LUSI FAIVA

Performer & Creator

Samoan 

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Lusi please tell us about yourself? Where you grew up, Pasifika Heritage etc

Mālō, I’m a performer and creator with Cerebral Palsy and I have some great different communication abilities. I have Pasifka and European heritage. I grew up in Levin and in Lower Hutt, Wellington. My family came from Patamea. They arrived in Aotearoa back in mid sixties. My mum’s father was a traditional chef at his village. As the years passed I moved up to Auckland with my mum and my siblings.

What was your journey into the arts like?

I suppose I was fortunate enough to be part of the theatre groups that I was involved in when I was in my teens. But it was not until I attended the first workshop audition at Unitec in 96 where Catherine Chappell was facilitating the workshop that Touch Compass was starting up as the first mixed ability dance company in New Zealand.…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

Sauce of Lets Trot Podcast catches up with 3x NRL Premiership Winner, Penrith Panther, NSW Blue and Samoan International winger - Brain To’o (aka Bizza!).

Bizza opens up about the controversial reffing decisions at the recent World Club Challenge, he explains that infamous photo of him wearing a Bulldogs jersey, he goes into detail about his Panthers debut week, he sheds some light on his upbringing in Mount Druitt, his new venture with mate Jarome Luai with UNIVERSE 7, and opens up to Sauce about the passing of his younger sister.

All this plus your favourite segments SHOEGRAB's gifting, "What's in the Sauce?" and “Mystery Question” (from previous guest Reni Maitua).

Who’s not doing a podcast?

For easy listening while doing the feau’s, stuck in traffic, pretending to work or on the dlow at loku, podcasts take minimal resources to make and have been the great equaliser for many young indigenous voices wanting to be heard.   

As the podcast world continues to bomb your feed by the day, we’ve sifted through Pasifika content to point to some that are worth stopping the scroll for. Among the millions of podcast shows that exist in the ether, these are a few shows led by Pasifika creatives that might just be your new faves!

Click on photo to listen! ⏯️

Two Brownish Girls

Cribbs and Talica deliver 5 full seasons of all things ‘Brown Girls’ from culture, identity, family and queerness, to Pasifika creatives, domestic violence issues, climate change in the Pacific and so many more.

The range throughout this series is vast reaching and topics are discussed unapologetically. What’s refreshing about this channel is the nature of the conversations led by Cribbs and Talica (hailing from Samoa + Fiji).…more

2024 has only just begun but its already been a big year for young brown Musicians.

Since January we’ve seen some awesome young artists come onto the scene with debut music, or new releases! It’s no secret that Pasifika people have always expressed ouselves through art, dance and music. One could even say it’s in our blood. 

We’ve had many great Pasifika artists bless the many generations with their musical gifts, and the new generation are promising to deliver on the same legacy.

We’ve collated a few of the many exciting young Pasifika artists to watch out for right here!

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Ruby Coley

Rotuman Singer/Songwriter

Young Rotuman Songstess Ruby Coley has recently released her beautiful visuals of single "Devil on my shoulder" Directed by the talented Toa Fraser.…more

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

Pasifika Strongwoman athlete Angelica Jardine made her presence known as a newcomer to the strongwoman circuit, taking out victory in her very first appearance at the 'Arnold Strongwoman Classic.'

The Arnold Strongwoman Classic, an annual competition featuring strongwomen athletes from around the world, serves as the stage for determining the 'Strongest Woman in the World.'

Angelica's triumphs in these prestigious events not only solidify her as a rising force in international strongwoman competition but also mark a historic achievement, making her the first Pasifika woman to clinch victory at the Classic, showcasing her strength on the global stage.

Check out her amazing performance here!

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

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