WANTOK -'One Talk' is a gathering of Melanesian artists, who explore the spiritual and symbolic nature of hair

"We are taking ownership over ourselves, our bodies, our stories, and telling them ourselves." – Reina Sutton. 

Curated by Luisa Tora, the show acts as a voice to empower and amplify the artists’ stories. “This conversation about hair is one we've all had at some point, with family, with friends, with complete strangers. I think people with curly hair stand on the front line in the battle against othering and attempts to control brown bodies.” – Luisa Tora.

Nine Melanesian female artists based in Australia and Aotearoa, contributed the high impact works, commenting on the power and the colonisation of Pacifica women's hair in different ways.

‘Black Birds’ members Emele Ugavule and Ayeesha Ash opened the morning with a performance in the gallery space. “It was important for us to be a voice for those who’ve lived outside of Fiji because that’s our lived experience and it’s a valid one, just as valid as those who do live back in Fiji.…more

We're keepin it Fresh at One Love Festival with Charlie Pome'e from Three Houses Down! 

Keepin it Fresh down in Gisborne at East Coast Vibes! 

Tofiga and Nua got amongst it with the supporters at the Mate Ma'a Tonga vs Toa Samoa game at the Rugby League World Cup last year.

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Credits:

Director - Shimpal Lelisi 

Camera Operator - Darry Laumua 

Sound Operator - Marcus Lawson 

Talent - Tofiga Fepulea'i & Nua Finau 

New York, London, Paris, Ōtara, Milan - High fashion lives here.

The Otara Town Centre was transformed to fashion central for the Pacific Fusion Fashion Showcase and created the perfect stage in the heart of South Auckland for emerging Pacific and Maori designers to showcase their fabulous designs.

Event Director Nora Swann said of the event "Some people found it hard to picture a sold-out high-end fashion event in Ōtara, let alone it being a runway down the middle of the Town Centre. We were always confident that we could do it and that we would find designers and an audience who would want to attend. We know the talent is out there and we hoped our community would support it. This just goes to show that yes, high fashion lives here".

Hosted by former Miss Samoa Latafale Auva'a, the showcase included entertainment from Ura Tabu/PIPA and Otara's own Giant Killa with other Groovehouse artists, Exit Four 44, Pascal Roggen and Aleisha Wallabh Smith.…more

Keepin it Fresh at Barbercraft 2017! 

Barbers from around New Zealand were out in force to showcase their skills in demonstrations & battles.

The 2 day event also included an industry preview for barbers & others in the hair & beauty industry.

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Credits:  

Director & Editor:  Aaron Taouma

Camera Operators:  Fa'anati Mamea 

Sound Operator:  David Green 

Highlights from One Love Festival 2017 in Tauranga ...

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Director/Editor:  Mario Faumui 

Camera Operators:  Darryl Laumua, Jared Leith & Lizie Koroivulaono 

Sound:  Nate Leith & Marcus Lawson 

Researcher:  Olly Coddington 

Production Manager:  Natasha Panui-Morris 

Producer:  Lisa Taouma 

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Thank You:

Pato Alvarez 

Bernadette Talanoa 

Shantelle Mahia 

Daz finds out what everyones festival essentials are & helps them with a bit of Jandal DIY

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Director:  Shimpal Lelisi 
Editor:  Jared Leith 
Camera Operators:  Adrian McBirney 
Sound:  David Green 
Sound Assistant:  Sefa Taouma 
Talent:  Darryl Laumua 
Researcher:  Olly Coddington 

The Kingdom of Tonga held its annual Miss Heilala pageant this past week with the grand ball & crowning of this years Miss Heilala/Tonga.

Miss Heilala 2016, Laura Lauti completed her final duties this week with the girls and handed over the crown to the winner.

16 girls from Tonga, Australia, New Zealand & the USA were vying for the crown.

Congratulations to Miss Apraxus New Zealand - Opehilia Kava who has been crowned Miss Heilala this year.  

She will now go on to represent Tonga at Miss Pacific Islands.

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BALL GOWN PHOTOS 

LAURA's FINAL WALK 

PLACINGS

MISS HEILALA 2017 - Ophelia Kitiliti Kava