SONNY BILL WILLIAMS HAS JOINED THE NRL ON NINE TEAM!
Cross-code legend Sonny Bill Williams has joined Stan Sport and Nine as a rugby and NRL commentator.
He officially announced his retirement from both Rugby Union and Rugby League yesterday ending a career which includes winning back to back Rugby World Cups with the All Blacks, 2 NRL premierships and 123 games at the Roosters and Bulldogs.
The rugby, league and now boxing star hopes his foray into the commentary booth will prove similarly inspirational for those who might not have had a voice in previous generations.
"I know I represent a lot of young Polynesian boys, Kiwi boys who represent so much on the field and when it comes to off the field we're not really in this space," Williams told Nick McArdle after signing on as a rugby and NRL commentator for Stan Sport and Nine's Wide World of Sports.
Read more on this story from the Wide World of Sports here
Who should get a Matai title? – The Chief debate
By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari
In 2021 Matai (Chief) are not only visible at Samoan events, but are also part of mainstream popular culture. Boxing greats Faumuina To'aletai Mafaufau David Tua, Lupesoliai La'auli Joseph Parker and former All Blacks Captain Fa’alogo Tana Umaga are but a few public figures that can be seen addressed by their Chief title(s) on T.V. Even former New Zealand Prime Minister Leulua'iali'iotumua Bill English and International Superstar Seiuli Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have been formally bestowed titles.
As the visibility of Matai grow, so too does the debate on who is entitled to receive this mark of Chiefdom. These debates have been further heightened by the new law in Samoa, now prohibiting those residing overseas from becoming a Sa’o (head Chief). This law has sparked much controversy, as to who is entitled to certain Matai names. I do not wish to give an answer or solution to this debate. Instead, I wish to provide different insights from my own personal experiences.…more
Roman Reigns Goes Sneaker Shopping With Complex
WWE superstar Roman Reigns goes Sneaker Shopping with Complex's Joe La Puma at Solefly in Miami and talks wearing Jordans in the ring, admiring Ken Griffey Jr. and having the best sneaker game in wrestling.
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Video via Complex
Dwayne Johnson Trailblazer Award Montage from the 4th Annual HCA Film Awards
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has been honoured with the 'Trailblazer' award at the fourth annual Hollywood Critics Association.
Check out the touching montage they put together for him in the video above which showcases not only his acting and wrestling career but his philanthropic work with first responders and the 'Make-A-Wish' foundation.
He accepted his award via Zoom and dedicated the win to his "trailblazer" - his late father, WWE Hall of Famer, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson who passed away at the beginning of last year.
In his acceptance speech he said of the video montage "It's the anchoring reminder that if we're lucky enough and we're fortunate enough to be in a position where you can make somebody feel good and you can create moments for them that they will never forget for the rest of their lives, that is power,"
"That's real accountability to humanity when you just do good for people."
Check out the full speech below -
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - I AM WOMAN Magazine in Fiji celebrates International Women's Day 2021
International Women's Day 2021 - I AM WOMAN Magazine celebrates by "CHOOSING TO CHALLENGE"........
ISLE Class of 2020: Pasifika Excellence Edition
Aysha Nanai-Leifi launches her first-ever print issue as Editor-In-Chief of ISLE Magazine. In only a few days the first batch of pre-orders for the magazine has sold out and the in-demand restock is running out fast. The new print issue is based around the CLASS OF 2020: ISLES School of Pasifika Excellence. The class presents 21 rising stars ranging from Actors, Activists, Rappers, DJs, Film Directors and so much more. ISLE Magazine is a new independent online and print publication. Its mission is to spotlight and empower Pasifika excellence.
Editor-In-Chief Aysha Nanai-Leifi is a 23-year-old artist and activist of Māori and Sāmoan descent. She was born in Wellington and raised in Melbourne. In the past year, Aysha has been featured in VOGUE Magazine and has even presented on online broadcasts with big American stars like Issa Rae. That is just the tip of the iceberg of work and projects that this rising star has done.
Our coco team connected with Aysha and got to hear about the success that has been ISLE Magazine.…more
Carlos Ulberg Highlights
Carlos "Black Jag" Ulberg Highlights & Knockouts.
He makes his debut on UFC259 alongside training mates Kai Kara-France and Israel 'The Last Stylebender' Adesanya
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - STEVE TAPA
No Pacific voice with recently announced Pharmac review
The president of the Pacific Pharmacists’ Association, Kasey Brown, is disappointed that a government led Pharmac review has not consulted her organisation or has not included a Pacific representative on its panel, especially when one of the issues they will be addressing is equity amongst Pacific people.
Pharmac is the government’s drug buying agency and decides what lifesaving and life transforming drugs are made available to New Zealanders. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister Andrew Little announced a panel of experts will lead an independent review of the agency, focusing on the timeliness and transparency of decision making. It will also consider the issue of equity, including access to medicines and medical devices for Pacific communities.
Brown, who is also a member of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), is one of 38 Pacific pharmacists in New Zealand and she is disappointed that there is no Pacific representation on the panel to give a voice to the 300,000 Pacific people in New Zealand.…more
The ‘Plastic’ Islander debate – it’s old, move forward
By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari
* Cover image '4 tha Lumana'i' by Raymond Sagapolutele
As a Samoan Researcher, looking at the ‘plastic’ islander debate, I have seen it all. From those who are trying to learn their Pacific languages and cultures for the first time, to those who were raised as fluent speakers, and all in-between. I have seen both sides of this story; from the diaspora born being teased by Island born, for not knowing their mother tongue; to Island born, being made fun of by their NZ, Australian and American born cousins for having ‘broken’ English. Growing up, some of us were not taught our Pacific languages, out of fear it would negatively affect our position in the palagi world. There were also those who were taught our mother tongue, as they were constantly around other Pacific people.
As we see the term ‘plastic’ islander, most of us have our own personal stories of being attacked, comforted or challenged for our beliefs.…more