Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 10

‘AHOTA’E’ILOA TOETU’U

ARTIST & ART TEACHER 

TONGAN 

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KEZIA SALANOA 

FILM STUDENT 

SAMOAN / SWISS / ITALIAN 

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Talofa, Bonjour! My name is Kezia Salanoa, I’m 22 years old and I come from Samoa. I was born in Switzerland. My dad is full Samoan from Falefa and my mum is afatasi Swiss and Italian. I am the second of three girls and I am currently living in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Most FAQ is do you wish you grew up in Europe? And honestly, no. Im so thankful to have been raised in the Samoan culture and environment, not neglecting my palagi side (which I love just as much), I just love that I have the fa’a Samoa with me anywhere I go. I guess I can say I have the best of both worlds.

My parents met in Honolulu, Hawaii through YWAM (Youth With a Mission) they were both in missions ministries helping with the Hawaiian community, the homeless and users. After a few months and mango picking, they fell in love.…more

TOVIA VA'AELUA 

COUNTRY MANAGER, RHIPE NZ (THE CLOUD CHANNEL COMPANY & CHAIRPERSON OF PASIFIKA IN IT

SAMOAN 

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I was born in Sagafili, Samoa and had four siblings but moved with only three of them to NZ because immigration laws back then limited migrant families to no more than four children. We lived in Grey Lynn like most but then moved to Avondale to be closer to dad’s work – hence all the schools we attended were there. My mum is from Falelatai which explains why I have the titles I do and dad came from Lalomalava. Our family has always been in law enforcement and I was preparing to enter but was told by my father and brother that I wasn’t allowed because it would “change” me. And I had already graduated with a Major in Education and realized I wasn’t inspiring enough to be a teacher, so I shifted to technology.

What were the pathways that led you to what you're doing now?

This crazy palagi woman (whom I still love dearly to this day – e.g.…more

THOR LOPINI KATOA 

ENTREPRENEUR & BUSINESS OWNER 

TONGAN 

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My name is Thor Katoa. I was born in Guam, but was raised in St.George, Utah. I come from a large family, with 8 brothers and 1 sister. I am full Tongan and am currently on track to earn my Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Communications from Oregon State University. In addition to being enrolled at OSU, my father and I have started our own business.

Can you tell us about the business you own and why it's unique?  

Yes, my father and I are business owners of a CBD (Cannibidiol) company, CBD IVI , which is based in the U.S. (Oregon). Polynesian CBD focuses on Hemp derived products. However, the difference between us and other CBD companies, is that we’ve chosen a more unique path by adding an “island twist” to our product line (Island “smells” & tastes: ex. Coconut, pineapple, mango etc.)

We're also doing some product development with Kava at the moment too.…more

JOHANNA SETEFANO 

HEAD GIRL OF ST CUTHBERTS COLLEGE 

SAMOAN 

Talofa lava! My name is Johanna Iutita Talitha Setefano meaning “Gracious Gift of the Lord” and I am the eldest daughter of Rev. Dr Imoa and Amelia Setefano. I was born right here in Aotearoa New Zealand and spent a large amount of my childhood moving back and forth from Malua Theological College in Samoa. My dad is from the villages of Fasito’o Tai, Vaivase Tai and Palauli and my mum is from the villages of Afega and Vailele in Samoa. I come from a strong Christian family with 3 brothers and 1 sister that are devoted to God and a current member of Papatoetoe Congregational Christian Church of Samoa.

I am currently a Year 13 student and also humbling enough the Head Girl of St Cuthberts College for 2019. It’s such a privilege to be able to attend the top secondary school in NZ all thanks to my parents and my Year 7 teacher, Mr Theunisen (Mr T)  who shared a vision that I attend the best school available.…more

FAUMUI PENELOPE GINNEN  

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE 

SAMOAN 

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What does your recent appointment of District Court Judge mean for you?

I am so honoured to have been appointed. I am proud to be following the path that has been trail blazed by inspirational Samoan women like Judge Ida Malosi, the first Samoan woman judge in New Zealand; and Justice Mata Tuatagaloa, the first Samoan woman Judge in Samoa. Both of these women have shown the power of combining a sharp legal mind with a true heart for our people.  Our countries will be well served if I am able to successfully model myself on their example.

What will it mean for pacific communities to have another pacific judge?

I feel affirmed, that the work that has been important to me throughout my career has been recognised as important in this role: the wellbeing of children, social justice, indigenous rights and responsibilities, fighting inequity. I have had the loveliest messages celebrating my appointment. I am struck by how connected Pacific people are.…more

SIAKI FEKITOA NA'A JR aka SIAKI SI'I 

ACTOR/DANCER/MODEL/SINGER & EVENT HOST 

TONGAN 

INDIRA STEWART 

JOURNALIST / BREAKFAST ON ONE's NEWSREADER

TONGAN / FIJIAN 

Indira Stewart has taken her new role as a Breakfast on One newsreader with both hands and made it her own - we love the Pacific flavour that she brings to breakfast television and having a hard hitting Pacific Journalist leading key interviews.

Watch the full interview below, click the square at the bottom of the screen to bring it up full screen - 

VINCE HARDER 

SINGER / SONG WRITER / MUSICIAN / ARTIST 

SAMOAN 

I was born and raised in West Auckland and lived there for the first half of my school life.…more

LUKE AIONO 

BRUNO MARS' GUITARIST 

SAMOAN 

I grew up in Long Beach, California.  My parents were musicians so music has always been a big part of my life.  They're both Samoan, born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand but they migrated to California in the 80s.  I started taking classical piano lessons at 6 until I switched to guitar in high school and taught myself from then on out. I played a lot in LA clubs/jam sessions during and after high school and shortly thereafter got asked to play for Kenny Lattimore + Chante Moore as well as the hip hop artist Nas.…more