TOVIA VA'AELUA 

COUNTRY MANAGER, RHIPE NZ (THE CLOUD CHANNEL COMPANY & CHAIRPERSON OF PASIFIKA IN IT

SAMOAN 

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I was born in Sagafili, Samoa and had four siblings but moved with only three of them to NZ because immigration laws back then limited migrant families to no more than four children. We lived in Grey Lynn like most but then moved to Avondale to be closer to dad’s work – hence all the schools we attended were there. My mum is from Falelatai which explains why I have the titles I do and dad came from Lalomalava. Our family has always been in law enforcement and I was preparing to enter but was told by my father and brother that I wasn’t allowed because it would “change” me. And I had already graduated with a Major in Education and realized I wasn’t inspiring enough to be a teacher, so I shifted to technology.

What were the pathways that led you to what you're doing now?

This crazy palagi woman (whom I still love dearly to this day – e.g.…more

THOR LOPINI KATOA 

ENTREPRENEUR & BUSINESS OWNER 

TONGAN 

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My name is Thor Katoa. I was born in Guam, but was raised in St.George, Utah. I come from a large family, with 8 brothers and 1 sister. I am full Tongan and am currently on track to earn my Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Communications from Oregon State University. In addition to being enrolled at OSU, my father and I have started our own business.

Can you tell us about the business you own and why it's unique?  

Yes, my father and I are business owners of a CBD (Cannibidiol) company, CBD IVI , which is based in the U.S. (Oregon). Polynesian CBD focuses on Hemp derived products. However, the difference between us and other CBD companies, is that we’ve chosen a more unique path by adding an “island twist” to our product line (Island “smells” & tastes: ex. Coconut, pineapple, mango etc.)

We're also doing some product development with Kava at the moment too.…more

Highlights from FIFO 2019 film festival in Tahiti.
Pacific film makers across Oceania show their work at the FIFO Film Festival - Check out some of the amazing new docos you can check out here on the CoconetTV and some that are coming out soon.

JOHANNA SETEFANO 

HEAD GIRL OF ST CUTHBERTS COLLEGE 

SAMOAN 

Talofa lava! My name is Johanna Iutita Talitha Setefano meaning “Gracious Gift of the Lord” and I am the eldest daughter of Rev. Dr Imoa and Amelia Setefano. I was born right here in Aotearoa New Zealand and spent a large amount of my childhood moving back and forth from Malua Theological College in Samoa. My dad is from the villages of Fasito’o Tai, Vaivase Tai and Palauli and my mum is from the villages of Afega and Vailele in Samoa. I come from a strong Christian family with 3 brothers and 1 sister that are devoted to God and a current member of Papatoetoe Congregational Christian Church of Samoa.

I am currently a Year 13 student and also humbling enough the Head Girl of St Cuthberts College for 2019. It’s such a privilege to be able to attend the top secondary school in NZ all thanks to my parents and my Year 7 teacher, Mr Theunisen (Mr T)  who shared a vision that I attend the best school available.…more

By Tovia Va'aelua 

Most people who have chosen not to identify with their heritage may often refer back to an incident involving rejection by that people or culture. Like the time when they tried to speak the language of their ancestors in public, only to fail miserably and swearing never to return. Or, the time when Violet (the supermarket checkout lady) found out you were "Samoan" and after a one-way conversation in Samoan (of which you could offer nothing except a blank stare and an awkward smile), she would then complete her Mortal Kombat fatality combo by saying (with an added tone of disappointment) "you should know how to speak your language". Pure, unadulterated, unbridled rejection. And yet, both situations which conjure up these feelings of not belonging (even today), also confirmed that you were very much of Samoan heritage as you seriously considered opening up your carton of eggs and letting them loose on Violet’s forehead. Ah yes – the roots run deep. 

Mine was a little different, in that I had all the bases covered.…more

FAUMUI PENELOPE GINNEN  

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE 

SAMOAN 

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What does your recent appointment of District Court Judge mean for you?

I am so honoured to have been appointed. I am proud to be following the path that has been trail blazed by inspirational Samoan women like Judge Ida Malosi, the first Samoan woman judge in New Zealand; and Justice Mata Tuatagaloa, the first Samoan woman Judge in Samoa. Both of these women have shown the power of combining a sharp legal mind with a true heart for our people.  Our countries will be well served if I am able to successfully model myself on their example.

What will it mean for pacific communities to have another pacific judge?

I feel affirmed, that the work that has been important to me throughout my career has been recognised as important in this role: the wellbeing of children, social justice, indigenous rights and responsibilities, fighting inequity. I have had the loveliest messages celebrating my appointment. I am struck by how connected Pacific people are.…more

Research by Victoria University of Wellington PhD graduate Taitusi Taufa has found new medicinal properties in marine sponges collected from Tongan waters, including several unique anti-cancer compounds.

“Through my research I isolated several new natural products with unique and interesting anti-cancer properties, which could help us in the future to synthesize and design new anti-cancer drugs.” 

He says his interest in the medicinal properties of natural marine products can be traced back to his childhood on Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga.   When he was 8 years old growing up in Tonga he accidentally poked a stick into his cousins eye and doctors there had told them there was nothing they could do and he would never see out of that eye.  However, a traditional healer in a neighbouring village applied drops from a local plant and within a month his cousin could see again.

“As a child, my grandparents and mother often used plants and herbal remedies to treat us when we were sick.…more

SIAKI FEKITOA NA'A JR aka SIAKI SI'I 

ACTOR/DANCER/MODEL/SINGER & EVENT HOST 

TONGAN