We keep it Mafana with the minds and faces that brought you "Red, White & Brass".

The movie is about when Wellington Tongan superfan Maka (John Paul Foliaki) fails to secure tickets to a hometown Rugby World Cup match between France and Tonga, he reaches for...the nearest trumpet. Maka rallies his mates into a last minute marching brass band to represent Tonga at the big game. All inspired by a real-life story!

On this red carpet we speak to the actors, creators and audience on just how special this movie is!

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Credits:

Director: Shimpal Lelisi 

Camera: Mary Raela

Sound: Sefa Taouma 

On Sunday 27th August right on midnight NZT, Samoan Heavyweight MMA fighter Junior Tafa will kick off the UFC Singapore main card taking on Parker Porter.

Junior is the youngest of three brothers - his older brother Justin is currently fighting in the Heavyweight division in the UFC where he debuted in 2019 & they are both trained by their oldest brother Gerard.  Their grandfather & uncles were also champion boxers. 

#Watch Justin Tafa's story - 

The 26yr old has had an impressive career in Kickboxing starting his fight career in the Glory Kickboxing promorion when he was only 17yrs old

Legendary fighter Mark Hunt then recruited Junior to be a sparring partner with him and had the opportunity to travel with him on many of his training camps around the wold including Vegas.

“Just through being part of Mark’s setup I’ve benefited so much, being able to train with top level guys like Uriah Hall and Travis Browne.…more

New Zealand Rugby League Wellbeing team - Cliff Thompson (Wellbeing manager) + Rugby league legend & current wellbeing officer Ali Lauitiiti, are launching a new podcast on Thursday the 20th of April.

The podcast is about how people in rugby league 'find their front' through challenging times.

'To fall in such a way you can get up with momentum and go again, for you and those around you.'

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

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