In a world that often seems too digitally connected but emotionally disconnected, a group of Pasifika women have introduced a refreshing way to bridge the gap and foster genuine human connections.

Lalaga, a card game developed by Torisse Laulu and her team (including Gabby Manu, Lauren Wepa, and Atelaite Mapa), promises to revive and elevate the art of conversation with its blend of warmth, humour, and meaningful discourse.

Lalaga was launched to much fanfare on Tuesday 5th, September but lalaga, a term that means 'to weave,' is more than just a game; it's an opportunity to reconnect with friends, family, or even potential new connections in a heartfelt way. With five levels of questions and prompts, Lalaga offers players the flexibility to customise their conversations and delve into varying depths of topics.

Torisse Laulu, the creator of Lalaga, drew inspiration from the rich Pasifika culture of talanoa, emphasising honest and open discourse. She believes that in today's world, where online interactions dominate, there's a genuine need to nurture relational spaces for connection.…more

We're Keepin It Fresh in the Kingdom 🇹🇴 as we go on the field the training fields and into the grand stands as the Tongan National Rugby Team, Ikale Tahi take on Australia A in the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup 🏆

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Keepin It Fresh brings you all the freshness happening in our Moana communities, from Siva Afi Festivals to Fashion Shows.

Segment Credits:
Directed and filmed by Tutu On The Beach
Edited by Laura McBeath

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) and Signature Choir with Live Nation present Mana Moana, an incredible musical experience coming to Auckland’s Spark Arena for one night only Friday November 24, 2023.

Mana Moana is a celebration and fusion of two worlds of music colliding, with 80 choral singers and 78 NZSO musicians on stage showcasing thegorgeous harmonies and rich melodies of traditional songs from across Pasifika islands.

After selling out in 2022 in Wellington, this energetic, unique, and emotional celebration will bring traditional and contemporary songs from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau to Auckland for this special community event.

For complete tour and ticket information, click here.

A collaborative journey to celebrate and promote the languages and stories of Pasifika, in 2022 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) and Signature Choir created high-quality audio recordings and videos of Pasifika songs in partnership with RNZ, followed by a live performance at Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.

Now this incredible musical experience comes to Auckland’s Spark Arena in November 2023.…more

In a stunning upset at UFC 293, Sean Strickland emerged victorious against Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship.

But what many may not know is that Strickland's journey to his career-defining win over the NZ-Nigerian champ was marked by a deep appreciation for the contributions of a Pacific Island mentor who played a major role in his training.

In the lead up to UFC 293, Strickland and his coach, Eric Nicksick, appeared on the Submission Radio podcast and opened up about the role played by Samoan Muay Thai champion 'Sugar' Ray Sefo in his training.

"Ray Sefo's not my coach, he's never held pads for me, but I think every day he gives me advice. Every day Ray will watch me spar, 'Hey Sean, let me pull you aside,' and help me out.'"

Nicksick echoed this sentiment, revealing a lineage that ties both Strickland and Adesanya's coaching teams back to legendary Tongan fight coach Lolo Heimuli, who has produced some of the greatest fighters in New Zealand history at Balmoral Lee Gar Gym.…more

By James Nokise

No image, no video, no audio can do justice to what it was like to be in State de Bordeaux on Sunday night when Fiji took on Wales.. 

In a word, it was loud - electrically so. Imagine a packed to the rim, full blast, drums and all, Warriors game at Mt Smart stadium. Then double the noise because Mt Smart takes 25,000, and State de Bourdeaux had over 42,000 people cheering, singing, and flat out screaming all the way from 9pm for close to two hours. 

There were many Fijian supporters, mostly French, but very few Fijians. Meanwhile an ocean of Welsh fans, with red tops, and slightly sunburnt red faces filled the majority of the stadium. The red dragon was everywhere, with just the occasional section of white tops and blue flags. 

