Laura Tupou is a new addition to the Pacific faces fronting Prime Time TV
Tongan journalist Laura Tupou is the new face of TV3 popular show 'The Project NZ' making her one of several Pacific people fronting prime time TV in Aoearoa!
Taking over while Maori co host Kanoa Lloyd is on maternity leave, Laura says "I’m really excited to be part of a team where we share our thoughts and opinions on air. It means people get to hear differing views and my opinion is just as important as the next hosts’, and sometimes more so depending on the topic. This is important for us because we have a real opportunity to speak up and offer an authentic view that is ours and isn’t always heard."
"Pasifika faces mean we’re at the table and our voices are present. For me, having more Pasifika faces in mainstream media strengthens our stories, people’s understanding of our culture, and our presence in Aotearoa. We’re capable, competent and we have something to say" Laura added.
She isn't the only brown face fronting on kiwi screens, fellow Tongan journalist Indira Stewart has brought a whole new dimension of diversity to TV1's Breakfast where she reads the news and participants on the weekly panel talanoas.
Indira, who has made a splash on several different news platforms from The Coconet TV, Tagata Pasifika and RNZ, is a source of pride and inspiration for many Pacific people who turn on the tele in the morning to be greeted by her.
She's also caused a stir wearing her natural hair while presenting on the Breakfast show.
"I've got this platform and while I'm up here saying hey, I'm representing our Pacific community, it's integrity to look like my community, to embrace the women that look like they do in my own community instead of trying to look like other women or a white, western beauty perception" she stated in the video below
Cook Islands reporter Star Kata is also representing in primetime with her role on TV1's 'Fair go' programme.
For Star being in the space represents a siesmic shift for NZ audiences.
Much loved Samoan on screen, Daniel Faitaua is also our Breakfast correspondant based in London - the first time a Pacific person has held this important international role. He sits down with 'Fair Go' co-host and presenter Pippa Wetzell who few know is actually part Samoan.
They talk about being Pacific on mainstream TV here
We also have Tongan journalist Matt Manukia and Cook Islands/Samoan Sky Sports presenter and 1st XV Rugby host Taylah Johnson who are representing in the sports arena reporting on Sports for 1 News and Sky TV respectively.
