Celebrating the life and work of Papa Joe Williams
Dr Joseph Williams MBChB, MPH, QSM,QSO
Te mamae nei te ngakau no tatou metua, Papa Joe Williams, tei takake atu na roto ite moe roa. Na te Atua te aroa kite kopu tangata e kia tatou katoatoa i roto i teia taime tumatetenga
It is with the deepest sadness that the Pasifika Medical Association announces the passing of their respected and much-loved Patron Dr Joseph Williams MBChB, MPH, QSM, QSO.
Dr Williams has served his country, the Cook Islands, his community in New Zealand and his many patients for more than 60 years. He spent 25 years in the Cook Islands and served as Minister of Health and Education in 1974 to 1978, Minister of Health, Tourism, Transport and State-Owned Enterprises from 1994 to 1996 and Prime Minister in 1999.
Dr Williams was born in Aitutaki, went to Northland College, graduated from Otago Medical School in 1960 and later completed a Master in Public Health at the University of Hawaii.…more
Australian Government moves to ban Kava imports
In a move that has shocked the Pacific Island community in Australia, the current allowance of 2 kilograms of kava per person will end in a bid to stop it's abuse.
Kava is already illegal in Northern Territory and Western Australian Aboriginal communities like Arnhem Land because of the health, social and financial impacts.
What do you think? Do you think that it's fair for a Pacific legacy to be banned? Read more on the story here!
Junior Seau - Pro Football Hall of Fame
The late Junior Seau will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"One by one, the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame stepped onto the stage as their names were called. When the eighth man elected Saturday, the late Junior Seau, was announced, his two sons stood with the group."
Photo Cred: Samoa Observer
Seau retired from pro football after the 2009 season. A standout on San Diego's only Super Bowl team, he was later inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame and the team retired his number 55. Seau committed suicide with a gunshot wound to the chest in 2012 at the age of 43. Later studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a type of chronic brain damage that has also been found in other deceased former NFL players.
Your legacy lives on! Malo Lava Junior!
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Sonny Bill Williams vs Chauncey Welliver
Check out the highlights from SBW's fight with Chauncey Welliver at the NRL Footy Show Fight Night in Sydney last night!
Showing impressive boxing form against his American opponent, the all-rounder outclassed Welliver in eight rounds to win the match by unanimous decision!
Super-Bowl first timer Sealver Siliga
Repping it for our Poly's, Sealver Siliga will be taking to the field for his first Super Bowl for the New England Patriots!
The Utah-native is the first player from his high-school to be drafted into the NFL, and says he is always proud of where he's come from. Go Sealver!
Check out his full story here!
Don't forget the lyrics!
When the Samoan Netball Team lined up to play against NZ's Silver Ferns this week in Fiji for the Oceania Netball Tri Series, this was probably the last thing they thought would happen!
But 10 points to Epeli for carrying on... and minus 10 points for the phone.
David Tua's Best Knockouts
Check out this awesome tribute to David 'The Tuaminator' Tua!
With an awesome career spanning over 20 years, 43 out of 52 wins by Knockout and a devastating left-hook, it's easy to see how this powerhouse became a household name!
Here's just a few of his heaviest hits, and how he became O for Owesome!
In September 2019 he was announced as a National Boxing Hall of Fame inductee for 2020 and on January the 8th 2022 he was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame - Class of 2022
On Sunday 24th April To'aletai David Tua will be officially inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame alongside the 2021 and 2022 classes in Los Angeles. Due to Covid the 2020 and 2021 classes did not hold ceremonies.
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Check out fellow Samoan Alesana Tuilagi - the Samoan Bulldozer!
"Represent and Perpetuate!"
Check out this recent Hawaiian University graduate rockin' his malo at Graduation!
When Kalā Kaawa graduated with his 2 bachelors degrees from the School of Hawaiian Studies, he was unsure of how people would react to him wearing the malo (traditional Hawaiian loincloth). But when he stepped out of his grad gown, he recieved a standing ovation, and they kept cheering as he made his way back to his seat.
Kaawa said he wanted to use the garment to remind people "not to be ashamed of your culture, whether you are Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tongan, etc." and to "know your roots, represent and perpetuate! Not just for yourself, but for your family, your ancestors and the future generations of your culture."
Check out the full story here
Aaradhna at The Apollo Music Café (Apollo Theatre)
Aaradhna (Indian/Samoan) makes History, being the first Polynesian solo artist to headline at the Apollo Music Café (Apollo Theatre) in Harlem, New York (U.S.A).
Girlfriend made her musical debut in 2004 as a featured singer on the single Getting Stronger (with Adeaze), which peaked at number one on the NZ Singles Chart. Aaradhna's latest album 'Treble & Reverb' received several nominations at the 2013 New Zealand Music Awards and won the award for 'Album of the Year'.
As the first lady of 'Dawn Raid', Aaradhna is now set to make history as she will be the first Poly solo artist to represent at the Apollo Music Café.…more
Niuean Reverend Tom Etuata receives New Year's Honour
Reverend Tom Etuata, who has been involved with Pacific communities in Wellington since 1968, has received the Queen's Service Medal in the 2015 New Year's honours list.
"If we are not doing anything about our culture and our language the language can be extinct if we are not careful. You know, my generation will pass on and the new generation will here in New Zealand would have difficulty in speaking their mother tongue."
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Learn more about the 'Rock' island - Niue