Those French Fiji fans weren’t just there to be nice though. Their appreciation for the France based Fijian players like captain Waisea Nayacalevu and superstar Semi Radradra  was adamant from the roar that went up as they were introduced.…more

In a move that's set Pacific rugby buzzing, former All Black Julian Savea is making a return from injury. The iconic winger, often referred to as 'The Bus,' is all set to light up the Super Rugby Pacific competition in 2024, this time donning the vibrant Moana Pasifika jersey.

Savea, renowned for his powerhouse finishing skills and ability to light up the scoreboard, recently bid a heartfelt farewell to the Hurricanes. He had been an indomitable force at the franchise for a remarkable 11 seasons, spread across two distinct periods. However, the announcement of his departure opened the door to a new chapter in his illustrious career.

The decision to join Moana Pasifika, led by ex-All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, has sent shockwaves through the rugby community. It marks a fresh start for the Kiwi legend under the guidance of one of New Zealand rugby's most iconic figures.

Julian Savea's journey in professional rugby has been nothing short of spectacular.…more

The competition continues to heat up as 'The Voice Australia' moves on to the next stage of the competition in the 'Battle Rounds' 

This phase brings an entirely new level of intensity, as contestants go head-to-head in duets and sing-offs, raising the bar for their performances each time they hit the stage. 

The Battle Rounds came with a heavy heart as we bid farewell to one of the season's standout performers, Marley Sola. Marley, a fan-favourite who had impressed both judges and audiences alike with his soulful performances, faced a tough battle that ultimately marked the end of his journey on The Voice Australia.

Team Coach Guy Sebastian opted to go with Australian singer, Bella Mackenzie after both sang for their lives, sharing on his decision, "the thing that is guiding my gut is really about who I can help the most.”

As the competition intensifies, remaining Pasifika singers Razé, David Aumua, and Giaan Jordan will have their eyes on securing a coveted spot in the next round.…more

By Loveni Enari

To know, know, know him ... is to love, love, love him - the Teddy Bears from 1958 - beautiful song. Think about your friend list and think whose name you could possibly associate with it.

I challenge anyone, but anyone, who's a friend of Ta'i Paitai’s, to listen to that song and say it's not perfect for him!

Central City Library Artist in Residence, kete-weaver extraordinaire, prestigious dancer, Ta'i Paitai, that is.

You meet him, you think what an extraordinarily nice person, you tell someone who knows him and their reaction?

You get what I call that false Auckland voice (except it's real with Ta'i), 'Ooohhhh but he's lovely! What a lovely guy. He's so nice. He's amazing. Oh isn't he adorable'

Blah, blah, blah.

The first five people I mentioned his name to had that exact same reaction. 100%.

In three words - in bloody credible!

More incredible is his work as an artist.…more

In what was supposed to be an electrifying start to their respective Rugby World Cup campaigns, Fiji found themselves at the center of controversy as they suffered a gut-wrenching loss to Wales.

The match saw a comeback try slip from Fiji in the final minute of the game, but fans and pundits alike have been left questioning the fairness of the game, due to contentious refereeing decisions that many say seem to have favoured the Welsh side

Fiji will be looking to bounce back from their loss when they play against Australia on Monday 18, September 3:45amNZST

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Other Pacific Games:

New Zealand v Namibia - Saturday 16 September, 7amNZST
Samoa v Chile - Sunday 17 September, 1amNZST
Tonga v Ireland - Sunday 17 September, 7amNZST

By Loveni Enari

A year out of a person’s life may not be such a long time but when it’s a year since the sudden death of a loved one, it takes on a special significance.

When that person was a six foot four and 120kg larger than life type, who exuded colour and vibrancy, the dark emptiness is sharpened.

Willie Los’e, the first Māori-Tongan, Pasifika, sports show host on New Zealand radio, was that guy. He died in still unexplained circumstances while working in South Africa and, for those close to him, explanations at this stage are simply no longer necessary. He’s gone and no research by coroners is going to bring him back.…more