Minister champions more Pacific in STEM - Toloa Awards
The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio continues to champion for greater Pacific participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers with the announcement of the Toloa Awards, with 8 recipients of the Toloa Community Fund and 13 Toloa Tertiary Scholarships.
These were awarded to the recipients over 2 evenings - one in Wellington last week and one in Manukau, South Auckland on Monday night which Aupito William Sio also hosted.
“The Toloa Programme encourages more Pacific peoples to embrace with confidence the learning and career pathways in STEM that can lead to more fulfilling and more prosperous lives,” says Aupito William Sio.
“Our approach for Pacific peoples is a whole-of-community approach, with greater participation by Pacific in the Toloa Programme, helping to address the long-term challenges of only 2% of the Pacific workforce involved in STEM careers. The Toloa Awards recognises both individual talent and community achievement, and celebrates the advancements made by Pacific peoples of Aotearoa in this vital sector." the minister said.…more
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) 101
With New Zealand now having confirmed cases of Coronavirus and other parts of the world seeing more cases confirmed, health officials are urging people to practise good hygiene to lower their chances of getting sick.
The World Health Organistaion emphasises the importance of listening to credible news sources and not to stigmatise people by race associated with the virus.
At this time most people in the Pacific have very little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. However, some people are worried about the disease.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma towards Chinese or other Asian in the region.…more
On the Rise - Red Bull Ignite7 MVP Roderick Solo
This Samoan teen is on his way to the big time
Roderick Solo is a name familiar to some in rugby circles but the 2019 Ignite7 MVP is on his way to becoming a household name in no time.
Red Bull’s new mini-series ‘On The Rise’, profiles three of the six MVPs from the 2019 Red Bull Ignite7 tournament, all of whom earnt themselves a trial spot for the national rugby sevens development squads.
Roderick went on to play representative rugby, including being a standout player at the World Schools Condor Sevens tournament and also one of the top players in the New Zealand Secondary Schools side last year.
We wish him all the best as he trials for a spot in the New Zealand Sevens Development Squad.
Click here to watch Red Bulls full series
Give your Cervix some Screen Time
Samoan creative artist and dancer Ufitia Sagapolutele was part of this campaign for MinihealthNZ highlighting how important it is to get your cervix checked. Most cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening so don’t ignore your cervix, and get it checked 🌸
More info on what Pacific women need to know about cervical screening in the pamphlet below and you can click here to find free clinics in the Auckland area.
Click here to check out another one of Tia's dance pieces performed at the Pacific Dance Festival.
ARDIE SAVEA - The Ice Podcast
All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea chops it up with former NRL player Isaac John on his podcast 'The Ice Project'
Ardie gives an injury update, shares about what it's like becoming an All Black, their Rugby World Cup loss, dealing with the media and why he started his own podcast, his clothing brand, mental health, the league switch to Samoa and a whole lot more!
* PG recommended - coarse language
Steven Adams reveals his favourite UFC fighters on Ariel Helwani's MMA Show
Tongan/NZ basketball star & Oklahoma City Thunder centre Steven Adams chats with Ariel Helwani the night before UFC Fight Night in Auckland, New Zealand, and discusses his favorite UFC fighters.
He shares the family connection with UFC Middleweight champ Israel Adesanya, Mark Hunt putting NZ on the map, the rise of MMA fighting in NZ and how great it is to see NZ hosting UFC fight nights.
Check out the time Izzy & Dan Hooker pulled up to Stevens charity event.
ps Fun fact - Steven Adams sister Gabriella who went to school with Izzy is married to Toa Samoa & Huddersfield Giants Prop James Gavet.
Business Hub for Pacific officially launches in Auckland!
The Pacific Business Hub has officially launched in Manukau, South Auckland and the event held last Friday also marked a milestone for the establishment as it celebrates its 1-year anniversary since opening its doors.
For founder, Laura Keil-Hall, the Hub is the fulfillment of “a passion and a dream”. It started with a bit of inspiration from her years as a Bank of New Zealand business manager.
The concept of The Pacific Business Hub is based on the existing model of co-working and shared office space. A base for small and new start-up businesses to collaborate resources and share space.
Laura remembers “The first time I walked into [BNZ’s] Highbrook Partner Centre, I immediately said to myself, ‘I would like to one day offer a space like this for…the Pacific.’”
Laura envisioned a professional yet nurturing hub for Pacific entrepreneurs, an affordable place for startups and small businesses to set up office, meet with clients, get creative, collaborate and be inspired by other ambitious like-minded thinkers.
The difference is, the Hub is not your average traditional shared office co-working space.…more
On The Rise - Red Bull Ignite7 MVP Jona Mataiciwa
Meet the Fijian teen chasing his rugby sevens dreams in New Zealand
"I was 10 when I came from Fiji to New Zealand. I didn't know how to speak English properly" - Jona Mataiciwa
Red Bull’s new mini-series ‘On The Rise’, profiles three of the six MVPs from the 2019 Red Bull Ignite7 tournament, all of whom earnt themselves a trial spot for the national rugby sevens development squads.
First up is proud Fijian Jona Mataiciwa who is based in Whanganui. Red Bull talks with them about the sacrifices they have had to make to support their children’s dreams of becoming international rugby sevens representatives and other challenges along the way, including migrating from the Pacific Islands with young children.
Jona began playing competitive rugby soon after his family's move from Fiji, aged only 10. Last year he helped lead his St. Kenitgren's team to the 1A final last year, with the side narrowly missing out against Hastings Boys High in the nationals.…more
Let's start with Tālofa
By Dahlia Malaeulu
As an important part of everyday life, social development and conversational routine, we have all been raised to greet others. On the surface, greetings are ice breakers, mini introductions and conversation starters that usually sets the tone for the dialogue that follows.
Greetings also have another important layer of meaning.
When we greet each other, we in fact acknowledge and welcome another person’s presence. Our Polynesian greetings carry this same deeper meaning in a very holistic way - where we not only acknowledge others’ existence, their being and spirit, but also openly share parts of ourselves and who we are.
For instance, former governor of American Samoa, the Honourable Togiola Tulafono, explained that Tālofa is short for, 'Si o ta alofa atu,' which means, 'I am happy and delighted to give you my love’.
‘Alofa’ or love is at the core of ‘Tālofa’, which is also the official greeting and welcome of Tuvalu and can be found in the Tokelauan greeting of ‘Talofa ni’ as well as ‘Aloha’ in Hawaii.…more
UFC AUCKLAND HOMECOMING - FIGHT WEEK
It's fight week here in Auckland, New Zealand with the main event fighter, Dan Hooker and his teammates Brad Riddell and Kai Kara-France.
The fighters go through a traditional Maori welcoming, finishing up training at City Kickboxing and getting their Reebok fight gear.