Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 2

Jemaima Tiatia-Siau

Samoan

Researcher / Academic

By Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

As a child Jemaima Tiatia-Siau caught a glimpse of a university building and a voice called her unmistakingly clear - ‘you will be here one day’.

Today she sits as a full Professor and Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland. Here she talks to Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari about her academic journey and her vision for Pacific people.

Malo lava le soifua, please tell us a bit about yourself, your village, family ties?

Mālo lava le soifua. I am a daughter of Sāmoa with roots in Sālelologa, Taga, Vaimoso, Siumu, Vaigaga and Fusi Safata. I also carry the lineage of Tongan, English and French ancestry with me. I was born in Tokoroa, Aotearoa and have spent most of my life in West Auckland.…more

SPDRTWNBBY

SAMOAN

SINGER / SONGWRITER

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Meet the rising star Spdrtwnbby (spider town baby), from hearty Avondale! She's not just a singer-songwriter; but a musical wizard who channels her personal experiences into catchy originals. For her, music is the secret portal to let her personality shine through! Having recently released her debut single, 'Pixel Pixie,' we talk to the emerging artist about her work and creative process

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I am full Samoan, my Dad is from Lalomanu Aleipata and Mum is from Malie. I was born here in Tamaki Makaurau, born and raised in Avondale. I did all my schooling through Avondale and then completed my tertiary studies with University of Auckland gaining a Bachelor of Music specializing in songwriting and performance.  I am the eldest child of three. My star sign is Capricorn. I currently work as a Pasifika librarian with Auckland Libraries.

I really enjoy the community engagement aspect of my job, it challenges me to create resources where we can encourage different forms of literacy and learning for our Moana community.…more

NATANO KENI

PLAYWRIGHT & PERFORMER

SAMOAN

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Samoan Playwright Natano Keni has come out with a brand new theatre show named O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala'ai. 
Using both English and Gagana Sāmoa, O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai | The Liar, the Thief, and the Coward is a modern tale of a man who’s out of step with the times and whose time is running out. Who then will survive?

The playwright tells us more about his story here

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Tell us more about yourself. Cultural heritage? Where did you grow up?
I am Samoan, born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, I grew up in Timberlea, Upper Hutt.

What was your journey like into the arts? Did you always want to be an actor/writer?
I didn’t really know what I was going to do when I left high school, sports was also something else that was on the radar, specifically rugby league I could have gone into.…more

MOZIE

SINGER / SONGWRITER

SAMOAN

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Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based Samoan singer / songwriter MOZIE, recently dropped new RnB-pop single ‘Sonshine’.

With an addictive upbeat groove, catchy hopeful lyrics and stunning vocals, ‘Sonshine’ is a song that effortlessly fills any space with warmth. We talked to MOZIE about her journey in music and her latest work!

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Tell us a bit about yourself

O lo’u igoa o Moana Leota, I come from the villages of Vaimoso, Avao and Tanugamanono. I grew up in the beautiful Wairarapa and currently reside in Te Whanganui-a-tara. I am an artist and a Mum!

Have you always wanted to become an artist? What was your journey into music like?

Yes! I’ve always loved music/art and been surrounded by it since i was a dot! My Mum is a singer and a painter, and many of my aiga sing too. My journey into music started with the classic primary school productions. I used to get real bad stage fright but the more I did, the more I enjoyed myself.…more

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is JJ4K. I was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland. Specifically, I spent
my early years in Boondall and Zillmere (4034), and the other half of my adolescence
in Inala (4077). My ethnicity is Samoan and Tongan, but spent all my years around
my Samoan half. Currently, I’m aspiring to be an artist, trying to become one of the
best lyricists in the Australian/New Zealand scene.

Have you always wanted to become an artist? What was your journey into music like?

From very early, I figured out I wanted to be a performer in music. I was never NOT
dancing. My first mentor was my uncle, he always put me onto any music that was
either new or a must-know classic. The sound eventually took over and younger me
started picking up sticks to hit things and I was hooked from then on. At the age of 8,
the first real instrument was the drums, soon after (while scouring YouTube) I picked
up the guitar.…more

Thomas Pa'a Sibbett: Nurturing Polynesian Voices Through Film and Resilience

In a candid and insightful conversation, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett or Pa’a Sibbett - as he laughingly shared. “When I first started writing, I thought I needed a professional sounding name so that’s where Thomas came from but most people call me Pa’a.” The Co-writer of Aquaman shares his unique journey of self-discovery, cultural pride, and the pursuit of his voice as a screenwriter. 

