HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - TAITU’UGA KITCH WESCHE
TAITU’UGA KITCH WESCHE
CREATIVE ARTIST
SAMOAN
–
We lived in Wellington, New Zealand before moving to Australia when I was around 10 years old in 1996 - where we lived in Logan on the south side of Brisbane. We were brought up in the church as are lots of Pacific Islander families! We were part of the Samoan speaking ward of Beenleigh LDS church.
Both my parents spoke Samoan at home and instilled in us siblings different cultural protocols as in our fa’a Samoa and also fofō. As most Polynesian families, our parents were strict, trying to keep us grounded in our culture amongst the modern Western world. We were so lucky to be immersed in our culture at home, church and our Samoan community that resided on the south side of Brisbane.
How did you get your start in the creative space?
My passion was ignited from a young age. Family get-togethers, my uncles playing the guitar and singing.…more
LISI on Sports Talk: Favourite sport, State of Origin & Rugby League Samoa
Coco Sports Talk catches up with Samoan rapper Lisi who was in NZ doing some promo for his upcoming NZ tour next week.
DID YOU KNOW?! He's a bit of a sports head - he loves his footy & explains why he lives in Queensland but goes for NSW when it comes to State of Origin and where his loyalties lie when it comes down to international matches.
-
Watch the full episode of Coco Sports Talk below -
Public Interest Journalism made with the help of NZ on Air
Sir Colin Tukuitonga: respected Pacific health expert receives knighthood
TheCoconetTV is extremely proud to acknowledge the knighting of Associate Pacific Dean, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Dr Tukuitonga is awarded with the Knights Companion Order of Merit (KNZM), a top accolade for his services to Pacific and Public Health.
The honour acknowledges Dr Tukuitonga’s extensive history of service to his Pacific community, both in Aotearoa, further into the Pacific region and on the global stage.
Sir Tukuitonga is one of our most prominent Pacific figures in the health sector in Aotearoa, the region and globally, having held leadership roles in public health and in Pacific development. His voice was crucial in advocating for Pasifika during the Covid crisis in Aotearoa, and he has been consistently vocal in pointing to inequities for Pasifika in the Health system and pushing for policy to impact Pasifika in better ways.
Sir Tukuitonga has held several highly influential offices, including Director General of the Pacific Community (SPC), Commissioner and Co-ordinator for WHO Geneva, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health.…more
Toeolesulusulu Damon Salesa: New Zealand's first Pasifika vice-chancellor
Pacific scholar Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa earlier this year began his role as the vice-chancellor of AUT University.
He is the first Pasifika person in Aotearoa to be at the helm of a university.
In the spirit of Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, we chat to le afioga Toeolesulusulu about his humble beginnings, his drive and his vision.
--
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
--
Director: Mariner Fagaiava-Muller
Camera Operator: Riki Reinfeld
Editor: Damon Fepulea'i
Coco Sports Talk with rapper Lisi the footy fan, Silver Fern Mila Reuelu-Buchanan & guest co-host Leilani Momoiseā
Coco Sports Talk with Penina and Ashley - covering all things sports from a Pasifika female lens!
#CocoSportsTalk looks at the many stories of Pasifika people involved in sports of all kinds, and the trials and tribulations of the talented athletes from all sectors of our community.
This episode we catch up with Samoan rapper Lisi who was in NZ doing some promo for his upcoming tour in a couple of weeks because ... DID YOU KNOW?! He's a bit of a sports head, loves his footy & explains why he lives in Queensland but goes for NSW when it comes to State of Origin.
Robinhood Stars Centre/Wing Attack Mila Reuelu-Buchanan talks what it was like for her making the Silver Ferns, learning about her culture through sports plus shares some of what she does outside of netball including her hobbies.…more
Samoan Writer's Hit Book Makes It To #1
How to Loiter in a Turf War - A novel by Jessica Hansell aka Coco Solid has not only been flying off the shelves but has also made #1 on the Time Out Book Charts.
Māori (Ngāpuhi) and Samoan creative Jessica Hansell, also known as Coco Solid is well known for her work as a writer, musician, visual artist and general media-maker. She has an impressive portfolio of work including creating animated TV series Aroha Bridge, receiving the 2019 Arts Foundation Laureate Award, and completing her Fulbright Creative Residency at The University of Hawai’i where she began writing her first novel - How To Loiter in A Turf War, which was released just this month.
The novel follows the lives of three friends living in Tamaki Makaurau as they navigate gentrification, racial tensions, coming of age, and identity. It has been described as “Fast, ferociously brilliant, crack-up funny and unforgettably true.”
The book comes at a time where young Pasifika readers are hungry for Pacific stories told on pages by writers with shared experiences.…more
Polynesian Football Current Players Roundtable - NFL Network
Polynesians make up less than 1 half of 1% of the US population but there are more than 70 players of Polynesian heritage in the NFL and over 400 Polynesians playing college football.
The NFL celebrates AAPI Heritage month with this spotlight on Polynesians in the NFL.
"[Being in the NFL] allows me to give back everything that I didn't have growing up." - Penei Sewell
Laga Savea tribute
Tributes have been flowing in today for Samoan singer, song writer and producer Laga Savea after news of his passing broke.
The video above is from 2018 when Laga performed his cover of Naumati Lagona at Konishiki's Island Music Festival in Odiba Tokyo.
The talented musician and producer grew up in Nanakuli, Hawai'i and collaborated closely with Pacific Islands music legends Fiji, J Boog and a number of Pacific Islands artists around the world. He was part of the Hot Rain Band which included Kiwini Vaitai and Siaosi and the guys often performed back up vocals for both Fiji and J Boog on tour.
Savea released his own album 'Roots Satisfaction' in 2007 which included a cover of the Five Stars classic 'Naumati Lagona' as well as hit songs 'Take Me Away', 'Nanakuli' and 'Honi Honi' and has been described as a musical genius & icon in the Polynesian community.…more
Four South Aucklanders overcoming the odds and leading the way
by Mariner Fagaiava-Muller
There’s a lot of sad juju around South Auckland at the mo, so let’s pick up the energy by shining light on some already bright Southside superstars.
I’m a bit biassed as a resident of the hood for all 21 years of my life.
There truly ain’t no better side than the Southside.
Blazes trailed, praises sung, paths paved. Not despite, but because it’s just how South Auckland rolls.
Here’s just four South Aucklanders carving up excellence in their respective fields:
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, current Blues and former NRL player
Entering only his ninth union game for the Auckland Blues, after some nine years spent at the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors - you could say RTS is just getting started. He moved to South Auckland from Samoa, attending Ōtāhuhu College. Something about that water in Õtāhuhu breeding champions…
Roger is a Dally M Medalist (2018), Captain of the Year (2020), Winger of the Year (2013) and Premiership Winner (Roosters, 2013).…more
Be in to win a family holiday for 4 to Beautiful Samoa!
Moana Pasifika and major sponsor Samoa Tourism are celebrating the final game of Moana Pasifika’s season in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition and the opening of Samoa’s international borders from the 1st of August. Beautiful is Back!
Be in to win a family holiday for 4 to Beautiful Samoa which includes return flights and a 5 night stay at the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort. All you need to do is buy your ticket online to Moana Pasifika's last home game at Mt Smart Stadium next Saturday 28th May. They'll be playing Australian favourites the Brumbies in the final match of their inaugural season.
Don't miss out!
Simply buy a ticket online to the match before 7.00 pm on Saturday 28 May 2022 and apply the code ‘SAMOA’ on checkout to enter the draw. The winner will be drawn at random from all eligible tickets. Notification of the winner will be made at the match on Saturday 28 May.…more