Coco Talanoa — Coco News / Page 1

The 2025 New Year Honours list proudly celebrates Pacific recipients for their exceptional contributions to health, business, youth, and community development. Thirteen individuals of Pacific descent have been recognised, showcasing their dedication and inspiring leadership.

Honouring Champions for Survivors of Abuse

• Ms. Moeapulu Frances Eileen Tagaloa – Appointed Companion of the King’s Service Order (KSO) for services to survivors of abuse in care.

• Mr. Rūpene Paul Amato – Appointed Companion of the King’s Service Order (KSO) for services to survivors of abuse in care.

Tagaloa’s work with survivor advisory groups has been instrumental in fostering healing and justice. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s such an honour. I accept this on behalf of all the survivors who have been impacted.”

Amato highlighted the challenges faced by men in sharing their stories of abuse, noting, “Sharing stories allows other people to share as well.” He dedicated his honour to those who have “passed away or who are still fighting the fight” and described himself as “a warrior for social justice.”

Leaders in Health and Business

• Mrs.…more

High in the misty mountains of Taveuni, Fiji’s “Garden Island,” blooms a flower so rare it can only be seen for a few months each year—and only in one place on Earth. The Tagimoucia (Medinilla waterhousei) is a striking plant with cascading clusters of red and white flowers, flourishing exclusively in the cool volcanic highlands around Tagimoucia Lake.

To see the Tagimoucia, visitors need to hike through the lush rainforests of Taveuni and ascend De Voeux Peak. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, often shrouded in mist, lies Tagimoucia Lake—the only place on Earth where this rare flower grows. The journey is as rewarding as the destination, offering incredible views and a chance to witness this extraordinary bloom in its unique, remote habitat.

Despite numerous attempts to cultivate the Tagimoucia elsewhere in Fiji, the plant defiantly resists all efforts. It thrives exclusively in its natural environment, this characteristic only enhances the flower's charm, making it a symbol of Taveuni's distinctive landscape.…more

In a retail landscape where Pasifika and Māori businesses often face challenges breaking into mainstream spaces, Pele is carving out its own path.

Founded by a proud NZ-born Polynesian with Samoan (Leulumoega Tuai), Tongan, and a touch of Irish heritage, this Pasifika-owned brand is bringing Pacific Baby Gears to Westfield Manukau Monday 25 November!                                                                                            

"I always felt I was destined to do something amazing!" shares Noeleen Tuala (Founder & CEO of Pele)

"I went looking for a Pacific-designed blanket when my 3rd grandchild was born, and after finding one, I was disappointed in the quality.…more

Pacific Artists Honoured with Prestigious Arts Laureate Awards

In a celebration of Pacific representation, two Pasifika artists, Lonnie Hutchinson and Victor Rodger, have been recognised at the 2024 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Awards. This recognition highlights their outstanding contributions to Aotearoa’s arts scene and the growing impact of Pasifika voices in New Zealand’s creative landscape.

Lonnie Hutchinson (Ngāti Kurī ki Ngāi Tahu, Samoan (Falealili), Celtic) received the My ART Visual Arts Award for her work, which powerfully comments on indigeneity, colonisation, and identity complexities. Reflecting on her career, Hutchinson shared, “I think a lot of New Zealanders care and are excited by art made by Pasifika artists. There’s a lot more Pacific art graduates following their dream and making inroads into the gallery scene and beyond. It’s encouraging and a delight to see!”

Her artistic practice, which spans black builder’s paper, vintage wallpapers, acrylic, steel, and aluminium, fuses the personal and political.…more

A South Auckland community is buzzing as it is about to become the backdrop for Jason Momoa's latest movie.

Hollywood star Jason Momoa is bringing his latest action movie, The Wrecking Crew, to the South Auckland suburb of Ōtāhuhu.

The sound of screeching tyres, vehicle crashes, and small explosions may be heard in the neighbourhood as the film crew takes over some streets until November 6.  Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina says it will put the suburb on the big screen and provide a boost for local businesses.

“It really is [cool] not only for Ōtāhuhu, but also I think for Tāmaki Makaurau and New Zealand, because the more movies getting shot here, the better for New Zealand.”

And it's not the first time the area has featured in the big screen, given Once Were Warriors was also filmed in the area.

“That's how old I was,”' he says, adding that some of the fight scenes from the iconic Kiwi film were also filmed at a pub in Ōtāhuhu.…more

CHOGM Samoa 2024 has kicked off with a stunning morning ceremony lead by the Gaualofa vaka and Samoan voyaging society, opening the epic fortnight of Commonwealth leaders meetings.

This involves around 6000 visitors, and involves ministerial and bilateral meetings, the Commonwealth Youth, People, Business and Women's Forums, 35 side events, and launches of publications and initiatives. 

It's the first time the biennial event is being hosted by a Pacific island nation and the first time King Charles III will deliver the opening address as Head of the Commonwealth - in his largely symbolic role. 

The Commonwealth organsiation is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, with says its goals are ‘to protect the environment, boost trade, support democracy and promote education and gender equality’.…more

North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) has made history by appointing Sene Naoupu as their new CEO, marking her as the first Pasifika woman to lead a New Zealand Rugby Provincial Union.

Born of Samoan heritage, Naoupu brings her impressive international experience, both as a player and leader in the rugby community. Her career highlights include earning 48 caps for Ireland and advocating for equality and diversity in sport.

Returning to Aotearoa after 15 years abroad, Naoupu shared her excitement: “I’m honoured to be appointed CEO of my home Provincial Union. This role holds deep, personal significance as I return to where my rugby journey began.”

Outgoing CEO Colin Jackson praised her appointment, saying, “Sene has all the credentials to be a smart and innovative leader, and she brings so much international rugby knowledge.…more

Fiji – Viti is the newest addition to the Moana Oceania Series, arriving to fill a significant gap in quality literature about the vibrant island nation.

Written by Fijian-New Zealand educator Tarisi Vunidilo, this bilingual book, featuring text in both English and Fijian, invites readers to embark on a captivating journey through Fiji's rich culture, breathtaking geography, and unique identity.

In this beautifully illustrated volume, Vunidilo shares insights into the many facets of Fijian life. From the warm-hearted values that bind families together to the colorful celebrations that mark important occasions, readers will gain a deep understanding of what it means to be Fijian.

The book covers essential topics such as society, legends, arts, and history, providing a comprehensive overview that is both informative and engaging.

One of the standout features of Fiji – Viti is its dedicated section on the over 20,000 Fijians living in New Zealand.

This part of the book highlights their stories and struggles, showcasing how they maintain strong connections to their heritage while navigating life in a different culture.…more

Our local artists from De La Salle College, Aorere College, and Tangaroa College made waves at this year’s Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) last month.

Competing alongside emerging talent from across Tāmaki Makaurau, they proved once again why South Auckland schools are a force to be reckoned with.

SUSO is Auckland’s premier platform for young talent, highlighting the best in secondary-school music and dance. This year's event featured five key categories: dance, solo instrumental, group vocal, solo vocal, and bands.

Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli expressed her pride in the achievements of the Manukau schools: “I am excited to see that once again the schools from the Manukau Ward have done well in many of the categories.…more