Hailing from Hawaii before immigrating to Washington, Sibbett's experiences have not only shaped his identity but also fueled his passion for storytelling, particularly through the lens of his Polynesian culture.

Sibbett begins by reflecting on his childhood. Moving from Hawaii to Washington as his family were “Priced out of Paradise” as most indigenous Hawaiians are experiencing sadly. He shares that although they lived away from their island, they still remained very much connected to their culture through art & dance.

Sibbett recalls times where he and his family would use culture to keep kids out of trouble in their neighborhood.

“We also did anti-gang work.…more

Multidisciplinary Artist Wendy Mocke gave us a glimpse into her life. 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I am a Papua New Guinean actor, playwright, screenwriter, chauffeur to my daughter and personal chef to my daughter's pet cat. In terms of my heritage, my father’s people are from Usino Bundi in Madang Province and my mother’s people are from Simbu province. I grew up in beautiful Madang so it will always be home to me. When I was 12 years old, my parents sent me to Cairns, Australia. I went to a boarding run by Irish Catholic nuns who were equal parts scary and incredible. They helped shape my life. So I also like to say that far north QLD holds a very soft gooey space in my heart.

Have you always wanted to become an artist?

I have this very clear memory in my head. When I was eight years old, I said to my father: ‘Dad, when I grow up, I want to be an artist’.…more

"For us as Pasifika, as Samoans this is the only way we can share our stories: through storytelling."

Samoan Author Natasha Vaaelua has soft launched her very first children’s book named “Leilani's Shop” or “O Leilani ma Iona Fale'oloa”

It’s an English and Samoan bilingual storybook about a young girl making her dream of owning a shop a reality by building her very own fale’oloa out of cardboard.

Natasha Vaaelua’s passion for Teaching began in Samoa where she taught as a Primary School teacher at Peace Chapel Primary School before moving to Aotearoa in 2007.  

Now a seasoned early childhood education teacher with 30 years of experience, she has embarked on a remarkable journey during the challenging times of lockdown. 

With a passion for teaching and love for children, Vaaelua found herself deeply moved during the challenges of Covid-19. As domestic violence peaked and families faced unprecedented pressures during lockdown, she couldn’t ignore the children bearing the brunt of these stresses. Driven by compassion, she felt the need to do more.…more

LEON HENRY

PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER / PROPERTY MANAGER

SAMOAN, NIUEAN, COOK ISLANDER

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Leon Henry is a professional basketball player turned property and events manager, he shares his story with us here, from his upbringing in 'South Central Auckland,' to the highs of the basketball court to how the generations before him influence the work he does post-professional sport.

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Samoan, Niuean, Cook Island decent & hail from what I like to call "South Central Auckland" I had my early childhood years in Central then moved back South where my grandparents first migrated to when they arrived from the islands in the late 1960s.

You've had a long career in professional basketball - can you tell us about a highlight of your career that stands out to you as well as a time that you found challenging?

I think for me the NZ Breakers Three Peat, people don't speak of this much anymore but we were the first professional sporting organization to win in an Australian competition.…more

LEOTA MAUNU SINAUMEA TAUFAO

LAW FIRM DIRECTOR & LAWYER - WT Compensation Lawyers

SAMOAN 

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My name is Leota Maunu Sinaumea Taufao and I am a Samoan-born Personal Injury Law Firm Director and Lawyer. I come from the villages of Tiavea, Magiagi, Faleasiu and Salamumu and currently live in Brisbane, Australia.

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You are the Director and Lawyer of your own law firm WT Compensation Lawyers - What were the pathways that led you to what you are doing now?

My journey to where I am now was not your conventional one. In fact, after High School, I studied Business, majoring in Sports Management at Griffith University. My goal was to work in the Sporting Industry – the idea was if I was not able to make a professional rugby team, then I work in an industry that would allow me to be around a professional rugby team. However, after completing my business degree and working in the Sporting industry, I quickly came to the realisation that I was not fulfilled and my heart yearned for something else.…more