Coco Talanoa — Events / Page 12

We were privileged to be able to attend TWO screenings of MOANA within a few days of each other in two different countries.

We were in Sydney for the NRL Pacific Leadership Camp which was attended by players of Pacific Island descent chosen by their clubs as being leaders or potential leaders.  

On Saturday night the boys were involved in a Community Outreach near the Entertainment Headquarters where they hung out with fans, taught them a clap to march to and then did a mass Mannequin Challenge outside the theatre.  

Everyone was then treated to a special preview screening of MOANA which was put on by Pasifika Film Fest and partners.  Thanks to everyone in attendance the #PFFMoana hashtag was the number 2 trending hashtag in Australia!  

Check out some of the videos and more pics from the event here on our Facebook page.  

Special thanks to Nigel Vagana, the NRL Welfare & Education team and our friends at Pasifika Film Fest for an awesome night.…more

"Encourage, Inspire, Empower. Our Mission & Vision Statement". Rebecca Va'ai (Co-Founder & Director of SUPA) writes about their successful end of year shows. 

Over 300 Students were part of our SUPA -SAINTZUP Performing Arts Trust After School Programme in South & Central West Auckland for 2016. What an amazing year we've had. We are also based in Glen Eden Int, Kelston Int, Bruce McLaren Int, Rise Up Academy & Gladstone School providing Performing Arts Programmes. 

On Sunday we held two End Of Year Shows at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau for both our Programmes. The theatre was SOLD OUT and filled with parents, grandparents, families & friends supporting all their SUPAStars. We're all about providing an opportunity and platform for ALL our young people to display their creativity. 

The potential is there, we are here to unlock all those beautiful treasures they have inside of them. Now, we don't promise that EVERY child that walks through our doors is going to be the next big thing, we know there are some students that will continue into the Music & Arts Industry.…more

Last night on Karangahape Road, the First Thursdays event was in full effect. For the first time, all things Pasifika were incorporated in the form of Coconut Grove, a celebration of music, dance, culture, crafts and food. It was refreshing to see K-road alive with the Pasifika community, socializing with friends and family and enjoying the performances.

Not only was Coconut Grove a celebration of our beautiful culture, it was also commemorating the Polynesian Panthers 45th birthday. Manuia lou aso fanau!

The evening began with a karakia and a special mention to the White Ribbon and Free West Papua campaigns. A Samoan dance group from Southern Cross in Mangere then kept the crowds entertained with songs and dance. 

Inside were craft stalls! Some of our favorites were jewellery made from recycled plastic bags, and hand crocheted clothing.

The evening was a fresh and vibrant display of island culture. Keep an eye out for our official Coconet story coming soon!

Coco Congrats to the winners of the 2016 Prime Minister's Youth Awards!  The success of these young Pacific New Zealanders were celebrated at the awards last night at Parliament.

Winners were as follows: - 

Air NZ Leadership & Inspiration                                  Josiah Tavita Tualamali'i, 21 yrs, Christchurch

Auckland Council Community Star Award                  Emma Takataka, 21 yrs, Otara 

AKO Aotearoa STEM Award                                        James Penfold, 20 yrs, Dannemora, Auckland 

GCSB STEM Award                                                        Roneima Teumohenga, 18 yrs, Palmerston North 

Creative NZ Arts & Creativity Award                           Jahra Wasasala, 24 yrs, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 

BNZ Commercial & Corporate Award                         Manako Nemaia, Auckland 

NZIS Sports & Fitness Award                                     Ayesha Leti-I'iga, 17 yrs, Porirua 

                                                                                         Mafutaga Tau, 18 yrs, Porirua 

Deloitte Business & Enterprise Award                       Sanita Betham, 18 yrs, Wellington 

Jahra Wasasala with her Prime Ministers Pacific Youth Creative NZ Arts & Creativity Award.

Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Liga says the awards recognise exellence and achievement in commerce, the arts, sports, community and leadership.

