WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - SELA FALETOLU-FASI
Sela Faletolu-Fasi is a passionate artist, storyteller, and advocate from Christchurch, New Zealand, with roots in Samoa and Tonga.
Her work, particularly "Love; Mum" draws deeply from her personal struggles and triumphs, offering a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, love, forgiveness, and the healing power of sisterhood.
After a sold-out developmental season in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Love; Mum is currently showing this week at Auckland's The Basement Theatre! We caught up with Writer and Actor Sela Faletolu-Fasi about her work and current show!
Malo Lava Sela - could you please introduce yourself and where you're from?
Talofa lava, my name is Sela Faletolu-Fasi. I am the daughter of the late Reverend Lapana Faletolu (Fasito'outa, Samoa), and Salote Lasei (Fasi Moe Afi, Tonga). I am married to Silivelio Fasi and mum to six beautiful children, Favor (22), Victory (20), Princeton (18), Mercedes (14), Auteletoa (10) and Lapana (7) and we live in Christchurch.
Tell us about Love: Mum - what was the inspiration behind it?
Love; Mum was inspired by a goodbye letter I wrote to my six children in 2023.…more
Cook Islands named first Transgender Mayor - Joanne Rongoape Stephens
The Cook Islands have led the charge in the pacific in LGBTQIA+ rights with their decriminalisation same-sex relationships - and now that have named their very first transgender Mayor: Joanne Rongoape Stephens who will be leading the island community of Mauke.
Her election is not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Pacific. Stephens, a dedicated advocate for her community, expressed her gratitude and vision for her tenure.
"In so many years we have come through, and we will just continue, no matter what happens," Stephens told Cook Islands News. "We just keep on keeping on encouraging our youth and our young ones, even our older people, just to do the right thing, and not do all these unnecessary things here."
Her leadership focuses on service, integrity, and fostering a sense of belonging within Mauke. Stephens aims to stimulate economic growth, promote unity, and uphold honesty and peace as core community values.…more
"This is a teaching institution, otherwise you get the jandal"- Red Carpet Premiere of Tinā
Tiare Savea takes us behind the scenes of the Tinā premiere, chatting with Anapela Polataivao (who plays Mareta Percival) about the grind it took to make this movie. Plus, peep the crews fit check as they flex on the red carpet.
Director : Shimpal Lelisi
Camera : Fa'anati Mamea
Sound : Marcus Lawson
Editor : Mario Gaoa
Talent : Tiare Savea
Port Moresby Fashion Week 2025 - Celebrating Creativity, Innovation, and Style
Port Moresby Fasion Week is set to make a return April 17-19 at the bustling Vision City Mega Mall!
Featured in the official PNG Fashion Week 2025 calendar, this year's event will certainly be an exhilarating showcase of local talents and international trends with six fashion/product runways throughout the three-day affair.
For eight good years running, the schedule of Port Moresby Fashion Week stands certainly as the pillar of Papua New Guinea's fashion industry by providing an outstanding platform for designers, models, and retailers to show their works to a growing audience.
It has developed into not only the feature of the calendar for PNG Fashion Week but also grows as a lighthouse to the fashion ardent here and from abroad, giving local talents international exposure and opportunity.
Taking place right at the Vision City Mega Mall, the region's popular shopping destination, the event is expected to attract over 20,000 shoppers each day, with foot traffic potentially increasing to 40,000 during the week of fashion itself.…more
TINĀ Releases original Soundtrack for all to enjoy!
TINĀ (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), as heard in the #1 Film out now in
Aotearoa New Zealand cinemas (May 1 in Australia), directed by Miki Magasiva,
featuring original recordings from St Francis Choir and LEAO, as well as music by
the legendary Choir of Western Samoa Teachers’ Training College.
