Amidst the unveiling of the King's Birthday Honours List, the spotlight falls on the remarkable achievements of Pasifika individuals. These honourees exemplify excellence, embodying resilience and innovation in their respective fields. As our Pasifika whanau celebrate those who have contributed excellence to their communities, get to know them here!

Officers of the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM)

Anapela Polataivao

For her contributions to the Pacific performing arts - Anapela will be well known to our Coconet audience, having made multiple appearances playinga wide array of characters, most notably one half of the hilarious 'Pani & Pani' duo.

She has directed multiple works, including Sol3 Mio’s original opera Alofagia: Le Opera and Tusiata Avia’s Wild Dogs Under My Skirt’, some of which have toured NZ, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Rev. Taimoanaifakaofo Kaio

For services to the Pacific community - In 2001, Very Reverend Taimoanaifakaofo Kaio assumed the role of Moderator for the North Shore Presbytery in Epsom, and then served as the Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand from 2018 to 2021.…more

Keep it Fresh with Reid and Sky as they take us to Niue for their island wedding. Celebrate family, tradition and love with these newlyweds as they journey home to tie the knot 👰🏽‍♀️🤵🏽‍♂️🌺

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Keepin It Fresh brings you all the freshness happening in our Moana communities, from Siva Afi Festivals to Fashion Shows

Credits
Director: Shimpal Lelisi,
OPC: Damon Fepuleai
Editor: Damon Fepuleai, Laura McBeath
Talent: Sky O'Brien, Reid Fuemana-Elisaia

What do the riots in New Caledonia tell us about green colonialism in the age of climate action?

The recent riots in New Caledonia have brought to light a complex web of historical grievances: the pillaging of Pacific minerals and an unjust transition to renewable energy.

To understand the 2024 unrest in this context it is essential to delve into the island’s colonial history. Namely its valuable nickel resources, and the implications of environmental policies that come at the cost of the community.

The French take Kanaky

Kanaky, now named New Caledonia, is a French territory with a long history of colonial rule and resistance by the indigenous Kanak people of the land. European colonisation began in 1774, and France formally annexed New Caledonia in 1853.

Since then, the Kanak people have often been marginalised economically and politically, leading to numerous conflicts and calls for independence.

The struggle for self-governance has been a persistent theme in New Caledonian history.…more

Script to Screen welcomes eight new filmmakers who have been selected for the tenth South Shorts Mentorship Programme! 

Over the next six months, the participants will embark on an incredible journey of development led by acclaimed screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Rūrangi, Cousins, Waru).  

During this time, the participants will take part in five group workshops that will include script read-throughs, group discussions, writing exercises, and insightful sessions with guest filmmakers. By the end of the Programme, the filmmakers will have produced a polished script.  

Four of the eight selected filmmakers are of Pasifika descent, get to know them here!

Claire Patolo

Claire Patolo (Lauli’i, Faleapuna, Safune) is of Samoan descent. She is an emerging filmmaker from Tāmaki Makaurau. She has mostly worked in the production team on music videos and short films and is currently working on finishing her first short film script. She has a Master’s degree in Communications from Auckland University of Technology and is currently completing her PhD.

Feenuu Lefono

Feenuu Lefono is an emerging Samoan writer and filmmaker from Otara, South Auckland.…more

By Leki Jackson-Bourke

The buzz is still high and the town’s still talking after the annual ASB Polyfest which was held in Tāmaki Makaurau, March 2024.

The popular festival began in 1976 and is considered the largest Pacific Dance Festival in the world. This year saw an increase in the rise of contemporary inspired performances which left plenty to talk about on social media. “That’s not traditional… they should’ve placed… that school shouldn't have won.. it’s rigged."

Every year it’s the same old argument over traditional vs contemporary. Some are here for it, some are against it. We interviewed a few tutors who were subject to online criticism and we posed the question - Is there a place for cultural Innovation at Polyfest?

MANUREWA HIGH SCHOOL TONGAN GROUP

Traditionally, Tongan dance is taught by a Punake who is known as the cultural expert and lead knowledge holder of Tongan arts. To be bestowed the title of a Punake is a huge honour and one that few families can truly claim.…more

It's with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Tofilau Yolande Ah Chong, the woman who brought such life and love to our Pasifika communities, who advocated passionately for the voice of Tagata Moana and lit up our screens with her special brand of humour like no other 🌺💞

We love you so much Lande, look at the decades of joy you brought to the world in all our programmes and events.

Rest in Alofa and fly high in the Heavens like you did on Earth 🕊️ This is our special tribute compilation of all your amazing work

“In our Pasifika culture when you’re a young person and you voice to your family that you want to be an artist, there’s often this suspicion, fear or worry about making an impact or even a career from being an artist. It takes a lot of having to bury those dreams and expectations that others have for your life and push past that to look deep within and ask “what do I want for my life?”

She is the Samoan supernova of the Australian art world, splashing narratives of brown women up front and personal across giant sized screens in some of the most acclaimed art spaces across the ditch.

The proud Savaiian has been on an extraordinary journey with her video making art practice, and has also had extraordinary success in the palagi art world.

Angela’s latest work ‘Dark Current’ continues to pack a punch, putting forward subversive ideas behind the beauty of the Island experience.…more

By Jane Vavaitamana Gerard

In 1876, two years after Fiji was ceded to Great Britain, a council was established for the sole purpose of being an advisory body to British Colonial rulers; this was named Bose Levu Vakaturaga or the Great Council of Chiefs as it is more widely known today. 

89 years of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga being a male dominated Council, history was made when a woman chief was allowed to become a member of the Council for the first time. Adi Maraia Pickering Mataitini daughter of the Vunivalu of Rewa was elected by the Soqosoqo Vakamarama at the age of 43, to be an integral voice for our Fijian women amongst great men that led in their respective corners of the country.…more

Embracing International Women's Day with heartfelt tributes to women who shaped us. 

From the Tongan Muse, to the banaban Warrior, the Samoan Guardian Angel and the hardowrking mama who is both mum and dad. Today we celebrate all Pasifika Women in our lives who have shaped our generation. 

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Janet - By Hele Christopher-Ikimotu

Growing up, my mum referred to me as her little handbag, in the sense that everywhere she went, I was by her side. As the baby of the family, I clung to her – she personified safety and shelter. Now an adult, I may not necessarily be by her side everywhere she goes, but more so a few steps ahead as she watches her baby boy grow and walk towards the success she prayed for. 

A woman of faith, a loving mother, grandmother and wife, she taught me how to carry myself with dignity, to stand firm in my identity and to put my trust in God.…more

Proud Father, Loving husband and South Auckland's staunchest advocate - the loss of Fa'anānā has been felt far and wide. Hundreds of tributes have poured in from those who knew him in life and are mourning the loss of one of our pillars in the Pasifika Communities. Here are some of the beautiful thoughts expressed by people from all different sectors of society, as we honour Fa’anānā’s legacy to us:

Mariner Fagaiava

Aigagalefili Fepulea'i-Tupua'i

Falaniko Tomoniko II - Samoan Educator

Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, you always made time for everyone. Everyone who knew you felt like you were their best friend in the world, myself included! The only thing bigger than your smile, your personality, your intelligence and your star was your love for Fia Collins and your girls, your family and your Pacific people. My love and prayers go out to all of you at this time.…more