Government to assist with New Zealanders & Pacific Island nationals departures from Tel Aviv
The New Zealand Government is partnering with Etihad Airways to facilitate the departure of New Zealanders and other eligible passengers from Pacific countries out of Tel Aviv, following the outbreak of armed conflict in Israel and Gaza, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced.
At least four groups of Pacific Islanders have been in Israel since late September, many of them there for a christian pilgrimage participating in Jerusalem's Feast of Tabernacles celebration.
Fiji Airways had flown to Tel Aviv for the first time nearly 3 weeks ago carrying a large group, as the Pacific Islands nation seeks to build closer ties with Israel after Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka pledged to open an embassy there next year.
Last Thursday Fiji Airways managed to repatriate 243 passengers back to Fiji with almost 200 Fijians, 8 Samoans and citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US onboard.
However, for a group of Tongans from New Zealand and a group from the Cook Islands, it has been much more difficult to get out with many commercial airlines cancelling flights.…more
Fiji Put On Flying Performance Against England, Not Enough For Final 4
By James Nokise
“I think it will be a very good game because both teams, they know, if something happens today then you’re going home tomorrow.”
These were the prophetic words of the living legend that is Waisale Serevi, on the streets of Marseilles before the epic quarterfinal between Fiji and England. Because of his status within the Fijian and wider Pacific community, it can be easy to forget how popular he is in the Northern hemisphere.
The man known as “The Wizard”, though, is busy before the match outside the stadium taking constant photo’s with European fans.
“I believe the boys are ready. They didn’t play well the last two games. It’s over, they’ve learned from that.”
In some ways he was right. Fiji fell behind in the first half with some sloppy play, and went to the break trailing 21-10.
However, they fought back hard to have things tied at 24-24 with 10mins left in the match.…more
Quarter Final Preview: Fiji vs England
By Loveni Enari
The Flying Fijians have been rocked by familial tragedies during the Rugby World Cup but feel the sadness has brought them closer together and will give them ammunition to beat England in their quarter final match at 4am Monday morning (16th October 23)
The first of the tragedies came when Josua Tuisova missed the funeral of his seven year old son after a long battle with illness. Just days before their rendezvous at Marseille with les Ros Bifs, hooker Sam Matavesi has returned to England after the death of his father.
Matavesi’s father Sireli Matavesi was a former test player and had been wheelchair-bound after surgery some years ago. His son has been enjoying a rich vein of form and after he returned to Fiji for a brief visit home for the funeral, he returned to Marseille on Friday.…more
Election 2023: What can Pasifika expect from the new National government?
By Mariner Fagaiava
Labour’s red wave crashed over Aotearoa in 2020 and in 2023, the tide washed out. National and ACT are certain to form a coalition government, but they may need New Zealand First on current numbers. What’s in it for Pacific peoples? Broadcaster and commentator Mariner Fagaiava analyses the election result.
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Air New Zealand boss turned National leader Christopher Luxon will be flying high this morning. He’s in the pilot seat and will become New Zealand’s 42nd prime minister.
Conceding victory to Luxon was Chris Hipkins who shed tears as he spoke to Labour Party faithful in Wellington last night.
13 more years of political experience wasn’t enough to fight the country’s mood for change, which Hipkins perhaps knew all along. He credited his loss to a “perfect storm” of Covid, scandal amongst his own MPs and of course, the cost of living.
After farewelling party veterans Aupito William Sio and Poto Williams in August, Labour is set to lose more Pacific names: Anahila Kanongata’a, Anae Neru Leavasa, Terisa Ngobi and Dan Rosewarne.…more
Our Voice - David's Story
Father, artist and leader of a South Auckland based non-profit community fitness program, David Toailoa shares what helped him through tough times following the tragic loss of his son and during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Mana Pasifika extends a huge thank you to David and his wife Ema for sharing their story with us. Fa’afetai tele lava.
