Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 1

By Lagomauitumua Elizabeth Ah-Hi

In the hush of Oslo’s corridors, far from the lava fields of Savai’i, Samoa, a name surfaced on the world’s most prestigious shortlist: Lelei Tuisamoa Lelaulu, a development entrepreneur focused on peace-building, climate change, oceans, sustainable tourism, and indigenous rights, nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

To many, it came as a quiet surprise. But for those familiar with his trail of work — from the Caribbean to the Pacific, from the United Nations to Indigenous community councils — the honour felt like a long-overdue recognition. It validated not only the work of one man but the quiet wisdom of an entire ocean. 

 In a world that often confuses visibility with influence, Lelei is a rare exception. A proud son of Samoa whose impact has rippled across continents and causes, he has shaped global conversations on peace, climate resilience, Indigenous empowerment, and ethical tourism—not with fanfare, but with thoughtful precision, cultural depth, and purpose.…more

Kali Tuli

Fijian

Singer / Songwriter 

-

Bula, my name is Abigail Tuiqilaqila also known as Kali Tui. Fiji has 300+ island and I am from the the village of Tubou on the Island of Lakeba with maternal links to Nukuloa, Gau, Fiji. Born and raised in Suva and I am proud to be an artist/singer in Fiji's music industry.

Growing up in Fiji is a unique experience. We have under a million in our country's population and I'm blessed to be one of the few who gets to call Fiji home. Being home is always fun and relaxing as we live on "Fiji Time". It was also very humbling to live here as we have many different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures in this country.

Ever since I was little, I've always loved singing for sure.…more

Sela Faletolu-Fasi is a passionate artist, storyteller, and advocate from Christchurch, New Zealand, with roots in Samoa and Tonga.

Her work, particularly "Love; Mum" draws deeply from her personal struggles and triumphs, offering a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, love, forgiveness, and the healing power of sisterhood. 

After a sold-out developmental season in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Love; Mum is currently showing this week at Auckland's The Basement Theatre! We caught up with Writer and Actor Sela Faletolu-Fasi about her work and current show!

Malo Lava Sela - could you please introduce yourself and where you're from?

Talofa lava, my name is Sela Faletolu-Fasi. I am the daughter of the late Reverend Lapana Faletolu (Fasito'outa, Samoa), and Salote Lasei (Fasi Moe Afi, Tonga). I am married to Silivelio Fasi and mum to six beautiful children, Favor (22), Victory (20), Princeton (18), Mercedes (14), Auteletoa (10) and Lapana (7) and we live in Christchurch.

Tell us about Love: Mum - what was the inspiration behind it?

Love; Mum was inspired by a goodbye letter I wrote to my six children in 2023.…more

Adyhana Urika Filifilia

Samoan

Singer / Songwriter / Actor

-

Emerging Samoan vocalist and theatre performer Adyhana Urika Filifilia has decided to take the plunge and release her debut single, 'Anchor'!

From her roots in the performing arts to her journey of finding her voice as a solo musician, she reflects on the personal and cultural influences that shape her sound.

Drawing strength and inspiration from her Samoan heritage. ‘Anchor’ is an insight into her thoughts and feelings as a young Pasefika woman growing up in New Zealand, juggling the complexities of traditions and expectations in parallel with the desire to carve a unique path in this modern world, whilst still remaining grounded in who you are.

A good friend of The Coconet TV, she sits down with us talk about her new single and the exciting new journey ahead.

Alexander Ligairi
Radio / TV Host
Fijian

Hualālai Chung
Actor
Kanaka Maoli

-

Hawaiian actor Hualālai Chung is the voice of Moni, a character that joins Moana on her journey in the franchise's sequel, 'Moana 2.' Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, he carries with him the rich cultural heritage of his Polynesian roots, inspired by his upbringing in a family of performers and entertainers.

Hualālai shares his passion for storytelling, especially through film and music, and his desire to represent Pasifika cultures and share their stories with the world.

-

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. My parents were both performers and avid entertainers in our local industry here, so I grew up throughout Waikīkī, running around all the different showrooms and entertainment venues. It was when I was a child that I knew I wanted to be a performer, specifically a Sāmoan fire knife dancer.

Fire knife dancing has been an immense passion of mine, eventually expanding my horizons into acting and music as I got older.…more

SEPI TO'A

TONGAN/FIJIAN

ACTRESS 

Could you please introduce yourself and your Pacific Heritage

Malo le lei, my name is Sepiutaruth To’a known as Sepi To’a and I am proudly Tongan
and Fijian. On my mothers side, we come from Mua Tatakamotonga in Tonga and on
my fathers side we come from Lau Lakemba in Fiji.

Where did you grow up?

This question is always so interesting for me to reminisce on as we have lived in so
many places. Born in South Auckland, younger years in Laotoka Fiji before we flew to
the middle of the dessert - Cloncurry QLD Australia. Made our way up the coast to
Darwin in the NT living on a houseboat to Toowoomba up in the mountains before
choosing to reside near the beach in Brisbane QLD and now a full circle back in
Auckland Aoteoroa.…more

JUNE POTIFARA

MUSICAL THERAPIST

SAMOAN

-

This year, Music Therapy New Zealand celebrates a significant milestone: 50 years of music therapy practice in Aotearoa. Samoan Musical Therapist June Potifara shares more about her journey into the industry.

Could you please introduce yourself and your Pacific Heritage  

Malo le soifua maua, ma le lagi e mamā. My name is June Potifara. I am of Samoan heritage, hailing from the villages of Falease’ela, Lefaga, and Sapunaoa, Falealili, but was born and nurtured here in Aotearoa. Therefore, I acknowledge the whenua and extend my gratitude to the tangata whenua whose mātauranga and tikanaga have enriched my upbringing.  

Where did you grow up?  

I grew up in the home of the brave, Otara in Tāmaki Makaurau. What I consider the heart of the Pacific, here in Aotearoa.  

For those who don't know, could you please tell us about your work in Music Therapy?  

My current work is within the disability and adult mental health sectors.…more

CAROL AGAFILI

CRICKET PLAYER / CRICKET DEVELOPMENT

OFFICER SAMOAN 

- What is your Pacific Heritage? - I am full Samoan.

My mum is from Sili Savai’i and Dad is from Sala’ilua. 

 - Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mangere and Manurewa. I went to Wiri Central School, a primary and intermediate school in Manurewa. Then I went to McAuley High School where I finished in 2020. The end of 2020 was that start of my cricket journey.  

 - Did you grow up playing kilikiti? 

Yes I grew up playing Kilikiki with my dad. I always attended his team training and games because I enjoyed watching and then eventually started playing for Ao Atua and G.I.  

Kilikiki was not just another sport for me, it was where we all got together and enjoyed the sport we love to play.…more