Last night the Pasifika Film Fest opened in Auckland and our Pacific community came out to support the inaugral event which was held at the Queen Street Event Cinemas.

They were treated to performances by the Groovehouse Family & Fine Fatale and were welcomed Hawai'ian style into the theatre by Hawai'an dance group 'Aruna' before watching the opening night feature - "Kumu Hina", a film about a transgender Hawaiian teacher who inspires a girl to lead the school's male hula troupe. 

Pasifika Film Fest Founder and Director Kalo Fainu notes, “The festival exists as a platform for storytellers of Pacific & Maori heritage to share their films on the big screen and to have the opportunity to have their art seen by large audiences. The PFF initiative is a place for the community to celebrate & take part in the diverse cultures of Oceania”.

Passionate about the Pacific community, NRL Wellbeing and Education Manager and Festival Co-Director Nigel Vagana adds, “It has been an awesome journey the last few years. I am really excited to bring it to NZ especially my hometown, Auckland.…more

"Tofa My Feleni" tribute to Sione Lauaki by Nick Afoa & Lasalo Elia

Sione Lauaki passed away on February the 12th, 2017 in Auckland at the age of 35.

He had played 17 tests for the All Blacks and over 70 caps for the Waikato Chiefs over 7 seasons before moving to France to play for Clermont and Bayonne before his kidney problems were picked up.  Earlier in his career he had also played for the Pacific Islands test team & NPC for Auckland.

He had lived in Rarotonga with his wife Stephanie & their children for the last few years.

Enjoy this beautiful tribute by Nick & Lasalo and a highlights video below of his rugby career

#RIPWax 

Suggested Links:  

Tonga's 1st All Black

Manu Samoa tribute to terminally ill rugby legend Joost Van Der Westhuizen

In celebration of Auckland Pride Month, we're sharing Pasifika Pride stories. 

Amy Kainuku

Cook Islands

I first realised I had feelings for females when I was approx 23 years old.  One of my best friends (who happened to be a woman) hit on me.  I initially said no because I was scared (being gay/homosexual just wasn’t what you did…it was kind of taboo or “forbidden”).  Things did eventually progress to a romantic/sexual relationship.  I believe our relationship developed and evolved that way because she had been my friend for a number of years, and I felt safe/comfortable with her since we did have that previously established “ friendship trust/bond”.  I was terrified to tell anyone that I was romantically/sexually involved with a woman, and it became our little secret for about 2 years.  I was still dating men and attending church on a regular basis during this time in my life.  

In celebration of Auckland Pride Month, we're sharing Pasifika Pride stories. 

Sammy Salsa

Samoan/Niuean

Fashion & Celebrity Stylist 

I’ve always hated the term “Coming out” and I still do – when people would ask me “How long have you been gay?” I would respond with “How long have you been straight?”   The “coming out” scenarios made the whole process feel like I was carrying a dirty little secret that needed to be exposed.  And it was anything but, this was my lively hood, the actual person I was to be – so one day I brought my partner home to meet my family as any poly boy would bring home their girlfriend to meet the aiga, except, I was bringing home a man, a palagi man at that.

It took some time for my family to adjust, which at that point I realized they weren’t upset at the whole “Gay” thing, they were more afraid of the unknown, it was almost like the old “straight” Sammy they once knew no longer existed in their lives.…more

In celebration of Pride Month, we're sharing Pasifika Pride stories. 

Lizie Koroivulaono

FIjian

Television Production

Bula, my name is Elizabeth Koroivulaono, I hail from the beautiful islands of Matuku, Lau in Fiji. I come from a large beautiful Fijian family and have 3 brothers and 2 sisters. I now live in Auckland, New Zealand and have been for the past 15 years. I first moved to New Zealand in 2008, to study Bachelors in Communication, majoring in Film and Television. Since graduating in 2010, I now work in the industry and call New Zealand my second home.

Honestly, it took me 6 months back in 2008; of internal battles to decide to finally accept my attraction to women. I had many discussions with a really good friend about it, where we talked about the implications this would cause on my family members. I come from a strong Catholic and traditional family - and as we all know, the declaration of being attracted to the same sex does not bode well with the church or the culture.…more

Last night Dwayne Johnson won big at the NAACP awards taking home 'Entertainer of the year'.  The People’s Champ topped fellow 'Entertainer of the Year' nominees Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper, Viola Davis and Regina King.

He had been nominated for 'Entertainer of the Year', 'Outstanding actor in a Comedy Series' for "Ballers" and 'Outstanding Character Voice Over Performance' for Maui in Disney's MOANA.

In his acceptance speech he dedicated his award to his late Grandfather High Chief Peter Maivia and his Father Rocky Johnson.  You can watch his acceptance speech here  

Presented annually, the NAACP Image Awards is recognized as America's preeminent multi-cultural awards show from an African American point of view.  The event celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors.…more

"The Fate of the Furious" which is the 8th installment in the 'Fast & Furious' franchise dropped during the Super Bowl on CBS.  

With millions of viewers tuned in to one of America's premium sporting events, 30 second ad spots during the Super Bowl can cost up to US $5 million to be featured.

So when the new Fate of the Furious trailer was released in the 2nd quarter of the Super Bowl today, millions of people also got to hear our very own Savage's latest track 'PUSH' featuring DJ Kronic & Far East Movement.

We caught up with Savage to see how he was feeling about it all ...

'Usually when they want to use your song the artist has to clear it so when I got this opportunity (for the track) to be on the movie as well as the trailer and the ad, I was all for it.  I knew that it was lining up for it but they wouldn't confirm or guarantee that it'd be on so thats the whole reason I didn't announce it.…more

Emily Mafile'o 

Photographer

Tongan/European/Maori

Tell us about yourself and what you do - 

Tongan/European/Maori living in Manurewa, South Auckland. Mama to my son, Emil first and foremost.

I freelance in photography, set dressing for TV and films and am a big promoter of Contemporary Pasifika/Tongan Arts in my Community. I am proud to be part of the ManaRewa Collective based at Nathan Homestead.

Why are you fascinated with photographing contemporary Tongan culture? 

Tongan culture is at a fascinating time! There are so many different versions of Tongan people that we need to celebrate.

Behind the scenes of the official music video for Touch.

And watch the completed official video here!

Suggested Links:  

Sisters United - The Goebel Sisters 

In Celebration of Parris