Coco Talanoa — Events / Page 3

Watch the live coverage of the 2023 Fautasi Races from Apia, Samoa.

In the end, Tolotolo o le Tamauli from Savaii became the winners of this year's  fautasi regatta to celebrate Samoa's year-long 60th Independence anniversary. 

Don Bosco Segavao came in second place, Telefoni o le Vainuu in third, Little Rina was fourth and Marist in fifth place.

By Honestine Pa'ala-Fraser 

The Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK) held their very first in-person talanoa in downtown Los Angeles on May 4. The talanoa, which was sponsored by Amazon Studios, featured panelists across the entertainment industry: actor Uli Latukefu, writer and PEAK co-founder Dana Ledoux Miller, filmmaker Kerry Warkia, and writer Freddie Gutierrez, moderated by PEAK co-founder Kristian Fanene Schmidt as they reflected on the future of Pasifika storytelling in Hollywood. 

PEAK is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California whose mission is to uplift and support the Pasifika community within the entertainment industry and 'expand Pasifika entertainment so that our creatives can thrive, evolve, and drive innovative storytelling that honors the richness and diversity across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.'

“All Pasifika cultures come from oral tradition. Before we had a written language it was storytelling, and it was dance,” PEAK board member Averie Joy Maikalima O Makua Huffine shared with the CoconetTV.

“And the version of keeping that alive today is putting it on television and film. And that's how we're going to preserve these things.…more

Our Fresh host Shimpal Lelisi takes us around Hamilton 7s to check out the crowds, costumes and chat to some of the players.

Its a bitter sweet goodbye as this tournament in Hamilton is the final World Series event held in Aotearoa. Fans show up not only for their teams but to say ka kite to the beloved event!

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Keepin It Fresh brings you all the freshness happening in our Moana communities, from Cultural Festivals to Pacific Concerts.

The Toa Samoa, Manu Samoa 7s boys & the Commonwealth Games medallist’s were officially welcomed home and celebrated in Apia, Samoa on the 29th December 22 with a parade down the main street of Apia ending at the government building. People of all ages from all corners of the island covered the front of the Government Building and roads in the town center to show their love. Chants starting in the largest crowds shouting “685 to the world”.

NRL and Toa Samoa star Brian To'o married his beautiful bride Sala-Moesha Crichton on Thursday the 8th of December 2022 in Sydney, Australia.

Panthers and Toa Samoa team mates Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu as well as Panthers & Fiji Bati International Sunia Turuva were among Brians groomsmen with Jarome Luai on Best Man duties and Stephen's girlfriend Leone Lauafia was one of Sala's bridesmaids.

Guests included Panthers team mates Taylan May, Tyrone May, Nathan Cleary, Izack Tago, Liam Martin, Matt Eisenhuth and coach Ivan Cleary.

Congratulations to the happy couple! 

Wedding and reception video (below) live streamed by Paula Moimoi Latu

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Wedding reception celebration of Mr & Mrs Brian & Sala-Moesha To'o 

Toa Samoa fans and supporters at Mangere Town Centre in South Auckland celebrating their teams historic campaign at the Rugby League World Cup even after a loss.

Celebrations continued after the grand final for these sons of Samoa whose impact on this Rugby League World Cup and the game itself is undeniable.

It’s just the beginning … 🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ On Air

The final Rugby League World Cup jersey presentation for the Toa Samoa boys ahead of the Grand Final at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday 20th November (NZT).

Samoan Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio were in attendance and the Honourable Fiame opened up the formalities with a speech before the boys were presented with their jerseys.  "SAMOA IS NOT A COUNTRY. SAMOA IS AIGA" she shared.

Great to see family members were able to make the trip up to support the boys for the historic occasion.

"Negative body image is a big issue with our young women & with this exhibition we hope to do our part in empowering our young girls to love what they look like no matter what shade of brown, shape, size they are, imperfections & to celebrate their unique features. They are Polynesian Queens" - Sisters United.

The 'Brown & Beautiful' exhibition is currently on at the Fresh Gallery in Otara until next Saturday the 19th of November & celebrates the natural beauty of our Pasifika young women, their different shades of brown skin and varied shapes and sizes.…more

For the first time since 2018, Pasifika Film Fest is back for a fully in person program at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta with events also taking place across the park, at Arts and Cultural Exchange, Parramatta, from the 24th to 27th November.

To see what films are showing and to buy tickets, go to the Pasifika Film Fest website plus keep an eye out on their social media pages for updates.

In the meantime check out the trailer above.

Enjoy highlights from the F.I.N.E Festivals opening fiafia night at the Mangere Arts Centre showcasing Pasifika LGBTQI+, MVPFAFF+ performing artists.

The festival itself ran over 3 days and was run by F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust celebrating Pasifika rainbow and queer communities.

F.I.N.E festival featured a series of workshops, facilitating a space to exchange knowledge with the wider community, while also giving artists an opportunity to creatively tell their stories.

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Credits

Director - Shimpal Lelisi 

Camera Operator - Mary-Lou Raela 

Sound Operator & Editor - Sefa Taouma