Coco Talanoa — Coco News / Page 2

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

All FAST Party MPs voted against the HRPP motion of a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who has now successfully survived a motion of no confidence in the Samoan Parliament.

34 parliamentary members voted against the motion of no confidence, and 15 voted in support of the motion, allowing her to retain her position. 

ce motion was put forward by the Opposition, prompted by a split in the ruling FAST Party, which saw Fiame leading a minority government.

In a shock move on Tuesday March 25th, FAST members voted alongside Fiame's faction to register a resounding defeat against opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi's motion, which was granted a hearing in parliament by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.…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

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