Coco Talanoa — Coco News / Page 1

In a remarkable achievement for the small island nation of Samoa, a young man from Savai'i has been awarded a highly competitive Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship, paving the way for him to further his studies overseas.

Mr Alesana Alesana Ulusele, from the village of Faga, has emerged as one of the region's brightest talents, earning the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in Commerce at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

Mr Ulusele's journey to this prestigious scholarship began with his Foundation year at the National University of Samoa (NUS), where he demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience. A graduate of Tuasivi College, he initially found the transition to studying in Apia challenging.

“Meeting new people, being in a new environment, but also getting used to new ways of doing things were some of what I struggled with,” said Mr Ulusele. However, he quickly realised the importance of adapting to overcome these hurdles.…more

Samoan police have uncovered two huge drug shipments in one week, impacting a supply chain and demand that shines a light on the amount of use of illegal drugs in the small Island nation. 

Three people including a businessman who owns a supermarket in Lotopa, have been charged by the Samoan Police and Correction Services, in what has been touted as the biggest drug bust in Samoa thus far.

The seizure of more than $4 million worth of crystal methamphetamine at the wharf,  was found concealed inside packets of Lifesaver candies and had come on a ship which had made port in the USA, Australia and New Zealand.…more

With Donald Trump back in the White House after his 2024 election win, the United States government has seen a resurgence of his tough immigration policies. Since his inauguration, one thing is clear, deportations are top priority. For many in Pacific Island nations this means facing the harsh reality of being forced to leave a country they’ve called home for years. While the focus is always on countries close to the US, Pacific Island communities are feeling the heat too.

Since President Trump returned to office, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations has arrested more than 3,500 unauthorised immigrants across the US.

A document from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations has listed over 1.4 million noncitizens with final orders of removal, many from Pacific Island nations. (See the full list here)

The data reveals that while deportations are widespread across many regions, Pacific Island nations have seen a notable share of individuals targeted for removal.…more

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President Donald Trump for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services, was questioned by US SenatorS Elizabeth Warren Ron Wyden about his role in the 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. The outbreak, which resulted in dozens of deaths, was largely attributed to vaccine misinformation, a topic that Kennedy has been notably vocal about.

Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and the son of iconic American political figures Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has long been a controversial figure in the health community. For years, he has promoted anti-vaccine rhetoric, including the widely debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. This has sparked alarm among public health experts, particularly given his potential leadership role in overseeing the U.S. health system.

In addition to his anti-vaccine stance, Kennedy has endorsed the consumption of raw milk, a practice that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns can carry serious health risks.…more

As the world's digital divide widens and our news sources are compromised, the story of Mana newspaper in the 1970s gives hope and inspiration to Pasifika media today.

During the turmoil of the 1970s Dawn Raids era and the Crown's claiming of Māori lands, a group of Māori and Pasifika journalists and activists published a fortnightly newspaper in various Pacific languages to shine a light on the injustices faced by Pacific peoples.

“It’s important that our generations understand, look, and feel what happened in these times and the issues that Pacific people were facing,” says Dr Melanie Anae.

Despite having no budget and facing acute persecution during this infamous era, the passion of the Mana cohort allowed the power of the written word to reach communities when no other media was addressing their needs.

Today, the power of these words and images can be seen in an exhibition at Auckland Museum.

The exhibition showcases Mana’s role in amplifying Māori and Pacific voices and highlights how crucial this was in advocating for social justice and land rights.…more

A new study from the University of Auckland highlights the urgent need for Pacific-led, culturally aligned health practices to address hearing loss among Pacific children—a condition disproportionately affecting Māori and Pacific communities in Aotearoa.

Authored by Tongan researcher Linda Palavi, alongside Dr. Elizabeth Holt and Professor Vili Nosa, the review found that parental involvement is critical to improving outcomes for children with hearing impairments. However, current health services often fall short of meeting the cultural and familial needs of Pacific communities, creating significant barriers to care.

“Pacific parents are the first point of contact for their children’s health,” Palavi explains. “Shifting to family-centred approaches that are tailored to Pacific families will make a real difference.”

The research reveals how poverty, stigma, and cultural beliefs intersect with caregiving practices in Pacific households. Traditional views, including spiritual explanations for hearing loss, still exist but are evolving as families in New Zealand navigate the medical system.

Palavi says, “There’s still a stigma attached to hearing loss, which can stop families from seeking help.…more

Sāmoa’s political landscape remains in flux as FAST party chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt announced on Wednesday the removal of Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa and five Cabinet ministers from the ruling party.

The move follows growing internal divisions, with twenty party members signing a petition for the removal of Fiamē, along with Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio and two original members.

This comes after Fiamē recently dismissed several ministers, including La’auli, who faces criminal charges.

• Mauu Siaosi Puepuemai: Minister for Communication and Information Technology.
• Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua: Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour.
• Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga: Minister for Women, Community and Social Development.
• Niuava Eti Malolo: Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Scientific Research Organisation of Sāmoa.

These appointments follow the dismissal of La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, who faces criminal charges, and three other ministers removed over no-confidence issues.

Leadership and Challenges

During a press conference, Fiamē expressed regret over internal divisions within her FAST party, acknowledging their impact on legislative progress. “There were plans to prepare for amendments in the court’s legislation, electoral laws, and ministry reforms,” she said.…more

January 9, 2025

Severe weather conditions continue to disrupt daily life in Samoa and Fiji as heavy rainfall leads to flooding, landslides, and road closures. Authorities in both countries are urging residents to prioritize safety and remain vigilant.

Samoa: Persistent Rain and Flood Risks

In Samoa, an active convergence zone has brought significant rainfall, gusty winds, and rough seas, with wave heights exceeding 3 meters in some areas. The Samoa Meteorological Service has warned that these conditions are likely to persist through Saturday.

Key Risks:

• Flooding in low-lying areas and along major rivers.
• Landslides in mountainous and hilly regions.
• Hazardous road conditions, including poor visibility and slippery surfaces.
• Rising waterways and pooling along roadsides.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors if possible, and remain alert to weather updates. The next severe weather update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.…more

Over 1,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in Hawke’s Bay have been immunised against measles to protect themselves and their families in the Pacific Islands.

Since August 2024, 1,205 workers from countries including Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu have received the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Nationwide, approximately 2,400 RSE workers have been vaccinated under this initiative, which runs until April 2025.

These vaccinations are crucial for workers, who play a vital role in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while coming from regions with vulnerable healthcare systems.

Past outbreaks, such as the 2019 measles epidemic in Samoa, demonstrate the stakes. That tragedy claimed 83 lives, mostly children, including 14-month-old Peter, the son of Lanuola Von Heiderbrandt. “It’s just not the same without him here,” she shared back in 2019. “He died on White Sunday. He was just gone. He was such a happy baby and always had a smile on his face.”

Devastated, Lanuola dismissed anti-vaccination rhetoric, saying, “Rubbish! Get your vaccinations done.…more

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