Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 12

Asuelu Pula'a from a little village in Falealili, Upolu, Samoa went viral around the world after appearing in the US TV show '90 Day Fiance' Season 6 with his fiance Kalani.

We check in with him to find out how he's enjoying his new life in America! 

Since the last time we caught up with Asuelu, he went on to marry Kalani and they now have two beautiful boys Oliver and Kennedy, but have since run into marriage trouble (yikes!). They feature in the latest '90 Day' spinoff series, '90 Day: The Last Resort', you can check out an exclusive clip here:

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Their first YouTube video takes you back to how they met ...

But it's been rough seas for the couple from the moment they set sail

'90 Day: The Last Resort'  follows couples from hit reality TV show '90 Day Fiancé'  who have hit their breaking points endeavor to revive their relationships. Through a couples retreat, every pair will engage in activities designed to assess the possibility of mending past hurts.…more

VIRGINIA TO'ALEPAI 

President - World Wide Safety Org

Samoan 

I was born and raised in Matautu, but I also had family from Saleimoa.  My Dad came to the States to check out the land of opportunities that we heard so many stories about.  A couple of months later, my Dad came back to Samoa and my siblings and I were sent to America.

Fast forward many years, I worked and networked in the construction industry like never before.  I loved the arena and my ex-husband and I opened our own business.  Unfortunately, our marriage did not last, so I left everything we built together to establish my own empire for my daughters and I.  I left him with $12 to my name & my girls and I had to move back to my parents’ house because I didn’t have the means to make it on our own.  I was determined to make it happen. 

I stepped out in faith and invested in my future by attending meetings, events and other gatherings with leaders in the industry.…more

LUALIMA HANSEN 

AUTHOR / PACIFIC WOMENS REFUGE ADVOCATE

SAMOAN 

I was born in Samoa - Faleasiu, where my mother is originally from, with Irish Grandparents. My father is also from Samoa - Taungamanono, his father is Niuean and hails from Lakepa.

We moved to Auckland, New Zealand as children and we were raised in South Auckland. I am now married to Craig Hansen, we have three beautiful children and have spent 5 1/2 years in Jakarta, Indonesia, in a variety of ministry roles through our local church.

I have just recently published my autobiography book - Grace Brought Me Here. As a survivor of domestic violence, I am in New Zealand promoting it and working with the Pacific Islands Women's Refuge on a fundraiser event, where proceeds from my book launch will go towards supporting this great organization.

I also started an online clothesline business catered for plus size men ranging Size L up to sizes 10xl - The 3Bears Online, which has customers worldwide.…more

EMILY MULI 

SONGWRITER / MUSICIAN, PUBLIC SERVANT & SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE

TONGAN 

Mālō e lelei! I'm a proud ta'ahine of Moana Oceania hailing from the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga. My dad is from the village of Fua'amotu and my mum from the village of Kanokupolu. I was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, and am a songwriter/musician, public servant and social justice advocate. 

You've been opening for Aaradhna on her NZ tour this year - can you tell us how that came about and how you've found it? 
Connections! One of my closest muso brothers has been Aaradhna's keys player since last year, and he called me in February asking if I was keen to be one of her backing vocalists! I definitely did a double take and asked if he was sure (lol), but it was a huge honour.…more

SHAKAIAH PEREZ 

MULTI DIMENSIONAL ARTIST

AFRO POLYNESIAN 

My name is Shakaiah Perez and I am a multi disciplinary artist of Afro Polynesian descent originally from Whanganui but raised in West Auckland. My work as an artist includes visual arts such as videography and photography which is layered with movement, performance and poetry. 

On my mother’s side I am Māori, Tahitian and Marquesan and on my father’s side I am Samoan, Tokelauan, Cape Verdean and Afro Portuguese. My heritage has a major influence on my work as an artist with hopes to encourage and inspire other people of colour by sharing our stories and re-writing the narrative that western society has written about us.…more

BEAU TAKAPU 

FASHION DESIGNER / PROJECT RUNWAY CONTESTANT 

TONGAN 

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I’m a Tongan who actually grew up in the sparkling city streets of San Francisco. I originally studied there, and then journeyed over to New Zealand to continue my studies and to embrace my design work to a new part of the world.  I am 37 and have a very loving fiance Anton, who I am marrying early next year.  Currently I’m working for the New Zealand fashion brand WORLD and am about to venture into a new and confidential opportunity with them.

LEKI JACKSON BOURKE 

Playwright, Writer, Actor, Inaugral emerging Pasifka writer in Residence 

Niuean, Samoan, Tongan 

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TUI EMMA GILLIES 

ARTIST 

TONGAN / KIWI 

I am a full time artist who's favourite canvas to paint on is Tongan tapa cloth. I am a mother of three little humans aged 4, 9 and 10, and a mother to my two dogs and six cats. I grew up in the family home in Manurewa, South Auckland with my only brother. We were raised there by my loving tongan mother and complexed but loving palangi father who built the white picket fence and gate. The home still stands and I always call it home. Nine months ago my husband and I bought a beautiful big home in Kawakawa, Northland moving away from Manurewa and I became a Northlander.…more

FAAMOANA LEILUA 

RUPA National Cultural Leadership Manager & Player Development Manager for the Wallabies

Samoan 

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We originally interviewed Moana a few years ago when she was the Counties Manukau Steeles manager.  Since then she has been appointed RUPA National Cultural Leadership Manager & Player Development Manager for the Wallabies.

RUPA CEO Justin Harrison says:

"Moana Leilua’s appointment as the National Cultural Leadership Manager & Wallabies Player Development Manager is a landmark moment for RUPA in our delivery of support services to players. Moana has an exceptional ability to connect with players and their families to foster their personal growth. Her deep understanding of players' diverse backgrounds and commitment to an inclusive environment make her ideally suited to this inaugural role. Moana embodies the values that drive RUPA forward, and we’re confident her leadership will empower players to thrive both on and off the field."

Moana says:

"O le ala ile pule ole tautua', the pathway to leadership is through service.…more

LEAH PAO 

Retail Manager / Model 

Niuean / Tongan 

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My name is Leah Pao aka the Queen of Tonga aka the Golden Girl. I am a proud descendant of the Pacific and I reign from the islands of Tonga and Niue. I am a retail manager and have recently embarked on my journey as a model. I’m a massive advocate for self love and believe that it is the medicine to heal the world. 

You recently walked NZ Fashion Week for the first time - how was that experience for you?

Walking in NZ fashion week was literally a dream come true. That was the ultimate goal for 2018 and when I walked my first show, I was overwhelmed with emotion because I REALLY DID THAT!!!!  I’m still emotional about it to be honest. Things like this don’t happen for girls like me that often, hence why I’m so emotional.  Not here for the lack of People of Colour but that’s the industry I guess out of all the 100s of models, I literally saw about 4 Pacific Islanders.…more