By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific

A Niuean boxer based in Aotearoa New Zealand is heading to Russia to compete in the 2024 World Friendship Games, seen as the potential rival to the Paris Olympics.

Commonwealth bronze and Pacific Games gold medalist, Duken Holo Tutakitoa-Williams, has set his sights on Russia instead of the Olympics, after finding out Niue could not compete at the Summer Olympics.

Niue is self-governing in free association with New Zealand, and Tutakitoa-Williams said like many other smaller nations, it does not have a recognised National Olympic Committee.

Niue Island Sports and Commonwealth Games Association (NISCGA) is an associate member of the Oceania National Olympic Committees.

After winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Games, the Niue team was aiming for gold in Paris 2024.

The team started their training camp for the Pacific Games in hope they would be able to qualify for the Olympics.

Five weeks in, Niue Sport held a meeting and told them Niue can't even qualify for the Olympics.…more

All our Alofa goes out to the family of our beloved Leatau’a Lesa Yvonne Maea Brown who passed away this week.

Aunty Yvonne filled all our lives with love, learnings and laughter and she was our star of the Coconet screen. Manuia Lou Malaga Yvonne, your legacy lives on.

The Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK) proudly presented PEAK Conversations - a celebration of Pasifika filmmaking, entertainment, and community, sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios.

A talanoa with panelists, celebrating the breakthroughs of Pasifika women and reflecting on issues specific to their journeys in the entertainment industry.

The panelists included Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana” and “Mean Girls” actress), Sasha Colby (Winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), and Naomi Scott (Founder of Great Scott Productions) with moderator Dana Ledoux Miller (“Moana 2” and “Thai Cave Rescue” Screenwriter).

“Last night made me feel like I’m truly making my mark here in Hollywood. It’s interesting for me to reflect on the fact that a year ago at this event, I knew less people than I could count on one hand..So much affirmation and love was poured into me by how I feel I naturally show up in the world and it made me feel so seen.…more

Today marks the start of TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA 2024 (NZ Music Month), with AMPLIFYING AOTEAROA | PAOROTIA AOTEAROA the key theme across this year’s event. The month of May will shine a light on those who are the heartbeat of our nation’s music scene, celebrating everyone who helps amplify music from Aotearoa.

This year’s TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA will look a little different, with a fresh sub-theme each week. Week one will see the amplification of people who make lives better through music, followed by week two, amplifying schools’ through education. Week three will amplify artists on the world stage, before week four, with innovation and new ways of doing things amplified. The month will close with week five, amplifying community and our local and independent champions.

There is something for everyone and many events and activities right across Aotearoa.…more

The 2024 NFL Draft was held over the past weekend, where the 32 teams of the National Football League took a total of 257 picks from a pool of prospects, with 13 athletes of Pasifika descent picked! Get to know them and where they're headed for the 2024 season here! 🌺🏈

Taliese Fuaga

14th Pick, New Orleans Saints

Laiatu Latu

15th Pick, Indianapolis Colts

Troy Fautanu

20th Pick, Pittsburgh Steelers

Kingsley Suamataia

63rd Pick, Kansas City Chiefs

Jonah Elliss

76th Pick, Denver Broncos

Dominick Puni

86th Pick, San Francisco 49ers

Marist Liufau

87th Pick, Dallas Cowboys

Giovanni Manu

126th Pick, Detroit Lions

Sione Vaki

132nd Pick, Detroit Lions

Sataoa Laumea

179th Pick, Seatlle Seahawks

Darius Muasau

183rd Pick, New York Giants

Jonah Laulu

234th Pick, Indianapolis Colts

Devaughn Vele

235th Pick, Denver Broncos

In May, Neil Amituanai (The Brave, Three Wise Cousins), Dominic Ona-Ariki (The Brave, One Lane Bridge, Double Parked) and Beulah Koale (The Brave, Hawaii Five-O, Next Goal Wins) will return to the stage with Massive Theatre Company at Te Pou Theatre co-directed by Scotty Cotter (Mauri Tau, Neke, Shortland Street) and Sam Scott, with their deeply personal and provocative work, I LOVE YOU G.

This show delves into the complexity of friendship, illustrating the constant navigation and negotiation involved in maintaining and evolving these bonds. It explores intricate dance of friendship, where le va and trust intertwine. It portrays the essence of showing up for each other, the resilience required to weather storms together, and the transformative journey towards forging friendships into brotherhood.

Neil, Dom and Beulah (and co-director Scotty) first met more than a decade ago at Massive when they were in the cast of award-winning show The Brave, which toured New Zealand and overseas in 2012 – 2015.

Those early days at Massive solidified the friendship between them and ignited their ongoing love affair with theatre and performing.…more

Check out the convo, with the naturally humorous, witty and hilarious icon, that is the legendary Tofiga Fepulea’i as he shares his journey of comedy, triumph, trials, family and intriguing adventures as he continues to explore the world of stand up solo and independently.

By Leki Jackson-Bourke

The buzz is still high and the town’s still talking after the annual ASB Polyfest which was held in Tāmaki Makaurau, March 2024.

The popular festival began in 1976 and is considered the largest Pacific Dance Festival in the world. This year saw an increase in the rise of contemporary inspired performances which left plenty to talk about on social media. “That’s not traditional… they should’ve placed… that school shouldn't have won.. it’s rigged."

Every year it’s the same old argument over traditional vs contemporary. Some are here for it, some are against it. We interviewed a few tutors who were subject to online criticism and we posed the question - Is there a place for cultural Innovation at Polyfest?

MANUREWA HIGH SCHOOL TONGAN GROUP

Traditionally, Tongan dance is taught by a Punake who is known as the cultural expert and lead knowledge holder of Tongan arts. To be bestowed the title of a Punake is a huge honour and one that few families can truly claim.…more

Auckland Theatre Company is set to ignite Rugby World Cup fever once again in Auckland, this time with a vibrant stage adaptation of the beloved Aotearoa film "Red, White and Brass."

From June 18 - July 6, the ASB Waterfront Theatre will come alive with the energetic tale, led by a group of Tongan superfans, promising audiences an unforgettable experience.

Set in 2011 in Wellington, the now familiar story revolves around Maka (JP Foliaki), a passionate Tongan rugby fan determined to secure tickets for the monumental Tonga versus France Rugby World Cup game.

When faced with the disappointment of missing out on tickets, Maka and his friends come up with a daring plan—to form a Tongan marching brass band for the pre-match entertainment.

But here's the twist: they know nothing about marching, nor do they possess any instruments.…more