IE SINA
"I remember the feeling of fear and heat, all at once, as the mat was tied firmly to my waist. It was thick, heavy and white all around me, but there were also red shades.
My job was simple; perform with finesse and do not faint. That was indeed my first time wearing an ie sina to dance".
- Va'asiliifiti Tuisafua Moelagi Jackson
The above scene is something I have pictured so many times in my mind, because there are not many images of my mother as a teenager. Her stories, proudly corroborated by my late grandmother Faleasiu and some who were there were we had to go by.
My fascination with their stories of dance and the accompanying teuga; headpieces, elaborated twisted and woven necklaces, mats and pandanus creations that layer the dancer’s body intrigued me. But it led me down many disappointing paths when I discovered that the material culture of their time are largely confined to black and white images, Museum collections and faint memories.…more
Bouncers of Auckland
Bouncing – One of the only occupations where people feel entitled to get in your face, bold and intoxicated, and tell you how to do your job.
The Auckland nightlife has been growing and evolving rapidly over the past ten years, and through new bars, clubs, crowds and music, one aspect remains fairly constant…Pacific Island bouncers.
“Nightclubs like islanders because we’re naturally big and it’s easier to have someone big and intimidating to say “no”. When I was working, we were all mostly Islanders…Samoans and Tongans.” – Eti Naseri.
Eti, who now works as a club promoter and operator of two Auckland nightclubs, has around 7 years experience as a bouncer. Entering the scene while he was still in high school, Eti quickly learned that the job was less about the ladies and status, and more about brotherhood. There is an obvious and necessary camaraderie between the handful of men who watch over up to 200 people at a time.
Addressing the stereotypes that bouncers are “dumb angry coconuts”, Eti says that they’re usually always untrue.…more
Humans of the Islands - Lafoai Luaitalo
Lafoai Luaitalo
Community Work Leader & LLB/BA student
Samoan/Chinese
My name is Lafoai Lian Luaitalo of Samoan-Chinese heritage. I’m from Uafato, Fagaloa, in Samoa, the very last village on the road however accompanied by the beautiful Fagaloa Bay. I grew up in Samoa with my grandparents and older sister and moved to NZ to be with my Mum when I was 4. I recently travelled back to Samoa with a bunch of my friends and family and it was an eye-opening experience learning about my heritage and culture.
I am a fourth year LLB/BA student at the University of Auckland. I am a Tuakana Mentor (for Maori and PI students) for Sociology at the University and also undertake volunteer youth ‘work’ in Randwick Park where I reside with my flatmates.…more
Cook Islands Mama's lose their Taonga and their trust...
The Kuki Airani Mama’s who were left high and dry in Europe, had to sell one of their treasured Tivaevae to buy food to feed the group on their 3 week ordeal.
People have come together to rally behind the Mama’s who travelled to Europe only to be left in the lurch by an organiser who they say had “promised them so much, and yet failed to deliver on almost every aspect.”
After a shock announcement midway through their journey to Europe that costs for their accommodation and food wouldn’t be covered as promised, the Mamas say they were forced to put together their small pool of funds to come up with a budget solution.
Part of this solution was one of the mama’s selling her personal tivaevae which was to be used for display during one of the organised workshops in order to help with food expenses for her friends, most of whom are in retirement and living off their meagre pensions.…more
Shortland Street 25 Year Anniversary
For 48 hours, TVNZ have unlocked the geo block on Shortland Streets 25 year anniversary so their global fans can watch and enjoy!
Check it out now .....
Humans of the Islands - Sam Manuela
Sam Manuela
Psychology Lecturer at The University of Auckland
Cook Islands
My name is Sam Manuela. I am of both Cook Island (Rarotonga, Manihiki, Atiu) and European (Scottish, Danish) descent. I currently live in Papakura, Auckland and I am a lecturer in the School of Psychology at The University of Auckland.
You recently graduated with a Doctorate in Psychology, how/why did you decided to pursue Psychology?
As kids, we are often asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I always said something like ‘a fireman’ or ‘a doctor’ or whatever occupation seemed aspirational for someone of my age and naivety. The truth was, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was more concerned about having fun with my family and friends.
I figured out that if I gave an answer that was expected of me, I wouldn’t have to sit through their life advice and I could continue playing with my friends.…more
Kai Pasifika -The Pacific on a Plate
Finally, an Auckland restaurant 100% dedicated to Pacific Island food.
Kai Pasifika opened its doors this month and has set itself apart as New Zealand's first ever Pacific foods restaurant. Every dish on the menu has Pasifika origins or incorporates ingredients directly from the islands.
The venture led by renowned chef Robert Oliver offers a menu that includes our favourite to'ona'i dishes, including pua'a Samoa pork, ika vakalolo, sapasui, taro and more (see the full menu here). Lunch dining will start on May 24th, and To'ona'i Sunday's are to come - how much better can that get?
Aside from iconic island flavours that will prompt family to'ona'i nostalgia , what makes Kai Pasifika so special is the team behind the food. Head Chef Bertrand Jang, originally from Fiji, says the restaurant is a living dream.
"Everyday I am excited to come to work and share the experience with my friends.…more
RUGBY: Imagine a different Manu World
What do Pat Lam, Kevin Senio, Filo Tiatia and Francis Saili all have in common?
You got it.
They were all very good rugby players who could have played for Manu Samoa, but instead opted to play for New Zealand and played less than 3 matches for the All Blacks.
Francis Saili in action for the All Blacks
Then there are Ofisa Tonu'u - 5 matches, and Dylan Mika - 7 matches.
It wasn't long ago that Lima Sopoaga and Jordan Taufua were about to declare their availability for Manu Samoa.
Both then received notice of All Black "interest" and the "story" was over before it had begun.
Sopoaga has since gone on to play the grand total of 6 matches for the ABs, while Taufua still lives in hope.
Lima Sopoaga playing for the All Blacks against South Africa.…more
SAY MY NAME
What a week for sport! Last weekend the NRL treated us to a stellar showcase of Pasifika talent within the code by hosting the Pasifika test in Bankstown, Sydney following the Anzac test (Poor Kiwis). They incorporated more than just the on field talent but employed genuine Pacific performers from each nation involved to perform in between the games. This is such a great way to acknowledge the contribution of Pacific players in the game and pay homage to their roots and share a little taste of their vibrant island nations through song and dance. Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea proudly donned their nations jerseys as they stepped out onto the fields. They even served Vailima and Fiji Bitter at the stadium bars! The NRL happily include the Poly players because, why wouldn't you with all the skill and to be honest, natural talent.…more
COMMON KINGS in Auckland
The Common Kings were back in town for their "Lost in Paradise" NZ/Aus tour on Saturday night where they played to a full house at the Power Station.
Earlier in the day they were also presented with their Best International Pacific Artist Award from the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards which they'd won at last years VPMAs.
We've got a few highlights from the night below and look out for them hosting Fresh some time this season.
And check out their latest music video for 'Mary Wanna' here ...
The boys are currently in Rarotonga where they'll be playing at Rehab before continuing on with the rest of the tour in Australia.