WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - NATASHA VAAELUA
"For us as Pasifika, as Samoans this is the only way we can share our stories: through storytelling."
Samoan Author Natasha Vaaelua has soft launched her very first children’s book named “Leilani's Shop” or “O Leilani ma Iona Fale'oloa”
It’s an English and Samoan bilingual storybook about a young girl making her dream of owning a shop a reality by building her very own fale’oloa out of cardboard.
Natasha Vaaelua’s passion for Teaching began in Samoa where she taught as a Primary School teacher at Peace Chapel Primary School before moving to Aotearoa in 2007.
Now a seasoned early childhood education teacher with 30 years of experience, she has embarked on a remarkable journey during the challenging times of lockdown.
With a passion for teaching and love for children, Vaaelua found herself deeply moved during the challenges of Covid-19. As domestic violence peaked and families faced unprecedented pressures during lockdown, she couldn’t ignore the children bearing the brunt of these stresses. Driven by compassion, she felt the need to do more.…more
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - LEON HENRY
LEON HENRY
PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER / PROPERTY MANAGER
SAMOAN, NIUEAN, COOK ISLANDER
-
Leon Henry is a professional basketball player turned property and events manager, he shares his story with us here, from his upbringing in 'South Central Auckland,' to the highs of the basketball court to how the generations before him influence the work he does post-professional sport.
-
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am Samoan, Niuean, Cook Island decent & hail from what I like to call "South Central Auckland" I had my early childhood years in Central then moved back South where my grandparents first migrated to when they arrived from the islands in the late 1960s.
You've had a long career in professional basketball - can you tell us about a highlight of your career that stands out to you as well as a time that you found challenging?
I think for me the NZ Breakers Three Peat, people don't speak of this much anymore but we were the first professional sporting organization to win in an Australian competition.…more
Mark Hunt talks Returning to Fight with Ariel Helwani
Mark Hunt discusses if his legal issues with the UFC are over, his return to fighting, getting into bare-knuckle boxing, his current weight, getting offered to take a dive for a fight, if he has talked to BKFC, if he can still watch MMA, wanting to face Jake Paul, USADA leaving UFC, and more.
Next Gen Pacific Creators Explode Onto The Stage With A Fresh As World Premiere, Set In South Auckland
The talented, young and ambitious dynamic creative duo - Leki Jackson-Bourke and Saale Ilaua launch their the newly formed arts company - Strictly Brown with all the noise of a world premiere. For the brown by the brown, Pring It On brings the comedy, drama and moves to the Māngere Arts Centre for five shows only, from Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2024.
Pring It On is a parody of the popular American cheerleading film, Bring It On (2000). Set against the backdrop of Polyfest, the story shines lights on the behind the scenes dramas of preparing for the world’s largest Secondary School’s Pacific Dance Festival.
When Penina auditions for the Samoan Cultural group all she wants to do is dance. But her new ways don’t meet with the approval of the girl boss - Becky.…more
Coco Talanoa: Auli'i Cravalho - Mean Girls (2024)
Hawaiian actress Auli'i Cravalho (who plays Janis 'Imi'ike) sits down with our Coco Correspondent, Kristian Fanene Schmidt to talk all things 'fetch' in the upcoming musical film, 'Mean Girls.'
-
Interviewer: Kristian Fanene Schmidt
Editor: Laura McBeath
Talent: Auli'i Cravalho
-
Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air
Jason Momoa Shows Off His Tatau
"I don't crave it as much as I'm called to it." Jason Momoa breaks down his tattoos. From the "On the Roam" arm tattoo he got with his team to his signature shark-tooth head tattoo, the actor shares the stories behind his ink.
Sir Collin Tukuitonga appointed as a Fellow for the International Science Council
The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) congratulates PMA Board Director, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, on his appointment as a Fellow for the International Science Council (ISC). Recognised for his contributions to Pacific health in his capacity as a Public Health and Policy expert, Sir Tukuitonga joins over 100 new fellows to support the ISC in their mission of promoting science as a global public good.
Reflecting on the appointment, Sir Tukuitonga is honoured to be acknowledged for his contributions on a global platform.
"The International Science Council is the premier organisation globally that promotes the use of science.…more
Coco Sports Talanoa with Junior Fa Ahead of 'Day of Reckoning' Boxing PPV
Tongan Heavyweight boxer Junior Fa sits down with us to talk preparations for his upcoming fight against Cuban fighter Frank Sanchez at the 'Day of Reckoning' PPV, and his picks for the rest of the card🥊🇹🇴
-
Interviewer: Penina Momoiseā
Talent: Junior Fa
Editor: Anric Sitanilei
Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ On Air
From South Auckland to IVY League: The young Samoan man from South Auckland heading to Brown University in the USA.
From Fairburn Primary School, to De La Salle College, and now he takes on the IVY League College of Brown University. Raised in South Auckland, against a backdrop of love and support, this determined young man has forged a path that led him to what some may say the pinnacle of academic excellence: The Ivy League’s.
Hailing from the villages of Siumu and Leauva'a in Samoa, Charm Tuala has gone from strength to strength academically. As a young man his parents have always emphasized the importance of education.
“They always put an emphasis on education and taught me that sports was just a privilege…So I’m really grateful for them always keeping me in check with my grades.”
Tuala’s parent’s teaching did not fall on deaf ears. Tuala states that while his parents emphasized the importance of education for him, so did he. He too valued achieving academically himself.
“I didn’t feel the need for my parents to always keep that pressure on me, because they instilled it in me, so I had high expectations of myself too.…more
Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder Face Off Ahead of 'Day of Reckoning'
The countdown to the Day of Reckoning showdown between heavyweight juggernauts Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker continues with this round table Face Off special with Carl Frampton.
The two giants of heavyweight boxing do battle on December 23rd in Saudi Arabia LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office but things ramp up here just a week out...