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
Solomon Islands & American Samoa Arrive in Tonga for OFC U-19 Qualifiers
The Solomon Islands and American Samoa U-19 women’s football teams have arrived in Tonga this week to compete in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship qualifiers. This tournament marks a crucial step for teams aiming to secure a place in the next OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, where they will battle for a chance to represent Oceania on the world stage.
The previous edition of the tournament, held in 2023, was a landmark event. Hosted by Fiji, it was the first OFC U-19 Women’s Championship to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic and also served as a qualification pathway for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The competition saw the return of the under-20 age restriction for the first time since 2015, adding another layer of challenge for the participating teams.
One of the standout stories of the 2023 tournament was the Cook Islands, one of OFC’s smallest member associations, who made an impressive run to the semi-finals. Their journey ended at the hands of New Zealand, who secured a 5-0 victory to advance to the final.…more
South Auckland’s New Playgrounds Are Bringing Communities Together
In a time when digital devices dominate children’s lives, revamped parks across South Auckland are proving that outdoor play is far from a thing of the past. Several long-neglected community spaces have been transformed into vibrant gathering places, drawing families out of their homes and strengthening neighbourhood ties.
Parks That Have Been Upgraded:
- Papatoetoe Recreation Grounds – Improved sports fields with better drainage and lighting, making them usable year-round.
- Aorere Park – A brand-new playground and outdoor fitness zone for all ages.
- Puhinui Domain – Newly planted fruit trees and revitalised green spaces to encourage community gatherings.
- Pearl Baker Reserve – State-of-the-art play equipment, upgraded basketball courts, and new volleyball courts.
- Toetoe-roa / Cooper Park – A fully modernised space featuring a new playground, learn-to-ride cycleway, and fitness equipment.
One of the biggest success stories has been Pearl Baker Reserve in Ōtara, a once-barren park that locals had long abandoned. Before the upgrade, the space was little more than an empty field, where nothing good really happened.
"Before, there was nothing here.…more
Rugby League Returns to Las Vegas for a Bigger, Bolder, and Better 2025
The wait is over—Rugby League is back in Las Vegas for its second consecutive year, and it’s double the excitement in 2025! After a thrilling debut in 2024 with four teams, this year’s festival sees the competition expand to eight teams, including the historic addition of the Australian Jillaroos, making it a truly global Rugby League spectacle.
On Saturday, 1 March 2025, the iconic Allegiant Stadium will host four high-intensity match-ups, bringing together the best of the NRL, Super League, and international rugby for an unforgettable day of action.
The 2025 Las Vegas Showdowns
🏉 Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors
Two powerhouse clubs from the NRL lock horns in a trans-Tasman showdown, promising fast-paced, physical footy.
🏉 Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
The defending NRL champions take on the Sharks in what is set to be a battle of skill, strategy, and pure determination.
🏉 Wigan Warriors vs. Warrington Wolves
Super League giants take centre stage in a classic English rivalry as Wigan and Warrington bring their hard-hitting brand of rugby to Vegas.
🏉 Australian Jillaroos vs.…more
THEATRE REVIEW: Mā – A Tender Tribute To A Mother's Love
From the moment the excited chatter filled the theatre’s foyer, it was clear that anticipation was high. Mā, directed and performed by Jonjon Tolovae, with a beautifully complementary performance by Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters and accompanied by Flo Akauola on guitar, unfolds as a deeply personal tribute to the enduring love of a mother.
Before the lights even dim and the show begins, ‘Mum’ by Prince Tui Teka plays on the overhead speakers, gently foreshadowing the narrative to come. As the lights dimmed and the performance began, the energy in the room shifted from excited chatter to focused, heartfelt silence. This transition immediately set the stage for a performance that promised both intimacy and a strong cultural connection, Samoan dialogue and song is interwoven throughout the show, bringing a cultural intimacy known well by the Pasifika communities in Tamaki Makaurau.
Throughout Mā, intimate recordings of conversations between Jonjon and her mother Sevai lend a heartfelt authenticity, transforming the stage into a space of familial dialogue.…more
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - ADYHANA URIKA FILIFILIA
Adyhana Urika Filifilia
Samoan
Singer / Songwriter / Actor
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Emerging Samoan vocalist and theatre performer Adyhana Urika Filifilia has decided to take the plunge and release her debut single, 'Anchor'!
From her roots in the performing arts to her journey of finding her voice as a solo musician, she reflects on the personal and cultural influences that shape her sound.
Drawing strength and inspiration from her Samoan heritage. ‘Anchor’ is an insight into her thoughts and feelings as a young Pasefika woman growing up in New Zealand, juggling the complexities of traditions and expectations in parallel with the desire to carve a unique path in this modern world, whilst still remaining grounded in who you are.
A good friend of The Coconet TV, she sits down with us talk about her new single and the exciting new journey ahead.
Tell us about your new song! What was the inspiration behind your debut single 'Anchor'?
"Anchor" is a piece I wrote during my final year of high school, with one of my close friends accompanying me on guitar.…more
Mana Pasifika: A Bid to Kiwi Talent at Home
Auckland is positioning itself as the home for a second NRL team with the launch of Mana Pasifika, a bid that could change the future of rugby league in New Zealand. More than just adding another franchise, this is a chance to stop the talent drain that has seen many of our best players head to Australia in search of professional opportunities.
For years, New Zealand has been a breeding ground for NRL stars, yet a significant number of them have been forced to cross the Tasman to chase their dreams. In 2021 over 100 New Zealand-born players were reported to be contracted to Australian-based NRL clubs. With the Pasifika and Māori influence growing stronger in the sport, Mana Pasifika presents an opportunity to keep that talent at home, develop local pathways, and build a team that truly represents Aotearoa’s unique rugby league culture.
The bid has already garnered strong backing from across the Pacific and New Zealand, with key Māori and Pasifika leaders recognising its potential to unite both cultures.…more
