Coco Talanoa — Events / Page 12

Ei katu's or Head Lei's/Garlands seemed to be the popular head adornment of the day.

Check out some of the different designs on display down at Polyfest today ...

Great Poly talent threw it down in the ring last night for Canteen at the Cloud with support from well known artists and entertainers.

Our very own Tofiga Fepulea'i put his Aunty Tala dress away & took on MC duties with ring master Jared Turner.

22 individuals from all walks of life had trained and fundraised for the last few months which culminated with them stepping into the ring last night in 11 corporate boxing matches.

Supporters and spectators were also treated to 3 Professional exhibition matches which included Kickboxer & MMA fighter Genah Fabian.

Genah along with Ritchie Hardcore and Rod Mcswain had also helped with the training, preparation and corner support for each of the corporate matches as well.

Throughout the night there were also performances by Boh Runga, General Fiyah, Kings & Stan Walker with an outstanding 3 course meal designed by celebrity chefs Michael Meredith & Aaron Freeman.

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More highlights & behind the scenes shots from the night below ....

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Suggested Links:  

Humans of the Islands - Gabrielle Solomona 

Humans of the Islands - Genah Fabian 

Last night the Pasifika Film Fest opened in Auckland and our Pacific community came out to support the inaugral event which was held at the Queen Street Event Cinemas.

They were treated to performances by the Groovehouse Family & Fine Fatale and were welcomed Hawai'ian style into the theatre by Hawai'an dance group 'Aruna' before watching the opening night feature - "Kumu Hina", a film about a transgender Hawaiian teacher who inspires a girl to lead the school's male hula troupe. 

Pasifika Film Fest Founder and Director Kalo Fainu notes, “The festival exists as a platform for storytellers of Pacific & Maori heritage to share their films on the big screen and to have the opportunity to have their art seen by large audiences. The PFF initiative is a place for the community to celebrate & take part in the diverse cultures of Oceania”.

Passionate about the Pacific community, NRL Wellbeing and Education Manager and Festival Co-Director Nigel Vagana adds, “It has been an awesome journey the last few years. I am really excited to bring it to NZ especially my hometown, Auckland.…more

Last Saturday night saw the official launch of the Goebel Sisters organisation 'Sisters United' at the Palace Dance Studios in Auckland, New Zealand.

Kendal the eldest of the Goebel sisters started 'Sisters United' to combat the negative effects of bullying, low self-esteem, negative body image and cultural disconnection.  'Sisters United' were given the Vodafone 'World of Difference' award and with the support of the Vodafone Foundation they are building a crew of Young Queens who have the confidence, passion & skills to achieve their dreams.    

The 3 Goebel sisters - Kendal, middle sister Narelle & youngest sister  Parris - introduced the family based organisation and shared with those that attended, their vision & the different programmes that would be offered through 'Sisters United' 

Narelle spoke first and touched on what 'Sisters United' is and what they hoped the young women would get out of the program.  

"Sisters United is a family based organisation embedded in South Auckland providing exciting, fresh and creative programs and services to Young Women aged 14-21.…more

The 2nd annual 'Oka Festival' took place in early December last year in Beautiful Samoa. 

It was a great day out to see local aspiring chefs compete together - Horace Evans owner of Home Cafe & Joe Lam owner of Scalini's Restaurant (& organisers of the Oka Fest) break down the criteria for judging and why you should put it in your calendar this year! 

The competition requires participating restaurants to submit a team of 3 that will compete in 3 separate categories, coconut husking and milking, tuna filleting and Oka making, using local ingredients to create one unique Oka dish.

Credit:

Director/Editor: Mario Faumui
Cam Op: Dazzlombard
Sound Op: Wilhelm Voigt
Researcher: Lizie Koroivulaono

Thank You:

Samoa Tourism Association

Taumeasina Island Resort

Samoa Culinary Association

Joe Lam

Horace Evans

Home Café

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