A research centre at the University of Auckland will make history when it launches on the 19th of April 2023 at the Fale Pasifika, as the first university research centre dedicated to Pacific and global health solutions and leadership.

Concern for Pacific people's health and wellbeing has led to the new Pacific research centre looking at benefitting Pasifika communities across the region. 

Creating solutions for the health wellbeing of Pasifika populations in Aotearoa is at the forefront of a brand new centre for Pacific and Global Health being launched this week at the University of Auckland. 

The centre’s mission is to transform and positively impact health for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, in the Pacific region and globally, through high-quality and implementable research.

Sir Collin says it will foster cultural exchange, empower local communities, and provide training opportunities to develop and strengthen Pacific research leaders.

“The launch aims to bring together Pacific communities, researchers, scholars, regional and global organisations whom we work alongside to advance policy, advocacy, leadership, and innovative initiatives that promote health and wellbeing of Pacific populations," he says.…more

By Mariner Fagaiava 

“Pride Cook Islands is elated to see the decade long active push for the decriminalisation of homosexuality finally take place in Cook Islands Parliament on Friday April 14th 2023. 

This landmark legislation will forever be remembered as our nation's acknowledgement of the Rainbow Community and their value, importance and rightful place in society.  

It speaks to Human Rights and Equality for all.” Karla Eggleton Pride Cook Islands Chair. 

Another Cook Islands rainbow advocate says “The shackles of colonisation that we bore are now broken”, as the Cook Islands Parliament repeals laws from its Crimes Act that made homosexuality illegal.

The Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2023 passed it’s third reading on the weekend, amending the Crimes act 1969 which deemed “indecent acts” between men were punishable by up to five years in prison.

People who hosted such acts within their homes faced a ten year sentence behind bars.

Both provisions were repealed in the amendment bill read for the final time on Saturday, submitted by the Cook Islands Party led coalition government.…more

Taika Waititi released a first glimpse of his 'Next Goal Wins' movie with the first promo poster and a new release date on his social media yesterday.

The movie follows the "world's worst soccer team" and its history making transgender player ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in 2001. The team went on to lose their qualifying game against Australia by 31-0. 

The film is based on the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison about Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen's efforts to lead the American Samoa national football team.

Michael Fassbender will star as Rongen, alongside Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, Kaimana, Rhys Darby, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss. Filming began in Honolulu in November 2019.…more

Our Fresh host Shimpal Lelisi takes us around Hamilton 7s to check out the crowds, costumes and chat to some of the players.

Its a bitter sweet goodbye as this tournament in Hamilton is the final World Series event held in Aotearoa. Fans show up not only for their teams but to say ka kite to the beloved event!

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Keepin It Fresh brings you all the freshness happening in our Moana communities, from Cultural Festivals to Pacific Concerts.

Nafanua, Samoa’s renowned atua and war goddess is just one of the many figures from cultural history on display in a church that highlights Samoan art, culture and religious imagery on its walls.

The Church of St Theresa of the Child Jesus took 8 years to complete and now stands resplendent in the village of Lepea celebrating religious narratives and Samoan cultural stories intertwined in one extraordinary building.  

The 46 stunning stained glass panels represent a significant biblical connection to the growth of Christianity and the Catholic Church in Samoa. 

There are three main entrances for the church and each have their own unique designs on striking display.…more

Samoan UFC Heavyweight fighter Justin Tafa joined our Coco Correspondent Suluafi Brianna for a Tiny Mic interview at his Junior Rugby League club in Auckland.

He gives us his UFC287 predictions, plays a round of This or That and shares what song he usually hypes himself up to on Fight Night - Hint: it’s a RSA Band song but can you guess which one?

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

Red White and Brass follows the mostly true events that happened around the 2011 rugby world cup.

Let’s set the stage ... Tonga plays France in Wellington, a small group of friends fund raise to buy tickets but their dreams of watching their team are dashed when the game is sold out before they can purchase said tickets. Their last hope to see the game is to perform as a marching band during the opening ceremony ... something they have zero talent or knowledge for.  

Queue the sun, or in this case, queue the “tingggggg” of a triangle as the idea forms to learn everything from scratch. An almost impossible task for the rag tag ensemble of friends and family led by newcomer to the big screen John Paul Foliaki.

But as we all know, Tongan fans can be the most nationalistic. If there is a chance to raise a flag, they will buy the whole shop and flag making company.…more

Meet Samoan American Idol contestant Jezzerrelli Afe-Togia who made it through to Hollywood Week.

Unfortunately her audition wasn't screened in the auditions that aired on TV or on the American Idol Youtube channel but she was part of the first night of Hollywood Week auditions shown on Sunday night.  

** Spoiler Alert ** She didn't make it past Hollywood Week but we had the opportunity to chat with Jezzie about her experience and she also shares her original audition tape which she had to send to Beyonce's team for clearance which ultimately earned her a spot at the auditions.

We hope to see her back next year and you can follow Jezzie on instagram here 

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

The Big Baller Brand CEO and entrepreneur LaVar Ball (you may also recognise him as NBA/NBL stars Lonzo, LaMelo & LiAngelo's father) is in Samoa at the moment to run basketball clinics, check out the talent there and experience the 685.

We caught up with him for a Tiny Mic interview while he was here in Auckland, plus talked to Vince Harder who was facilitating the NZ leg of the tour as well as a couple of the 92Wrld boys who are helping out.

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You can catch Lavar in Samoa Wednesday 5th April at Tuanaimato Gym from 1-5pm for Basketball clinics and tomorrow Thursday 6th April for the 3x3 comps & showcase.

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

He's the singer that brought the world to tears with his emotional American Idol audition.

Iam Tongi is an incredibly talented young 18yr old, Tongan singer who wowed the American Idol judges but had them reaching for tissues when he dedicated his audition to his late father.

Brianna Fruean chats with Iam about his American Idol experience, his late father, his love of singing and much more here - 

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Watch Iam's full audition in the video below - 

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air