Dave Letele says family targeted after taking over NZ Muscle as he fights to rebuild company and save jobs
Dave Letele says family targeted after taking over NZ Muscle as he fights to rebuild company and save jobs
Dave Letele says he and his family have been subjected to death threats and online abuse after he stepped in as the new chief executive of struggling supplement company NZ Muscle.
The former boxer and founder of community organisation Buttabean Motivation took on the role this week, along with a shareholding in the business, after founder Dion Roosenbrand announced he would step back while the company works through regulatory concerns.
Letele says his decision to take over was driven by a desire to help rebuild the company, protect its workers and restore customer trust.
The 46-year-old was preparing to meet with NZ Muscle staff, with 35 jobs potentially at risk as the company deals with falling sales following concerns around its products and business practices.
"It's 35 people who could potentially be without a job if this continued. I wanted to give it my best shot of trying to turn it around," Letele said.…more
Toa Samoa playmaker Jarome Luai locked in for Parramatta before PNG Chiefs era
Toa Samoa star Jarome Luai to join Parramatta Eels in 2027 before PNG Chiefs move
Jarome Luai's journey to the PNG Chiefs will include one final stop, with the Parramatta Eels confirming the Toa Samoa star will join the club for the 2027 NRL season before heading to Papua New Guinea for the Chiefs' inaugural campaign in 2028.
The announcement comes after the Wests Tigers confirmed Luai would leave the club at the end of the 2026 season, despite originally being contracted until the end of 2027.
It marks another major twist in one of the biggest player movements of the year. Earlier this season, Luai was unveiled as the PNG Chiefs' inaugural signing, becoming Player #001 and committing to the new franchise from 2028, with an option to remain until the end of 2030.
Instead of spending 2027 at the Tigers, the Toa Samoa playmaker will reunite with Mitchell Moses at Parramatta for a one-year stint before beginning the next chapter of his career in Papua New Guinea.…more
Sam Neil and Black Saturday | Sam Neil shares his family history with Samoas Historic Mau Movement
Today we remember the remarkable Sir Sam Neill — an extraordinary actor, storyteller and friend of the Pacific, whose life and career touched audiences around the world.
In this powerful and little-known conversation with Oscar Kightley, Sam reflects on one of the most difficult chapters of his own family history. His uncle, known as "Red", served as one of New Zealand's military commanders during the country's colonial administration of Samoa — a period that would have devastating consequences for the Samoan people and fuel the Mau movement for independence.
Rather than shy away from that history, Sam believed it should be confronted honestly by all New Zealanders. His willingness to acknowledge the past, and to shine a light on injustice, is part of the legacy he leaves behind. Manuia lou malaga, Sir Sam. Fa'afetai for your compassion, your humility, and for standing alongside the Pacific in telling the stories that matter.
Daniel Tupou set to join NRL’s 300-game club
“He’s paved the way for the Polynesian footy players”: Daniel Tupou set to join NRL’s 300-game club
“He’s paved the way for the Polynesian footy players and playing with him has been one of the best privileges of my career.”
Those were the words of Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith as he paid tribute to teammate Daniel Tupou, who is set to become the latest Tongan rugby league star to reach the NRL’s exclusive 300-game club.
Just two weeks after North Queensland Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo became the second Tongan player to reach the milestone, Tupou is preparing to join him when the Roosters take on the Parramatta Eels this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium, pending a final fitness test.
The 35-year-old winger has been waiting eight weeks for his moment, after being left stranded on 299 games following a calf injury suffered during Magic Round in May.…more
Hawaii expands film tax credits to keep productions at home
"We have a lot of talent in Hawaii and a lot of skilled local labor and a lot of stories to share. What we've needed is the opportunity to tell those stories here at home. Working on Chief of War reminded me what's possible when we invest into our own people and we trust our local voices to lead." - Jason Momoa
Hawaii's screen industry has received a major boost after Governor Josh Green signed legislation expanding the state's film tax credit, a move industry leaders say will help attract more productions, create jobs, and ensure Hawaiian stories are told on home soil.
