On Friday the 24th of November, New Zealand rugby together with the Tausoa Fa'atasi Pasifika Advisory Group* launched the 2024 - 2029 Pasifika Strategy - a historic moment for the Pasifika rugby communities.

Their vision:  To enable, embrace and empower positive outcomes and experiences for Pasifika at all levels of rugby.

It is the first time New Zealand rugby has put in place a dedicated plan to create more equitable opportunities for Pasifika within rugby.  

The organisation acknowledged that Pasifika have made an immense contribution to rugby in New Zealand, particularly on the field but that the under representation of Pasifika in off-field roles was a significant focus for the Pasifika strategy.…more

The 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands are currently in full swing with 24 Pacific Island & Oceania nations competing.

For many of the athletes, the Pacific Games gives them not only valuable experience and competition but a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.

We talk to four boxers based in New Zealand who are in the Solomon Islands to represent their heritage and home islands of Niue, Samoa and Tonga.  They share with us the preparation and training that has gone into qualifying for the games, why it's special for them to be able to represent their island nations, what they've done to prepare for the Solomon Islands heat and more.…more

Jason Momoa recently appeared on the 'Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon', where he talks about hosting Saturday Night Live for a second time, working to stop single-use plastic with his water company Mananalu Pure Water and starring in '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.…more

What does Miss Samoa do after she wins the crown?

Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke was crowned Miss Samoa on the 10th of September 2023 and for the last two months has had a number of duties to perform and engagements to attend alongside promoting Samoa as a destination.

She has also recently started 'Tāfesilafa'i' - Moemoana's own initiative - teaching young people the art of Siva Samoa and Siva Afi along with other cultural performances.

Along with her chaperone Regency Nafo'i from Samoa Tourism, they welcomed The CoconetTV along to experience a typical 'Day in the Life of Miss Samoa' and shared with us a few of the experiences she's had so far.

We joined her from the Tāfesilafa'i senior class at 12pm on Saturday in Upolu through to lunchtime on Sunday in Savai'i.

Thank you Moemoana, Regency, and Samoa Tourism Authority

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Filmed by Penina Momoiseā
Edited by Sefa Taouma

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air

New Zealand athlete Jordan Evans-Tobata is set for an emotional reunion with her father when she competes for her country at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

The Dunedin-based athlete has a busy schedule of four events on her schedule – 400m, 800m, 4x100m and 4x400m relay – during the five-day track programme which runs from 27 November- 1 December in Honiara.

Besides the pride the 19-year-old University of Otago student will feel when making her international debut, Jordan will also have the joy of seeing her Solomon Islands based father, Walebarasialia (Wale), for the first time in nine years.

“As soon as I found out the event was in the Solomon Islands I expressed an interest in competing and I was delighted when I was selected,’ said Jordan.…more

Kānaka Maoli actor and 'Aquaman' star, Jason Momoa, returns to the SNL stage to host the popular American skit comedy show for the second time. We've got all the segments here for you!

In his Opening Monologue, He talks about growing up Iowa, before moving back to Hawaii and getting a job on Baywatch! Today, he is an environmentalist and wants to save the whales and.. SpongeBob!?

Old-Timey Movies

A researcher delving into L. Frank Baum's work unveils recently discovered footage. Set in early 1900s New York City, the film captures Baum engrossed in writing on a park bench. Shot at a slower frame rate, the film accelerates the movement of people, and amidst this, a bystander and his friend repeatedly interrupt, captivated by the film camera.

Rome Song

Wives lament about their forlorn marriages, feeling disconnected from their enigmatic husbands. Their minds wander to Ancient Rome as they sing vulnerably of their longing.

Nightclub Line

Marcello Hernandez and Jason Momoa find themselves in the awkward position of politely turning away club hopefuls who don't meet the attractiveness criteria.…more

Dwayne Johnson talks about using his Acorns card to surprise customers at FAO Schwarz, working with Oprah to start the People's Fund of Maui to help support survivors of the Maui wildfires and celebrating his mother Ata's 75th birthday.

In the second part of the interview Dwayne discusses his return to WWE SmackDown and confirms that he will be playing Maui in the live-action remake of Moana.

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Video credits: 

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

In the series premiere of South African comedian Trevor Noah's new podcast, Trevor is joined by Seiuli Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson — "The People's Champion" in the wrestling world, one of the hardest working actors in Hollywood, and a bonafide Girl Dad.

Trevor and Dwayne get real — discussing everything from Dwayne's troubled youth and his lifelong struggles with depression, to Dwayne listening, understanding and responding to public feedback surrounding the launch of his fund following the Maui fires and whether he'd ever consider running for President of the United States.

Local community initiative 'I Am Mangere' has partnered up with multiple local business owners and entrepreneurs to open their collaboration retail store at the heart of the Mangere Township!

The 'Nesian Collective' is a brand-new pop-up store at the Mangere Town Centre showcasing products and services by several Pasifika entrepreneurs including baby/infant products, handicrafts and merch, pineapple pies and cookies, and even a modelling agency! 👗💍🍪💃🏿

CEO of 'I Am Mangere' Toni Helleur talks to us about the inspiration behind the Nesian Collective and their plans for the Mangere community for the future🌸

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Filmed by Penina Momoiseā
Edited by Sefa Taouma

Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ On Air