverse, dynamic nature of Tongan life, with each piece offering a glimpse into the personal journeys of the artists.…more

Big Island weekend of sport!

Fetu Samoa vs Fiji Bulikula 16 – 12

Fetu Samoa fought back to win a thrilling encounter at the Womens Pacific Bowl Final against Fiji Bulikula. The Fijians who looked the better of the two teams where ahead on the scoreboard for 67 minutes, before Fetu Samoa Captain Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala crashed over for her second try to seal the win and a place for her Samoan team at the next Womens Rugby League World cup 2025 in England.

The Fijians go home heartbroken but can claim the Audience Choice Award for the tournament and should be in the running for the best tries scored. 

Fetu Samoa hopes are now that their fetu will shine brightly in the Rugby World Cup next year.

Mate Ma’a Tonga vs Kiwis 25 - 24

The showdown for a place in the final of the Pacific cup between  New Zealand and Tonga almost proved to be a fizzer if you were a kiwi supporter.…more

Uncover Pacific Heritage in Instruments of the Moana: A New Docuseries Exploring the Lost Sounds of the Pacific

Instruments of the Moana, the eight-part docuseries that offers an incredible journey into the musical heritage of the Pacific. Hosted by Samoan-Niuean storyteller Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, this series spans Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, and the Solomon Islands, where Tau’ili’ili revives traditional instruments that once defined island life. These unique instruments, nearly forgotten with time, held deep meaning and were central to cultural identity.

Reflecting on his mission, Tau’ili’ili shares, “Though I was born & raised in Samoa, my wife and I were blessed with parenthood as immigrants to Aotearoa. Our kids therefore, are children of the migration. And if Aotearoa is home, then it is my responsibility as a parent to provide information about elements from their ancestral home that were, and still are, important to their identity marker, that is beyond sports and entertainment.…more

Local sports legends and community leaders are coming together on November 2nd at Otara Pool and Leisure Centre to support the NEET Youth Mentoring Programme. With funding cuts looming, Counties Manukau is determined to keep this essential support available for its youth.

The NEET service—short for Not in Employment, Education, or Training—focuses on helping young people stay on track when mainstream paths aren’t working for them. Whether it’s finishing school, exploring further education, or stepping into employment, the programme guides youth towards establishing their next steps. However, with funding set to be cut, the urgency to raise money has never been greater.

“We have the honour and privilege of serving Counties Manukau communities every day and experiencing first-hand the unmatched pride and passion that exists in our people for all things sport,” says CEO Greg Buckley.…more