The new law increases Hawaii's annual film tax credit cap to US$60 million, following years of concern that major productions were choosing to film elsewhere due to stronger incentives and lower production costs.
"It expands the tax credits to a more meaningful number, $60 million, and we want to keep going up because doing that means that there's opportunities to bring more films, more attention, more investment into our state," Green said.…more
Award-Winning Artist Lisa Fa'alafi Brings Dangerous Goods to Aotearoa
“Every time we come back with work, it just means so much more. Seeing people who look like us in the crowd…it’s incredible.”
Part circus, part drag, part burlesque, and part live concert, Dangerous Goods brings together powerhouse vocals, aerials, theatre and comedy to explore themes of power, resistance, and joy.
Internationally acclaimed, award-winning Sāmoan-Australian artist, performer and director Lisa Fa’alafi has spent more than 25 years creating bold, boundary-pushing work that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Fresh from a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Fringe, she’s now bringing her latest production, Dangerous Goods, to Auckland’s iconic Civic Theatre as part of the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival.
For Fa’alafi, though, this is much more than another stop on an international tour.
“It feels like coming home.”
Born in Aotearoa before growing up in Australia, returning with her work always carries extra meaning.
“Every time we come back with work, it just means so much more.…more
Alofa Tunoa Ta'amu Becomes the First Samoan Ever Drafted into the NHL
When people think of Samoan athletes, sports like rugby, American football and boxing usually come to mind. Ice hockey? Not so much.
But that's exactly what makes Noa Ta'amu's achievement so special.
"It's pretty cool that I get to represent the Samoan community in hockey, but I am not the only one for sure. There are more coming up."
History has officially been made after Alofa Tunoa "Noa" Ta'amu became the first player of Samoan heritage ever selected in the NHL Draft, with the Winnipeg Jets picking the defenceman 199th overall.
It's a breakthrough moment, not just for Noa and his family, but for Samoans around the world, proving our people can make an impact in just about any sport.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, the 18-year-old has taken a unique path to professional hockey. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 228 pounds, Ta'amu spent the past season with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League, where he earned a reputation as a tough, physical and dependable defenceman.…more
Pacific Artists Nominated in 2026 Pacific Music Awards
The Nominees for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards have been annoucned - and this year honours many of our beloved artists.…more
Final Whistle: Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby Dream Comes to an End
Moana Pasifika will not feature in the 2027 Super Rugby competition after efforts to secure new ownership were unsuccessful.
The club entered liquidation in May after its former owners, Pasifika Medical Association, announced they were no longer in a position to financially support the franchise beyond the 2026 season. The team's final campaign came to an end last weekend, with liquidators revealing debts of around NZ$8.2 million.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR), which holds the competition licence, said it considered several proposals from potential investors in an attempt to keep the team alive. However, none of the bids met the financial and commercial standards needed to ensure the franchise could survive long term.
As a result, Super Rugby will continue with 10 teams in 2027.
Moana Pasifika Coach Tana Umaga
Despite the setback, NZR says the possibility of a Pacific Islands-based franchise returning in future remains alive. Chief Financial Officer Chris Kinraid said the organisation is committed to supporting the idea if the right investment and business model can be secured.…more
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS: LUANA GORDON
SAMOAN / NEW ZEALAND EUROPEAN
SINGER-SONGWRITER
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your Pacific heritage.
My name is Luana Gordon and I am a singer-songwriter from Ōtāhuhu, Auckland. I am of Samoan and New Zealand European descent.
Tell us about your journey into music.
I grew up the youngest of three in a musical family. My brothers and I all took piano lessons from a young age before picking up second instruments. Mine was the violin. I also loved to sing and taught myself guitar to accompany my voice.
I studied violin at university and, after graduating, started writing original songs, which my brothers helped me record and produce.
How has growing up in South Auckland shaped you as a musician and as a person?
From age six until I got to university, all of my music tuition took place in very humble South Auckland schools with cheap instruments, limited teaching resources and very few opportunities to connect with others in the music community.…more