A church that has been considered anti-vax hosted a vaccination event today to encourage their remaining unvaccinated members to get their first dose, as well as attempt to dismiss the anti-vax perception attached to the church.

Church leaders and members of the Tokaikolo ‘Ia Kalaisi church in Māngere Bridge line the entrance way to the church waving the Tongan flag as cars beep and people wave while driving past. A speaker is set up on the front lawn of a house nearby, blasting music out to the neighbourhood. The Niuean, Fiji and Cook Islands flags are being waved too, “I’m not even Cook Island” laughs the flag bearer as more cars beep, and others drive in to wait in line for their vaccination.

The large majority of church members have already been vaccinated, says Frank Koloi, the marketing and communications manager for The Fono. 

“This church has been perceived in mainstream New Zealand as well as the Tongan community as not supportive, or anti-vaxxers.…more

WWE superstar Roman Reigns talks about embarrassing his daughter by playing Christmas music too early, confirms he was the kid who was picked first in gym class and reveals if he would fight The Rock or not.

ps in case you were wondering - Roman went on to win his match over BigE at WWE Survivor Series 2021 last Sunday.

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Whose Your Name? - Tamaiti O Le Pasifika Class - Wainuiomata Intermediate School

Every name has a story. The 'Whose Your Name?' book project brings together pieces of writing from the Tamaiti o le Pasifika vasega, a Pasifika enrichment class at Wainuiomata Intermediate School.…more

via Moana Pasifika Rugby 

Moana Pasifika and apparel partner Dynasty have unveiled a stunning and special first Super Rugby jersey.
 
When the team takes to the field to open the 2022 season of Super Rugby Pacific on Friday 18 February at Mt Smart stadium, they will be competing in a uniquely designed home jersey that proudly represents the combined cultures and traditions of the Pacific Islands.

Fans who had signed up for Moana Pasifika memberships, and sponsors and stakeholders, were able to get a first look at Moana Pasifika’s home jersey at the official reveal event (Sunday evening 21 November) with Head Coach Aaron Mauger and Moana Pasifika players.
 
Patron Sir Bryan Williams said it was a special moment to imagine the team running out in the new jersey. “When I see the boys run out for that first time, it’s going to be very emotional, certainly for me and many others. It’s been quite a long journey. Moana Pasifika is so important for our community because it represents our hopes and dreams for the future.…more

Writer Taualofa Totu'a has put together a list of books by Pacific authors that we think your children and young people will love AND would also make great gifts - if you're looking for ideas for birthdays, achievements and more ... .

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For our imaginative kids 

My Gagana Samoa Series 1 - by Dahlia Malaeulu and illustrated by Darcy Solia 

All 3 stories in the first series: Malia Shares, Lagi Spies and Mase's Room

Dahlia released ‘Mila’s My Gagana Series 1’ in 2019 written for pre-school and junior primary school tamaiti. The colourful and engaging tusi faitau have gained more and more young readers since, encouraging the promotion and learning support of gagana Samoa for fanau and faiā`oga.

"Our aim was to create a rich literacy resource that reflects our tamaiti, develops gagana confidence and encourages the use of gagana amongst the first teachers in the lives of our tamaiti.…more

COVEN's Moe Laga on running away from home and finding her family.

"I don't have all the answers but I just base it off what I've been through and my survival, having to start life all over at 21, and as a woman." 

Moe Laga gets blazed and 30 minutes later sits down in the shower with comedian James Nokise to talk running away from home, her performance art and the responsibility of becoming a “queerant” to the COVEN ballroom house, a family of young queer POC.

“Motherhood is an art practice in a way,” says Moe. “When you think of mothers you think of them as creating something and I feel like that’s what artists naturally do. So I’m like, fuck my art practice, my art practice is my motherhood.” 

Features chicken and waffles from Peach’s Hot Chicken in Panmure, Auckland. 

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Eating Fried Chicken in the Shower is a podcast series where depressed alcoholic comedian James Nokise invites famous people into his mental health safe space, for a finger-licking chat about headspace and happiness.…more

Cover image L-R: MMA & City Kickboxing head coach/co-owner Eugene Bareman, NRL on Nine & Stan Sports presenter Sonny Bill Williams & Ginnen Group Sports agent/manager Zen Ginnen 

By Lefaoali'i Dion Enari 

When we watch sport, we can now see our athletes chanting our war cries, holding our flags and showcasing our traditional tattoo’s and hairdo’s. However, the sporting environment they are in is still very Western and palagi in nature.

Although we have high representation of Maori and Pasifika athletes throughout the sports arena, we are grossly underrepresented in non playing sporting roles. Many coaches, sports media and club boardrooms are formed without Maori & Pasifika people or community consultation.

We are seen internationally in sporting codes such as UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), Rugby Union, Rugby league and Boxing. However, the sports systems we are in, don’t always reflect us, as they were made without us. Sadder yet, several sporting organisations still continue to operate using our people as merely ‘physical labour’.…more

By Destiny Taulagi Momoiseā

I was one of the lucky ones.

You know the mums who absolutely love being a new mama, with the perfect baby who never cries, who breezes through their leaps and sleeps through the night by 6 weeks. A husband who adores you and your baby, who’s so hands on, he doesn’t let you do any night feeds. That was us, That IS us. A perfect family unit, the lucky ones.

I had the perfect baby, the perfect husband, and the perfect home.

Unfortunately, Postpartum Depression doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t give a shit if your baby is an angel, if your home is a haven of love and unicorns. It doesn’t.

My son was 6 months old when I started to feel really low, 7 months when the panic attacks started and 9 months when I finally told someone about it.…more

Debutant Super Rugby team Moana Pasifika will kick off the new Super Rugby Pacific 2022 competition on the 18th of February in a home-game against the Brumbies in what promises to be a wonderful celebration of music, colour and Pasifika culture at Mt Smart Stadium.  

The new Super Rugby team has unveiled its match schedule for the season following New Zealand Rugby’s confirmation of the draw 
 
In acknowledging the importance of their team for the Pasifika community, Moana Pasifika has paid tribute to all Pasifika essential and frontline workers – some of whom helped the team to announce their draw for next season (Video above) 

Moana Pasifika, coached by Aaron Mauger, will play 14 games, five of them at home at Mt Smart Stadium.  The Moana men will hit the road quickly after Round 1 as all teams head to Melbourne for a huge Super Round in Melbourne in Round 2.…more