Legendary Native Hawaiian Surfer Derek Ho has passed away at the age of 55
Iconic surfer Derek Ho has died at age 55 of a suspected heart attack. He was admitted to hospital, slipped into a coma and passed away on Friday night (Hawai'i time).
Derek Ho, known for decades around the surfing community as "Uncle D" became the first Hawaiian native to claim a world championship under the banner of the Association of Surfing Professionals, now known as the World Surf League. He is one of the most decorated Hawaiians in competitive history, winning the World Title in 1993, the Pipe Masters in 1986 and 1993, and the Triple Crown in 1984, 1986, 1988, and 1990.
Born in 1964, Uncle Derek had remained one of surfing's most widely, internationally beloved figures, as well as a Pipe standout into his mid-50s.
Ho was surfing royalty and revered for his feats at the infamous Pipeline break on Oahu's North Shore. He was the brother of professional surfer Michael Ho, 2nd cousin to popular Honolulu nightclub entertainer Don Ho and the uncle of current elite professional surfers Mason and Coco Ho.…more
THE BIG O - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF OLSEN FILIPAINA
The Big O by Patrick Skene is the story of Olsen Filipaina, a New Zealand Hall of Fame rugby league legend who was a pathfinder for the Maori and Pasifika players who today dominate the Australian National Rugby League.
In a career that saw him play 29 Tests for New Zealand and more than 100 first grade NSWRL games, Filipaina was an object of fascination for the rugby league community.
To fans he was "the Galloping Garbo", a working-class hero who thrilled crowds in between shifts as a garbageman. To opponents, who feared his Polynesian power game, he was The Big O. To coaches and critics, he was simply "Olsen the enigma". Featured in the book are some of the pivotal figures of 1980s Australia and New Zealand sport including Sir Graham Lowe, Arthur Beetson, Roy Masters, Sir Peter Leitch, David Tua, Sir Bryan Williams, Wayne Pearce, Sir Michael Jones, John Ribot, Mark Graham, David Lange and NRL Immortal Wally Lewis who for the first time opens up about being outplayed by Filipaina in the 1985 Test series.…more
STEVEN ADAMS BEING AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND
Golden Hoops has put together a fun compilation of Steven Adams being an absolute legend
Click here for Steven Adams sharing his experience coming back to New Zealand during the NBA hiatus this year (due to Covid19)
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And you can check out Part 2 of him being an absolute legend below -
'ILAISAANE LATU VAIPULU GREEN: "Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a"
BRUTAL LIVES - MO'UI FAINGATA'A
ACTOR PROFILE
'ILAISAANE LATU VAIPULU GREEN
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Malo e lelei my name is 'Ilaisaane Latu Vaipulu Green. Yes, I had to put my full name and maiden name because I can already hear my mum saying "before you were a Green you were a Vaipulu" Hoi sai ke tau ilo/good to know. I was born and raised in Otara South Auckland. My Pacific heritage is from The Kingdom of Tonga. My parents are both from Ha'apai, Dad is from Lofanga and Mum is from Tungua. I still reside in the same house in Otara. I do acting as a full time job, but since covid happened I'm looking at other avenues for some side hustle.
What inspired you to get into acting?
Growing up I loved performing! Before acting I was a dancer and I was sooo passionate about it. My favourite styles were Hip Hop and Pasifika Dancing. I did it from primary all the way to high school. Throughout high school in each year I did both Polyfest and Bring It On.…more
Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a Trailer
Soane ‘The Shark’ Valu had the world at his feet until he lost it all. After Soane’s father dies, he reluctantly returns to South Auckland from America to face his estranged sister, the three kids he left behind and break the curse of his ancestor’s shame.
The first ever Tongan language drama series coming to the CoconetTV.
Full series premieres Wednesday, 5th August 2020.
360 TAUTUA - SERVING OUR PASIFIKA FAMILIES & SENIORS IN THE COMMUNITY
"O le ala i le pule o le tautua - The pathway to leadership is through service" and this is at the heart of charitable trust 360 Tautua's work in the community. Today they finished a 3 day packing and delivering food parcel marathon, delivering 300 food parcels to families and vulnerable Pasifika elderly around Auckland.
360 Tautua was birthed from a desire to be able to provide a wrap around service for Pasifika elderly in the Auckland community. Their motto is “Tautua ma le Alofa; Serve with Love” & their aim is to serve the elders and families of the community.…more
Dad to Dad: A Conversation with Richard Wolfgramm Jr & Richard Wolfgramm Sr
In this moving conversation betweeen father and son, Richard Wolfgramm Sr shares his journey of raising a tribe of 6 children on his own.
Faka’apa’apa atu ❤🇹🇴
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ORDINARY TONGAN LIVES - Nukualofa, Tonga
Story collated and written by Haitelenisia Afemui ‘Uhila Angilau for her 'Ordinary Tongan Lives' facebook page
“I wasn’t born this way. My physical appearance now is a result of using chemicals without proper safety gears. I was a hired laborer doing farm work and spraying weed chemicals for people’s crops. At about 2006 or so, the effects of the chemicals took a toll on me. It ate my skin and my hands and fingers became crooked. I became blind. I can make out the silhouette but not a face or image.
I was hospitalized for 3 years in the isolation unit and was told I have leprosy. I had to wear a mask covering my mouth and nose all the time. Pusiaki, Dr ‘Ake, told the workers to take it easy as I needed to breathe too. I had to keep away from people. I was lonely. I wondered what my 6 children would eat. I was the provider. My wife left too. We’re back together now. But I cried and complained a bit.…more
AISEA LATU : "Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a"
BRUTAL LIVES - MO'UI FAINGATA'A
ACTOR PROFILE
AISEA LATU
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Malo e lelei my name is ‘Aisea Latu, 28 years of age and I am full Tongan. My parents hail from Pukotala, Ha’apai and Fatai, Tongatapu in Tonga and I grew up in Mt Wellington, Auckland. I now reside in Mangere. I am a performing artist but did work as a health promoter with young people from 2014 till about Jan this year. I still do the odd gig or two when I get itchy feet but besides that, I’m happiest being a Dad.
What inspired you to get into acting and film?
I grew up in church with White Sunday plays, choir, action songs and cultural dances. I was usually a quiet and shy kid but if you got me on a stage or in front of an audience, I completely switched. Although I didn’t really have an interest in performing until after High School, thanks to my Dad.…more
Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Policy Internship
The Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Policy Internship is an opportunity for students and recent graduates of Pacific descent to gain real world experience and experience the incredible opportunities on offer within the Government/Public sector.
The decisions that the Government makes impact everyone in Aotearoa and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment want to ensure that there is a strong Pacific voice contributing to this decision making. The Pacific Pathways Programme provides an opportunity to support this goal.
If you are looking for a meaningful paid internship over the summer break (November to February) and are keen to access incredible training and development, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment would love to hear from you.
DON'T MISS OUT! Applications close Sunday 12th July 2020 at midnight.
Apply now: https://jobs.govt.nz/jobs/MBIE-1463877C
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Hear from some of the Tupu Tai Pacific Sector summer internship Alumni in the videos below:
Tupu Tai public sector summer internship - Why is it important?
Tupu Tai public sector summer internship - What was your learning moment?
Describe your Tupu Tai journey in 3 words