By FotuoSamoa Jody Jackson

If the Maota Samoa fale (house) on Karangahape Road could talk, it would gush about the Pacific people that gathered, contributed to and celebrated within it since 1978.

There were many 21st's and wedding cakes cut while island families cheered on. There would also be mention of church fundraisers, exhibitions, talent shows, company events, PIC meetings, St Mary’s Old girls gatherings and business networking events. There’s memories of Auckland Girls Grammar students and children who frequented this place or accompanied their parents as they went to visit the dentist across the hallway run by the late Papali’i Dr Taouma. Others turned up to pay airfares at Polynesian Airlines or renewed a passport with the Consul General’s office on Level 2. Then there were the learners who turned up to attend classes on culture, hospitality, cooking, social sciences, languages and more. Artists like Fatu Feu’u ONZM, Iosua Toafa and Momoe Malietoa Von Reiche exhibited in this iconic building.…more

3 time NRL Premiership winner Stephen Crichton joins Sauce on the 'Let's Trot' podcast to talk about his transition to the Canterbury Bulldogs from Penrith Panthers, iconic grand final tries and intercepts, the AREA, his Samoan heritage and the importance of family in his journey, and he goes deep to answer Billy Dib’s mystery question.

AND BONUS: Hear Critta field media questions at his first press conference since joining the Blue and White squad🏉

Blues and All Blacks star winger Caleb Clarke donned the green jersey of the South Sydney Rabbitohs when he hit the field with the team during pre-season trainings, afterwards confessing a switch to Rugby League isn't something he'd rule out.

He'll spend a couple of days training with the NRL side as preparation for his final contracted season with the Blues in next year's Super Rugby Pacific competition, noting that switching codes and playing Rugby League would be 'a dream come true.'

“I find the game so much more enjoyable. Doing that session [on Tuesday], I respect it so much more because it’s so fast and you don’t have much time to think. We’ll definitely see what happens down the track,” Clarke says.

"Being around an environment with people I look up to and can learn from can bring the edge I want to get and take into this new season."

Experience the vibrant Niuean Mutalau United Showtime showcasing some of the best of the 'Rock of Polynesia,' Niue!🇳🇺

Join us as we explore a colourful celebration filled with handicrafts, tantalising food stalls, and the infectious beats of live music. This event serves as a heartwarming gathering for the community, fostering cultural connections and providing a wonderful opportunity for younger generations to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Niuean heritage🎶🌺

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Jason Momoa returns as Aquaman in the sequel to the highest-grossing DC film of all time: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”

Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all.

This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance.

Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.

NFL Pro Bowl and Super Bowl-winning wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster discusses culture, family, faith, and what it means to be a Polynesian athlete.

Watch “Inside the Grind” with JuJu Smith-Schuster, hosted by Serafina Maulupe.

Last month, The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its inductees for the Class of 2024 - Reno Mahe, Domata Peko and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

The inductees were selected from over 100 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame selection committee including Jack Thompson (chairman), Kevin Mawae, NFL network reporter Steve Wyche and more.  All living Polynesian Football Hall of Fame inductees also cast a vote.

"These men represent the very best of our Polynesian people and we look forward to celebrating this recognition with their families in January" said co-founder Seiuli Jesse Sapolu.…more

The Samoa 60 Tala commemorative banknote has proudly clinched the title of “Best Commemorative Banknote of the Year” at the High Security Printing Asia event held in Sri Lanka. Crafted to mark the 60th anniversary of Samoa’s independence, this banknote has been noted for its artistry, historical significance, and security features.

At the forefront of the design lies the portrait of the Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Samoa’s first female Prime Minister. Symbolising six decades of independence, this carefully crafted note pays homage to Samoa’s rich history. On the reverse side, a vignette featuring the Honourable Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II, Samoa’s inaugural Prime Minister during its independence in 1962, adds depth to this celebratory note.

What makes this banknote a standout on the global stage is its portrayal of a father and daughter, both having held the position of Prime Minister, making it also a commemoration to Samoa’s leadership history.

Designed and printed by De La Rue, renowned experts in security printing, the banknote boasts cutting-edge security features.…more

Pasifika Medical Association Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen, wife to Peter Cann, a daughter, loving mother and grandmother, opens up about her personal breast cancer journey for the first time.

With unwavering strength and resilience, Mrs Sorensen aims to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer screenings and to shed light on the significance of self-care for women in Pacific communities.

Debbie Sorensen is the chief executive of the Pasifika Medical Association, the largest Pacific non-governmental organisation in New Zealand, and for 16 years she has helmed the entity with a strong and confident style of leadership.

You can read more about her story here

On Saturday the 24th November, Former All Black and rugby legend Savae Sir Michael Jones announced the establishment of the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame at a small gathering in the Pacific Media Network's Wav Room.

The establishment of the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame will provide a global platform to honour, recognise and celebrate the contribution of the Pacific’s rugby heroes, past and present; empower and lift our Pacific communities through the power of rugby as well as inspire the next generation of Pasifika rugby heroes and influencers to excel, lead and serve.

The movement will celebrate, connect and champion Pacific rugby players and their collective hopes and aspirations.…more