
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.

Manu Samoa's Hopes Dashed by Strong Japanese Team in Pivotal Pool Match
In a crucial face-off for both teams, the Manu Samoa clashed with Japan's Brave Blossoms in their third pool game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, desperately needing a win to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
However, they faced a formidable Japanese side that proved too strong to conquer. Catch all the highlights as Samoa took on Japan at Rugby World Cup 2023.
The game was intense from the start, with both teams showcasing their prowess on the field. The pressure was immense as Manu Samoa strived to break through Japan's defense and secure the much-needed victory. However, a series of penalties and passing mistakes proved to be their downfall.
Japan, capitalising on these errors, skillfully maneuvered their way through the game, scoring points and maintaining a dominant position. Despite a valiant effort from Manu Samoa, they were unable to bridge the gap, ultimately falling short against a resilient Japanese side.
Samoa will play their final pool game against England on Sunday, 8th Oct 2023 4:45am NZDT.
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Cover Image by World Rugby / World Rugby via Getty Images
Keepin it Fresh at UFC 293 - Adesanya vs Strickland in Sydney
Go behind the scenes & check out highlights from the UFC 293 Sydney fight week & fight night.
'The Crowd Goes Wild's' Tim Provise shows us around the UFC Fan Experience and then hear from our Samoan fighters on the card what it means to them to represent their heritage on this global arena.
Featuring Carlos Ulberg, Tyson Pedro, Justin Tafa, Tai Tuivasa & Israel Adesanya
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Keepin It Fresh brings you all the freshness happening in our Moana communities, from Siva Afi Festivals to Fashion Shows.
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Credits:
Directors - Penina Momoiseā & Althea Strydom
OPC - Junior Meredith
Editor - Sefa Taouma, Laura McBeath
Presenter - Tim Provise
Additional BTS Footage - Penina & Jirah Momoiseā
Additional Fight footage - UFC
Thank you Mick Earsman and the UFC
Unspoken Authentic Conversations - Sione Faumuina and Manu Vatuvei
In this powerful interview, former NZ Warriors and Kiwis rugby league player Sione Faumuina has an open and honest conversation with his former teammate, league legend Manu Vatuvei in an @Unspoken-NZ exclusive.

Tongan Fans' Devotion Shines Bright In the Shadows of Roaring Crowds
By James Nokise
There was a moment right after the Scotland vs Tonga match that not many of the TV networks chose to show.
The Ikale Tahi who, despite a close first half, were beaten by a well-rested Scottish team 45 - 17, returned to the field to thank their fans.
Normally when a team takes a moment like this they are celebrating a victory, but Tonga’s situation did not require a lap of Stade de Nice, just a couple of quick visits to two small groups.
Don’t be fooled by any official photos you may see that imply the crowd support was equal.…more

Tonga Puts Up a Brave Fight but Falters Against Scotland | 2023 RWC Highlights
In a pivotal second pool game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Tonga's Ikale Tahi faced off against Scotland, seeking a victory that would keep their World Cup dreams alive. However, their efforts fell short as Scotland emerged victorious with a commanding score of 45-17.
Tonga fought valiantly against a formidable Scottish side. The Tongan team showcased moments of brilliance, gaining an early lead when Solomone Kata scored the Tonga's first try of the game after a successful penalty kick from fly-half David Havili. However, Scotland's superior performance and cohesive gameplay ultimately secured a decisive win.
This defeat marks the end of Tonga's contention in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, dimming their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Nevertheless, Tonga hope to go out on a high, looking for wins in the remainder of their pool games. They go up against South Africa on Monday 2, October 2023 and 8:00 NZDT.
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Cover Image from World Rugby via Getty Images