Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 11

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

TONGAN / FIJIAN 

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

ALI FOA'I 

ACTOR/WRITER 

NIUEAN / TUVALUAN / TOKELAUAN & AMERICAN SAMOA

Fakaalofa lahi atu, Taloha ni, Talofa, Kia ora, Asalaam alykum!

I am Ali Foa’i and I am an actor slash writer born and raised in West Auckland, currently residing in Te Aro, Wellington. I am Niuean, Tuvaluan, Tokelauan and American Samoan, a proud child of the Pacific.

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You're currently in rehearsals for the show 'MoodPorn' can you tell us a bit about it and why you were attracted to the role?

MoodPorn (showing at Bats Theatre, Wellington April 23-May 4) is a brand new play by Wellington based Filipino writer Matthew Loveranes about two old uni friends catching up one night and spilling secrets and drama! It’s very melodramatic but anchored in a hypnotically poetic and modern script. My character Atlas is a migrant to New Zealand, his family moving for a better life which as a PI I could relate to.…more

Fa'afetai "Tai" Fa'aleava 

Doctor of Psychology

Samoan 

The last time we spoke to Tai Faaleava, he was still a student working towards his Psy.D (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) in 2016. Since then, Tai Faaleava has become Dr Tai Faaleava, and he has continued his work as a Psychologist within Prisons.

In a recent chat, Dr Faaleava shared how his personal journey shapes the impact he has on clients, especially in a prison setting.

When Dr Faaleava walks into his therapy sessions with his patients, he takes with him his cultural values. The Samoan Psychologist believes that before even drawing from his learnings from University, he starts with Fa’aaloalo (Respect) Loto maulalo (Humility) and Tautua (Service)

“We can all be taught the same thing. I sat in the same classes as every other psychologist that came to my school but the difference in how we impact lives depends on how we deliver services”

Dr Faaleava fondly recalls sessions with Samoan inmates where he has been able to connect with them on a personal level through the language.…more

Emmanuel “E-MAN” Carlos 

Pro Boxer

Samoan / Cook Islands 

Kia Orana, Talofa and G’day CoconetTV fans.

It's an absolute honour to share a little insight about myself, my life and my journey so far.  My name is Emmanuel Carlos and I'm 26 years old. I was born in Sydney, Australia but now living in Melbourne, Victoria.  My father is Samoan, from the village of Sogi (Chan Chuni) and my mother is Cook Islander (Vakatini). Everyone is always misled by my surname Carlos, and always mistake my background with anything but Polynesian. The Carlos name comes from my step grandfather who is Spanish.

I was born and raised here in Australia. I'm what you call an Aussie. Even though I was born in Oz, I am very proud of my pacific heritage and culture. 

I'm a professional boxer, my current record is 10 fights - 9 wins with 7 knockouts. The one loss was against Junior World IBF Champion Dwight Ritchie a fight I took on a week and a half notice.…more