Tracklist
1. St Francis Choir 'Mo'omo'oga Sa Molia I Talosaga'
2. Choir Of Western Samoa Teachers' Training College 'La Ele Ele Ua Le Malie I Vai'
3. LEAO 'Musika Malie'
4. Choir Of Western Samoa Teachers' Training College 'Ua So'ona Olioli Nei'
5. St Francis Choir 'Seven Bridges Road'
6. St Francis Choir 'Indodana'
7. St Francis Choir 'It Is Well With My Soul'
8. Choir Of Western Samoa Teachers' Training College 'Lota Nu'u Ua Ou Fanau Ai'
9. LEAO 'O Le Tupu Mamana E'
Released by Tolu Music
Courtesy of Tu Fa'Atasi Films Ltd
Credits:
1. Traditional Arrangement: Dr. Igelese Ete. Choir Director: Dr. Igelese Ete
2. Originally released as part of 'Samoan Song & Rhythm' (Hibiscus, HLS-24,1972).
Courtesy of Kiwi Pacific Records International Ltd.
3.…more
Lilo & Stitch | Official Trailer
Your first look at “Lilo & Stitch” is here! The eagerly anticipated film, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, will open exclusively in New Zealand cinemas May 22, 2025!
“Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. “Lilo & Stitch” is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.
Samoan Teenager from Las Vegas blows judges away at American Idol Audition
It's a big ol' yes for "Samoan Silk" on American Idol! Carrie can't BELIEVE Isaiah Misailegalu is only 17 after his stunningly smooth cover of Donny Hathaway's "A Song For You." Isaiah says the purpose of his Samoan culture is to spread love, and everyone in America is feeling some after his IDOL audition!
Samoan Māori Actor Bailey Poching lands role in Netflix Series - North of North
Bailey Poching, a young Samoan and Māori actor, is making waves in the entertainment industry with his role in the groundbreaking Netflix series North of North.
The show, set in the Canadian Arctic, offers a fresh perspective on indigenous storytelling, and Poching’s involvement is a celebration of the importance of representation and the power of diverse voices in film and television.
Poching's journey to landing the role in North of North was swift and unexpected, a whirlwind that saw him auditioning on Monday and flying out to Canada by Friday.
"It came up like any other role—I got an email about an audition and I sent in a tape," he recalls. "The unusual thing about the process was actually how quickly it all came together—I auditioned on a Monday and by Friday I was on a plane to Canada, en route to Nunavut, which is a territory in the Canadian Arctic."
The rapid turn of events was life-changing for Poching, who soon found himself living out his dream in the remote and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of Nunavut.…more
Moana Pasifika and Drua upset the odds in dramatic clashes
It was a massive weekend for the small but mighty Pacific teams in Super Rugby Pacific. The Kiwi teams struggled against Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, with both Pacific franchises delivering unforgettable performances to secure their first wins of the 2025 season.
Moana Pasifika stunned the Hurricanes 40-31 at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, while the Fijian Drua toppled the previously unbeaten Waikato Chiefs 28-24 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The victories marked a statement round for the competition, showcasing the strength and progress of the Pacific teams.
For Moana, the win was particularly significant as they fought back without their captain, Ardie Savea, who left the field just before halftime due to injury. In his first match against his former team since joining Moana Pasifika, Savea expressed his pride in his teammates.
"I'm proud of the boys to get across the line and get the dub. They showed true heart and effort, and it shows that when we get it right, we can get it right," Savea told Sky SportNZ’s Jeff Wilson after the game.…more
The Fijian Drua’s Auckland Ordeal: Questions Raised Over Unacceptable Treatment
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s recent visit to Auckland for their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Hurricanes has sparked controversy, with reports emerging about their poor treatment upon arrival.
Former Flying Fijians and Waratahs winger Nemani Nadolo took to social media to express his frustration, questioning why the Drua players were left waiting for hours at the airport with no transport. With no bus available, the team was forced to pile into a luggage truck that lacked proper ventilation.
The issues didn’t stop there. Upon arrival at their hotel, the team was made to wait in the lobby for hours after being denied a late check-in by the hotel staff. Nadolo pointed out the stark contrast between this experience and how other Super Rugby teams are treated when they visit Fiji, where they are welcomed with police escorts and high-level hospitality.…more