Cook Islanders Ben Tangatakino & Nancy Kora share their weight loss journeys with us and the turning points for them in terms of realising they were overweight and needing to do something about it.

We're here for all things Jason Momoa and Roadshow Films have just released the final trailer for 'AQUAMAN' which also stars another Poly in Hollywood - Temuera Morrison.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king.

AQUAMAN will be released to NZ cinemas on the 26th December.

Coconut oil is, as everyone surely knows by now, an extremely healthy oil to add to your diet, but did you know that this inexpensive oil can also do wonders for your skin – whatever your skin type?

Pacific Islanders have used coconut oil for years, but now the mainstream is catching on.  

Check out our Top 5 skin care benefits picks of using Coconut oil from our friends at 'Balance Me Beautiful' and you can check out their full list here

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Coconut Oil Softens & Moisturizes Dry Skin

Finding an effective moisturizer when you have dry skin can be difficult. Many products hydrate the skin upon application, but after a few hours, skin reverts back to its dry and uncomfortable state once more.

The saturated fats in coconut oil are able to penetrate skin on a much deeper level than other moisturizers you may be using, and because of this ability, they provide lasting hydration beyond the surface layer.

With regular use, coconut oil will banish dry, flakey skin, and leave your skin healthy and smooth.

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The much anticipated first season of Project Runway NZ hits our TV screens tonight at 7.30pm and there are 3 Tongan designers representing & competing for the opportunity of a lifetime - one designer will come out on top and walk away with their very own Holden Astra, a cash prize of $50,000, and receive a photoshoot and six page spread in Fashion Quarterly Magazine.

Before the show kicks off, get to know our Tongan designers here:

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TUI EMMA GILLIES 

ARTIST 

TONGAN / KIWI 

I am a full time artist who's favourite canvas to paint on is Tongan tapa cloth. I am a mother of three little humans aged 4, 9 and 10, and a mother to my two dogs and six cats. I grew up in the family home in Manurewa, South Auckland with my only brother. We were raised there by my loving tongan mother and complexed but loving palangi father who built the white picket fence and gate. The home still stands and I always call it home. Nine months ago my husband and I bought a beautiful big home in Kawakawa, Northland moving away from Manurewa and I became a Northlander.…more

FAAMOANA LEILUA 

RUPA National Cultural Leadership Manager & Player Development Manager for the Wallabies

Samoan 

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We originally interviewed Moana a few years ago when she was the Counties Manukau Steeles manager.  Since then she has been appointed RUPA National Cultural Leadership Manager & Player Development Manager for the Wallabies.

RUPA CEO Justin Harrison says:

"Moana Leilua’s appointment as the National Cultural Leadership Manager & Wallabies Player Development Manager is a landmark moment for RUPA in our delivery of support services to players. Moana has an exceptional ability to connect with players and their families to foster their personal growth. Her deep understanding of players' diverse backgrounds and commitment to an inclusive environment make her ideally suited to this inaugural role. Moana embodies the values that drive RUPA forward, and we’re confident her leadership will empower players to thrive both on and off the field."

Moana says:

"O le ala ile pule ole tautua', the pathway to leadership is through service.…more

By Michael Field 

Attended the launching of Tatau: A History of Sāmoan Tattooing, at the Fale Pasifika at Auckland University. Te Papa Press have produced a remarkable work which must surely be in line for a major book award.
It is more the likely going to be the only major cultural study of Sāmoan tattooing for generations - an important fact to consider when faced with British Museum hostility toward the project.
What was sad came in the seminar at the launching conducted by authors Sean Mallon and Sébastien Galliot.

Mallon discussed the various influences that were affecting the design of tatau. I was interested in his comment that the Mau had little effect on design and that so far as the authors could tell , the Mau had focused on song and its uniform, rather than on tattoo.
He said the US occupation of New Zealand Sāmoa did have a striking impact. To prove it he showed a page from their book which showed a line drawing of a male tattoo featuring an obvious American eagle.…more

LEAH PAO 

Retail Manager / Model 

Niuean / Tongan 

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My name is Leah Pao aka the Queen of Tonga aka the Golden Girl. I am a proud descendant of the Pacific and I reign from the islands of Tonga and Niue. I am a retail manager and have recently embarked on my journey as a model. I’m a massive advocate for self love and believe that it is the medicine to heal the world. 

You recently walked NZ Fashion Week for the first time - how was that experience for you?

Walking in NZ fashion week was literally a dream come true. That was the ultimate goal for 2018 and when I walked my first show, I was overwhelmed with emotion because I REALLY DID THAT!!!!  I’m still emotional about it to be honest. Things like this don’t happen for girls like me that often, hence why I’m so emotional.  Not here for the lack of People of Colour but that’s the industry I guess out of all the 100s of models, I literally saw about 4 Pacific Islanders.…more