Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 18

Jennifer Amosa

Curve Model

Samoan 

I'm Jennifer Amosa, I work as a receptionist and pull double time as a single parent. In between all that I represent a lot of plus size women as a curve model here in Melbourne. 

When/How did you realise you wanted to pursue modelling?

I was lucky to attend an audition for a fashion show where they were looking for plus size women to model in their runway show. That was four years ago and I've been lucky to keep going and be involved with photo shoots and fashion shows. Also expanding my knowledge in fashion and meeting other curve models has been a great journey.

What has it been like being the first Polynesian curve model in Melbourne?

I feel like I'm holding a trophy and saying a speech when asked this question haha but on a serious note, I love it!!!  Representing diversity is what I like, especially when I step out onto the runway or when I see the final pics from a photo-shoot.…more

Sionlelei (Sina) Mario

Assistant Programmes Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat 

Rotuma, Fiji Islands

Tell us a bit about yourself - What you do / Where you're from / Your Island heritage

I hail from the beautiful islands of Fiji and I am of Rotuman descent. My parents are from the villages of Juju and Noa’tau in Rotuma, where my mother was born and raised. My biological father is Rotuman with Tavueni links and so I have a mixture of Fiji Rotuman culture and tradition. I am the second generation in Fiji, following the shift from my grandparents to seek a brighter future for the generations ahead. I was born and raised in Suva and so have always called Fiji my home.

 In terms of culture, I identify myself with being a modern Fiji Rotuman and this has in turn shaped my social persona and outlook on life and those around me.…more

Shiva’s story begins on the island of Fiji, in the poverty stricken Ba. He grows up to become a kind, conscious, and intelligent man who’s dedicated his life to humanitarian aid across the globe. It’s no coincidence that his upbringing has influenced his direction in life, as well as his drive to make a meaningful difference. Here he shares his story, from humble beginnings to big ambitions – all in the hope of creating a better world for people in vulnerable situations.

I’m one of four boys brought onto this planet by Sada and Kamla Gounden. I’m an identical twin (though our visions of humanity is the one and the same, our lifestyles and paths to that goal is completely different). My name is Shiva Gounden and I am a human first, Fiji born Indian next and fortunate now to be an Australian.

I lived 15 years of my life in Fiji, completing Primary schooling in the town of Lautoka but originally and proudly a product of poverty stricken villages in Ba (Wailailai and Navoli).…more

John Belford-Lelaulu

Architect

Samoan 

I am an Architectural Graduate from Unitec's school of Architecture. I am a New Zealand born Samoan, raised in various parts of Auckland but matured into who I am in South Auckland. My parents, at separate times, moved (from Samoa) to New Zealand, the world of milk and honey, in search for a life of prosper. 

When/How did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in architecture? 

I attended De La Salle College where my passion for architecture began. I vividly recall running home one day after school in third form inspired by a speech by 'Electric Technology' teacher gave me and told my mother I wanted to become an electrician and she said "Auuuu leai, alu e fai le architecture" ("Auuuu no, go do architecture"). Made me second guess my electrical path so I invested most of my time on where my talents lay, Graphics.…more

Gabrielle Solomona 

Receptionist/Actress/Trainee Producer 

Samoan

I have learnt the pursuit of your dreams requires a lot of sacrifice and in my case being able to work full time and earn more money is one of the sacrifices I have chosen to make because I know in my heart the dreams God has called me to pursue. I know one day my time will come where all my hard work and sacrifices will come into frutation and God willing I will be able to pursue acting and producing as a full time career. However I love that being a receptionist has connected me to so many new people on a daily basis and the variety of responsibilities that come with the role. I get to learn new skills and be challenged so I am constantly growing.…more

Tatryanna Utanga

Student/Advocate/Dancer

Cook Island 

Tatryanna is currently an Arts student at the University of Auckland.  She is of Cook Islands descent and is very proud of her culture. She comes from a very small family of 5 and insists that family is her number one priority.  

One of her greatest accomplishments was forming the all akavaine/fafafine/fakaleiti dance group the Diamonds of Paradise.  A group of young, passionate individuals coming together and showcasing their talent on an entertainment platform. Through performing and teaching her culture alongside her akavaine sisters, she discovered a new passion, to advocate for her Cook Islands and Pacific LGBTQI community.

These days she actively engages in advocacy for young people particularly those who identify as LGBTQI. Through dedication and hard work, she has enjoyed the many opportunities that has come along her way including holding the title of the reigning Miss Jewel Cook Islands 2016-2018.…more

Luti Richards

Creative: Artist, Writer, Media, Spoken-word Poet

Tokelauan, Samoan, German

Rachel Laulu

Yoga Instructor

Samoa

I grew up in Wellington in NZ, the youngest of 3 kids to a Samoan dad and Palagi mum - I identify as a TCK'er (Third culture kid) or afakasi rather than a kiwi or Samoan  - I kinda fit but don't, and have always felt a sense of non-belonging and questioning of culture and myself. It’s been totally beneficial on this amazing path... being the youngest of 3 kids was great. I got all the cuddles and love so I grew up quite tactile, and affectionate, that kinda love at home as a kid was a great foundation for my yogic path.

What were the greatest challenges for you growing up?

I was bullied a lot a school. Kids always weed out the weird ones and I was definitely weird! I felt bamboozled by the education system and hated classrooms. The idea of four walls and hours of 'yes sir, no sir' did me in by the time I was about 7 years old and that's when my school truancy began.…more

Taofia Pelesasa

Tokelauan/Samoan

Writer & Filmmaker 

I'm Taofia (Fia) Pelesasa – a Tokelauan-Samoan Kiwi boy born and raised in Rotorua, New Zealand but based out of Sydney, Australia. I got into the industry by way of acting but like most people in the industry have added extra strings to the bow and identify as a “creative”- with a particularly deep love for screen-writing and film-making.

Tell us why you wanted to make Promise of Piha?

The production of “The Promise of Piha” came out of a frustration me and my best friend Hanelle Harris had in coming out of Drama school and there being almost no work for us as young, brown & Pacific creatives. So, it didn't take long for the two of us to use that frustration in a way which was more empowering for us & we (like so many other artists of colour before us) took our careers & stories into our own hands & promised to start making our own work.…more

Are Raimbault 

Young Tahitian Filmmaker 

Tahitian / European

My name is Are Raimbault, I'm 26 years old and my ethnicity is half Tahitian half European but I was born and raised in Tahiti. I grew up between the districts of Punaauia, Mataiea and Teahupoo, in the middle of Polynesian culture.

What is your biggest driving passion?

I would say that my biggest driving passions are the ability and the beauty to create absolutely anything I want (including myself). I'm also driven by the desire to make people escape their daily lives with art, share messages with them and If I can inspire them it's even better. In terms of possibilities, I believe that the sky is the limit if you're willing to work for it.

What do you do?

I'm a director and artist. My main medias are film, photography, writing and sometimes illustration.

What excites you about Pūtahi and what does it offer the Pacific audience that they may not have seen before? 

I think that Pūtahi Kotahitanga is an exciting documentary for many reasons.…more