Please be aware that this video addresses infant loss, we are aware that this may be a difficult topic for some viewers.
PARTY VOTE: POLICIES THAT WILL AFFECT PASIFIKA
If you haven't had time to watch the leaders debates or aren't in the loop with what parties have which candidates, let alone what the parties policies are, don't worry! Policy.NZ together with The Spinoff, have put together a comprehensive guide to the 2023 NZ elections.
So if you're still undecided on who you want to vote for, you can see the electorate candidates running in your local area, learn about each political party, its leaders and candidate list and compare the parties positions on key issues this election!
All you need to do is click on this link here
In the meantime we've put together a few of the key issues that we feel impact Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand the most and what each parties policy on these issues are.
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ISSUE: COMMUNITY AND INCLUSION - PASIFIKA
New Zealand prides itself on its history of egalitarianism, from women's suffrage to marriage equality. But the struggle for fair treatment, recognition and inclusion by marginalised groups continues.…more
Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Award Winners announced
The winners of the 2023 Creative New Zealand’s prestigious Arts Pasifika Awards have just been announced and the majority of awards have been taken out by female Pacific artists, with two winners in the Senior Pacific Artist category.
The Arts Pasifika awards are the only national awards for Pasifika artists across all artforms and the vibrant annual event celebrates Pacific creative excellence in Aotearoa and globally.
Caren Rangi, Chair of the Arts Council, says the Arts Pasifika Awards play a significant role in celebrating Pacific creativity in Aotearoa.
“I’m particularly proud of the fact that many of our winning artists this year are also passionate advocates for the Pacific community,” says Caren.
“Their influence transcends beyond the creative sector – they're not only making outstanding work but also using their platforms to give back. Many of them are educators, Lavinia is also a youth worker and Falepipi He Malofa’s creative work began as an opportunity for members of the senior Niuean community to come together.…more
Final Day of RWC Pool Games See Tonga Claim A Win And Fiji Through To Quarter-Finals
Tonga's Ikale Tahi and The Flying Fijians played the final two matches of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool Games, with favourable results for both teams.
Tonga finished their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign on a high with an entertaining 45-24 Pool B victory over Romania in front of 45,000 fans at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
The Ikale Tahi swept into a 21-3 lead after winger Solomone Kata collected an offload from Salesi Piutau for the opening try, ex-All Blacks centre George Moala went over and winger Afusipa Taumoepeau added a third after Alin Conache’s penalty for Romania.
Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua admitted the players wanted to get the win for their head coach Toutai Kefu, who is leaving the role.…more
#Opinion Manu Samoa's 2023 Rugby World Cup Campaign
By Loveni Enari
It was only pride they were playing for, the points that mattered for Manu Samoa disappeared last week versus Japan, but fans at least saw a valiant performance in the narrow loss to England, as once again the team failed to qualify for the quarter finals.
It's the seemingly inevitable sadness we've been suffering for over 20 years since those pioneering Manu Samoa teams of the 1990s so successfully brought our nation to the top table.
We all know it's only regular games against Tier 1 nations that will allow us to truly compete but 'world' Rugby didn't invite us to the first World Cup and have not changed their attitude in the meantime no matter how many more brave, entertaining losses and circle prayer sessions with Tier 1 players we are involved in.
Despite this there was some real good to come of the campaign.
Fritz Lee was our player of the tournament, magnificent play, great leadership.…more
Tongan Grit Shines Despite Loss to Springboks
Tonga faced off against defending world champions, the Springboks, and played out an entertaining ten-try thriller during their Pool B encounter.
The Springboks proved their mettle, ultimately emerging victorious with a scoreline of 49-18.
Looking ahead, Tonga remains undeterred, focusing on concluding their World Cup campaign on a positive note. Their sights are set on the upcoming encounter against Romania scheduled for Monday, 9th October at 4:45 AM NZDT. Tonga's team is primed and prepared to bring their best to the field, aiming for a resounding victory to cap off their campaign.