Thomas Pa'a Sibbett: Nurturing Polynesian Voices Through Film and Resilience

In a candid and insightful conversation, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett or Pa’a Sibbett - as he laughingly shared. “When I first started writing, I thought I needed a professional sounding name so that’s where Thomas came from but most people call me Pa’a.” The Co-writer of Aquaman shares his unique journey of self-discovery, cultural pride, and the pursuit of his voice as a screenwriter. 

Hailing from Hawaii before immigrating to Washington, Sibbett's experiences have not only shaped his identity but also fueled his passion for storytelling, particularly through the lens of his Polynesian culture.

Sibbett begins by reflecting on his childhood. Moving from Hawaii to Washington as his family were “Priced out of Paradise” as most indigenous Hawaiians are experiencing sadly. He shares that although they lived away from their island, they still remained very much connected to their culture through art & dance.

Sibbett recalls times where he and his family would use culture to keep kids out of trouble in their neighborhood.

“We also did anti-gang work.…more

'Let's Trot' Podcast's Sauce sits down with ex Panthers enforcer Spencer Leniu to chat about his new chapter at the Sydney Roosters, that water bottle incident with new team mate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, pre-season dramas, and Spencer answers the mystery question from Nathan Cleary.

All this and more!

Multidisciplinary Artist Wendy Mocke gave us a glimpse into her life. 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I am a Papua New Guinean actor, playwright, screenwriter, chauffeur to my daughter and personal chef to my daughter's pet cat. In terms of my heritage, my father’s people are from Usino Bundi in Madang Province and my mother’s people are from Simbu province. I grew up in beautiful Madang so it will always be home to me. When I was 12 years old, my parents sent me to Cairns, Australia. I went to a boarding run by Irish Catholic nuns who were equal parts scary and incredible. They helped shape my life. So I also like to say that far north QLD holds a very soft gooey space in my heart.

Have you always wanted to become an artist?

I have this very clear memory in my head. When I was eight years old, I said to my father: ‘Dad, when I grow up, I want to be an artist’.…more

FitTeens: A progamme run by youth, for youth.

15 Year old Roman Amosa is one of the head trainers of the fitness Progamme FItTeens. A programme that has created a safe space for young Pasifika youth across auckland to come together and keep in shape.

The programme began in November of 2023 with only 10 members, and has since grown to an impressive 50 FitTeens members. 

Roman takes multiple classes a week along with her sister Kaide, and fellow trainer Vincent Lee. 
The group are passionate about fitness and encouraging others to stay well. 

Youth from all around auckland travel to Zero to 100 Gym in Ormiston just to attend. It is their hope that they may one day expand enough to hold classes in North, West and South Auckland also.

Pacific and Māori players make up almost 50% of both the NRL and NRLW competitions, and last week saw the next generation showcase their rugby league talents on the big stage. 

Thousands poured through the gates at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe as it played host to the 2024 Pasifika Youth Cup (PYC) Under 18 Boys and Girls Festival. 28 games were played over five days with 13 teams competing across the Boys Championship Section, the Girls Section, and the Boys Premiership Section. Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) Māori, Niue, Fiji, Tokelau, and the Cook Islands were all represented by hundreds of young athletes who put on a fantastic display for those in attendance and those watching every game live on Sky.…more

In the heart of South Auckland, a new theatrical force is emerging, ready to redefine the narrative of Pasifika performing arts.

Enter ‘Strictly Brown,’ co-founded by Leki Jackson-Bourke and Saale Ilaua. The pair, both former teachers of Marcellin College, decided to ditch their full-time teaching jobs and go on a creative journey to educate, empower, and entertain Pasifika youth through performing arts.

Their debut production, "Pring It On," a parody of the modern classic American cheerleading film "Bring It On," is set against the backdrop of Polyfest, known to be world’s largest Secondary School’s Pasifika Cultural Festival.

The story unfolds at "South Auckland Grammar School," offering a dra-medy exploring identity, cultural clashes, teenage love, and the quest for authenticity.

The founders of Strictly Brown, Leki and Saale, are not new faces in the artistic realm.…more

As expected, hundreds turned out today for the Qualification rounds for the Manu World Champs at the Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pools in Māngere today.

The Z Manu World Champs is a “grand celebration of a beloved kiwi pastime – the Manu or (dive) bomb, perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools and secret spots throughout the country.”

Plenty of youth signed up for today’s event in hopes of qualifying for the Manu World Champs Finals that will take place in Tamaki Makaurau on Saturday 9 March.

Event organiser Toko Manuel was hopeful that the even would not only keep youth out of trouble this long weekend but also provide them opportunity to take their hobb further.…more

Tongan Filmmakers Luciane Buchanan and Vea Mafileo have taken Sundance film festival by storm. Where their short film was selected out of an outstanding 17,000 applications.

“Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue,”  follows the journey of a young Tongan speech language therapist. This unique tale unfolds the dynamic between the therapist, fluent in English only, and her client, who exclusively communicates in Tongan.

Written by Luciane Buchanan and Directed by seasoned Documentary Director Vea Mafile’o, the two reflect on what it means as Tongan women in the scripted space at Sundance.

Mafile’o stated “It’s pretty overwhelming and a super exciting space to be in…Previous Polynesian NZFC films that have screened here have been by a handful of Māori and Samoan directors. They really have paved the way for Luciane and I.…more

"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

LEON HENRY

PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER / PROPERTY MANAGER

SAMOAN, NIUEAN, COOK ISLANDER

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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.

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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