Maddie Feaunati | New Zealand life, 'Feaunati frown' & dad being Jonah Lomu | England Rugby Podcast
Being born in Leeds, growing up in England and New Zealand, and understanding your Samoan culture, there has been a lot of cultural influences Maddie Feaunati has taken in during her life so far.
The Exeter Chiefs back-row forward opens up on coming to rugby late, growing up with her four sisters and the influence her dad has had on her - from playing for Samoa to starring as Jonah Lomu alongside Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman.
She also tells England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line about learning Māori culture, moving half away across the world by herself and how the personality and confidence of other Red Roses inspire her. In this pod you will also hear from England team mates Sarah Bern and Amy Cokayne.
Lets Trot Show - EP49 Lets Trot with Stephen Crichton 2 (Critta)
Stephen Crichton (Critta) joins Lets Trot Podcast again for another special episode to reflect on an amazing season with the Canterbury Bulldogs and NSW Blues.
Critta opens up about his season performance at the Bulldogs, overcoming the doubters, being selected as Captain, how he handles pressure, the scenes on Belmore Road, that upsetting Finals loss to Manly, and he shares some stories on the Blues secret to success, including that one story about Michael Maguire and his baseball bat.

Bernard Kumar: The Samoan-Fijian Visionary Bringing Polynesian Talent to the Global Stage
Edenfest, Promiseland, Souled Out—massive line-ups, featuring some of the biggest international stars. But who’s behind these iconic festivals?
Pacific Island men, that’s who. It’s no surprise that such incredible events have emerged from our very own Polynesians, who are known for their talent and hard work.
In this case, the mastermind behind Festco AU is Bernard Kumar alongside the wider OG Festco team.
Emal Naim, the backbone of the company, Alex McDonell the Talent Agent that makes the big connections, and his Samoan Co-Founder who prefers to remain anonymous-but has been Bernard’s partner from day 1.
Hailing from Samoan, Fijian-Indian heritage, Bernard's rise from modest beginnings to a key player in the entertainment world is one for the books. Maybe even for Netflix one day.
From growing up in the islands, to running some of the most successful concerts in Australasia. He remembers his day’s as a young kid in Fiji.…more

South Auckland Schools Dominate At SUSO 2024
Our local artists from De La Salle College, Aorere College, and Tangaroa College made waves at this year’s Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) last month.
Competing alongside emerging talent from across Tāmaki Makaurau, they proved once again why South Auckland schools are a force to be reckoned with.
SUSO is Auckland’s premier platform for young talent, highlighting the best in secondary-school music and dance. This year's event featured five key categories: dance, solo instrumental, group vocal, solo vocal, and bands.
Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli expressed her pride in the achievements of the Manukau schools: “I am excited to see that once again the schools from the Manukau Ward have done well in many of the categories.…more

Jawsh 685 Returns After 4 Year Hiatus with New Jason Derulo Collaboration
It's been a highly anticipated wait for more music from the young prodigy from South Auckland, but 4 years on, Jawsh 685 is back in the game—this time with another collaboration alongside global superstar Jason Derulo!
Jawsh 685 first went viral in 2020 when his beat ‘Laxed Siren Beat' took the internet by storm, sparking a worldwide trend on TikTok and catapulting him to international recognition.
The catchy siren jam caught the attention of American artist Jason Derulo, who was quick to collaborate with the Samoan producer on the hit track Savage Love.
Now, the duo is ready to make waves once again with their new single ‘Make Me Happy’, set to release on October 4th, 2024.
Reflecting on the creative process behind the new track, Jawsh shared, “The song ‘Make Me Happy’ started with a beat I made near the time I made ‘Laxed Siren Beat’.
The beat is on my YouTube channel called Tropical Sax.…more
Top Shelf From Manurewa High School Take Out Smokefreerockquest National Finals
The WINNERS of Smokefreerockquest National Finals are a multicultural rock band from Manurewa High School!
By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa

Pacific Men’s Mental Health: The Influence of Culture and the Path to Positive Well-being
In recent years, the mental health of Pasifika men has become an increasingly important topic, with growing recognition of the unique cultural factors that shape their experiences.
We spoke to Auckland University of Technology Senior Lecturer Lefaoali’i Dr. Dion Enari, whose work sheds light on the intricate relationship between Pasifika men’s mental health and cultural heritage.
"Those more entrenched in their Pacific cultures are more likely to have more positive well-being experiences."
Lefaoali’i's research, which examines Pasifika communities in New Zealand and Australia, reveals that men who are more deeply connected to their cultural roots tend to have more positive mental health outcomes.
Understanding and embracing their cultural identity provides these men with a sense of belonging and purpose, which can prove crucial for navigating life's challenges in mainstream society.…more

Pacific Films At the Hawaiian Film Festival 2024
The Hawaiian Film Festival proudly celebrates its 44th year of promoting, educating, and showcasing filmmakers from the Asia-Pacific region. This year, the Festival will take place from October 2nd to November 10th across eight locations and islands.
The 2024 lineup features a star-studded selection of Pacific and local talent, including the highly anticipated world premiere of TINĀ, directed by Samoan-born, Aotearoa-based filmmaker Miki Magasiva.
TINĀ
is an inspiring, light-hearted yet rhythmic tear-jerker that tells the story of Samoan teacher Mareta Percival. Struggling after the death of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, Mareta reluctantly takes on the role of substitute teacher at an elite, all-white private school. She finds that the seemingly privileged children are crying out for guidance, inspiration, and love. Drawing from her cultural roots, Mareta empowers her students by forming a choir, all while facing bias from a privileged community intent on keeping her in her place.…more
First A'oga Fa'asamoa in NZ Celebrates 40 years
Aoga Faasamoa, the centre that has shaped the lives of hundreds of Samoan children
From its humble beginnings in one room 40 years ago, the Aoga Faasamoa was the first Samoan language centre in Aoteroa and has gone on to win international awards as a centre of excellence and innovation. 40 years on, we look at some of the many children who’s lives it’s impacted and the reason it’s been so important to the Samoan community in Auckland
"Tautua nei mo sou manuia taeao – Serve now for a better tomorrow"
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By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
Jaden Laing Podcast with Uce Gang
Strongman & Survivor contestant Jaden Laing interviews Uce Gang on his podcast.
Uce Gang is one of the top content creators based in New Zealand, with millions of views and followers across his social media platforms. He's currently on an inspiring health journey, so make sure to show your support and leave an encouraging message for my brother, Uce Gang!