In the heart of South Auckland, a new theatrical force is emerging, ready to redefine the narrative of Pasifika performing arts.

Enter ‘Strictly Brown,’ co-founded by Leki Jackson-Bourke and Saale Ilaua. The pair, both former teachers of Marcellin College, decided to ditch their full-time teaching jobs and go on a creative journey to educate, empower, and entertain Pasifika youth through performing arts.

Their debut production, "Pring It On," a parody of the modern classic American cheerleading film "Bring It On," is set against the backdrop of Polyfest, known to be world’s largest Secondary School’s Pasifika Cultural Festival.

The story unfolds at "South Auckland Grammar School," offering a dra-medy exploring identity, cultural clashes, teenage love, and the quest for authenticity.

The founders of Strictly Brown, Leki and Saale, are not new faces in the artistic realm.…more

As expected, hundreds turned out today for the Qualification rounds for the Manu World Champs at the Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pools in Māngere today.

The Z Manu World Champs is a “grand celebration of a beloved kiwi pastime – the Manu or (dive) bomb, perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools and secret spots throughout the country.”

Plenty of youth signed up for today’s event in hopes of qualifying for the Manu World Champs Finals that will take place in Tamaki Makaurau on Saturday 9 March.

Event organiser Toko Manuel was hopeful that the even would not only keep youth out of trouble this long weekend but also provide them opportunity to take their hobb further.…more

After taking film festivals across the world by storm, Tongan Filmmakers Luciane Buchanan and Vea Mafileo are now eyeing out the Oscars! Their short film “Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue” has been winning hearts everywhere it screens, and now the pair are gearing up for their biggest milestone yet.

Jason Momoa has officially joined the project as an executive producer, supporting Buchanan’s script and performance and strengthening the film’s Pacific Islander creative leadership. The short has also been officially submitted for Academy Awards consideration in the Live Action Short category, pushing the team toward their biggest milestone yet. Momoa joins Frankie Adams as part of the producing team.

Interact with the video below to help spread the word!

The film’s latest achievement marks another milestone. Momoa praised the film’s heart and cultural grounding, saying “Pacific Islander stories carry a depth, spirit, and ancestral connection that deserve to be seen and celebrated. Luciane’s work in Lea Tupu’anga/Mother Tongue is a beautiful example of that, honest, vulnerable, and rooted in heritage.…more

"For us as Pasifika, as Samoans this is the only way we can share our stories: through storytelling."

Samoan Author Natasha Vaaelua has soft launched her very first children’s book named “Leilani's Shop” or “O Leilani ma Iona Fale'oloa”

It’s an English and Samoan bilingual storybook about a young girl making her dream of owning a shop a reality by building her very own fale’oloa out of cardboard.

Natasha Vaaelua’s passion for Teaching began in Samoa where she taught as a Primary School teacher at Peace Chapel Primary School before moving to Aotearoa in 2007.  

Now a seasoned early childhood education teacher with 30 years of experience, she has embarked on a remarkable journey during the challenging times of lockdown. 

With a passion for teaching and love for children, Vaaelua found herself deeply moved during the challenges of Covid-19. As domestic violence peaked and families faced unprecedented pressures during lockdown, she couldn’t ignore the children bearing the brunt of these stresses. Driven by compassion, she felt the need to do more.…more

LEON HENRY

PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER / PROPERTY MANAGER

SAMOAN, NIUEAN, COOK ISLANDER

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Leon Henry is a professional basketball player turned property and events manager, he shares his story with us here, from his upbringing in 'South Central Auckland,' to the highs of the basketball court to how the generations before him influence the work he does post-professional sport.

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Samoan, Niuean, Cook Island decent & hail from what I like to call "South Central Auckland" I had my early childhood years in Central then moved back South where my grandparents first migrated to when they arrived from the islands in the late 1960s.

You've had a long career in professional basketball - can you tell us about a highlight of your career that stands out to you as well as a time that you found challenging?

I think for me the NZ Breakers Three Peat, people don't speak of this much anymore but we were the first professional sporting organization to win in an Australian competition.…more

Mark Hunt discusses if his legal issues with the UFC are over, his return to fighting, getting into bare-knuckle boxing, his current weight, getting offered to take a dive for a fight, if he has talked to BKFC, if he can still watch MMA, wanting to face Jake Paul, USADA leaving UFC, and more.

The talented, young and ambitious dynamic creative duo - Leki Jackson-Bourke and Saale Ilaua launch their the newly formed arts company - Strictly Brown with all the noise of a world premiere. For the brown by the brown, Pring It On brings the comedy, drama and moves to the Māngere Arts Centre for five shows only, from Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2024.

Pring It On is a parody of the popular American cheerleading film, Bring It On (2000). Set against the backdrop of Polyfest, the story shines lights on the behind the scenes dramas of preparing for the world’s largest Secondary School’s Pacific Dance Festival.

When Penina auditions for the Samoan Cultural group all she wants to do is dance. But her new ways don’t meet with the approval of the girl boss - Becky.…more

Hawaiian actress Auli'i Cravalho (who plays Janis 'Imi'ike) sits down with our Coco Correspondent, Kristian Fanene Schmidt to talk all things 'fetch' in the upcoming musical film, 'Mean Girls.'

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Interviewer: Kristian Fanene Schmidt
Editor: Laura McBeath
Talent: Auli'i Cravalho

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

"I don't crave it as much as I'm called to it." Jason Momoa breaks down his tattoos. From the "On the Roam" arm tattoo he got with his team to his signature shark-tooth head tattoo, the actor shares the stories behind his ink.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) congratulates PMA Board Director, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, on his appointment as a Fellow for the International Science Council (ISC). Recognised for his contributions to Pacific health in his capacity as a Public Health and Policy expert, Sir Tukuitonga joins over 100 new fellows to support the ISC in their mission of promoting science as a global public good.     

Reflecting on the appointment, Sir Tukuitonga is honoured to be acknowledged for his contributions on a global platform.  

"The International Science Council is the premier organisation globally that promotes the use of science.…more