"The nine inspiring winners have been recognised for their impressive contributions to New Zealand's economic, social and cultural life.  These inspiring young people are role models for all New Zealanders.…more

Last night’s Vodafone NZ Music Awards saw many of our amazing Pacific artists take out awards in competitive categories. HUGE congrats to these artists on their contribution to New Zealand music. Here are our Pacific winners!

Kings - Breakthrough Artist of the Year

Sole Mio – Highest Selling album

Aaradhna – Best Female Solo Artist

Unity Pacific – Best Roots Album

SWIDT – Best  Urban Hip Hop Album

Fat Freddy's Drop - International Achievement 

Kings with his Tui for Breakthrough artist of the Year 

Now to touch on some of our observations from last night.

Best Urban/Hip Hop Album of 2016 – Won Initially by Aaradhna, re-awarded to SWIDT.

‘Urban’, what does this actually mean? Why was the only Hip Hop category paired with the word ‘Urban’? Hip Hop music in New Zealand is an explosive and creatively rich genre, that is more than capable of standing alone without this word.…more

Samoa's 5th annual GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) conference comes to a close this morning and as they go back to their villages they have been challenged to think about their own development as leaders.

72 lucky Year 7 and 8 girls from Savai'i, Upolu and Manono came together at Papauta College for the five day conference which started on Tuesday.  The girls heard from speakers on issues related to career development, health, nutrition and domestic violence awareness.

Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson from Conservation International was one of the speakers at GLOW and discussed the environment in the girls world.

"The GLOW conference improves from year to year and this year brought together some amazing, intelligent young girls from Savaii and Upolu. I was exactly like one of those girls having grown up in Savaii and gone to StTheresas Primary School, so I have a great appreciation for the type of exposure these programmes give young girls.…more

"Learning to be your true, authentic self in a world where conformity is the mode of acceptance.  Be you, Be Brave."

FrancMarie was founded on the talents and dreams of its’ Head Designer Frankie Lolohea, a burgeoning designer with an eye for design and a desire to introduce a new aesthetic to the world of fashion.

Frankie Lolohea at her 'We The Brave' show at 1885

She recently showcased her 2nd collection at 1885 in Britomart.  The collection aimed to encourage ownership and celebration of ones' quirks and differences in a world where conformity is the mode of acceptance.  

Since her debut last year she has since gone on to style and create individual pieces for a range of clients including Auckland-based DJ/FRANCMARIE model DJ Al’Goodie and most recently, SWIDT who proclaimed themselves 'Best Dressed' at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards dressed in FrancMarie! 

SWIDT wearing Francmarie at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards 

She debuted her first collection last year at Ludus Magnus and dedicated it to her Dad.…more

Hosts Dominic Nimo & Moemoana Schwenke are Keepin it Coco at the 3rd annual Pasifika Film Festival in Parramatta Sydney!

Join them as they rock the red carpet on opening night & chat to some of our Pacific celebs! 

Credits:

DOP & Editor - Danny Aumua 

Talent - Dominic Nimo & Moemoana Schwenke 

Suggested Links:

Pasifika Film Fest 2015

Adorn 'Tales of the Teine Sa' Trailer 

A whole weekend dedicated to Pasifika film saw some of the OGs of our fledgling industry engage with 10 young scriptwriters to help them hone their craft.

"Just the luxury of being able to spend time with these guys that we've always looked up to is so inspiring for me..These guys are our giants that we stand on.." said MIT student Gabriel Faatau'uu.

From Samoan astronauts to old skool legends, drama and urban Pacific realities - the 10 scripts chosen for the writing lab saw many exciting new scenarios being presented for development.

Sima Urale who was described as our 'Jane Campion' talked about the huge difference in film making today and the many new pathways availble for creative ideas.

One of these includes The Coconet TV as a platform for films to be played out online.

Over two days young writers had intensive script time with experienced filmmakers who talked about the many trials and tribulations of making their own work.

One common issue with writers, was being typecast as 'Pacific filmmakers' expected to tell certain types of stories.…more

Fashion, Style, Creativity & Polyswag in full effect on this Pacific Runway ....

Credit:  Camera & Edit Danny Aumua 

Suggested Links:  

Pacific Fusion Fashion Show 

Fresh hosted by Krit & Diamond Langi