Credits Camera:     Hayden Aull Sound:       Wilhelm Voigt Director/Editor:  Tuki Laumea  Thank you to Taumeasina Island Resort Samoa Tourism

By Shanny Matterson After 7 months of living in Niue, I can confidently and proudly call this island paradise my adopted home. Creating a life here has been one of the most challenging, eye-opening and life-changing experiences my partner and I have ever faced, both together as a couple and as individuals. There have been times when we’ve made mistakes and stumbled blindly through island life, but they have been few and far between. The best advice I could give anyone who wants to come here? Be willing to observe, participate, listen and learn. And don’t try to change anything about this place; just love it for what it is. To me, everyone here in Niue is a teacher: a giver of knowledge, a gateway to understanding. From friends and family, students and strangers, I’ve discovered so much about life on this amazing little island that I felt compelled to share some of the most important lessons I’ve learnt about how to live happily in Niue: 1 / LEARNING THE LANGUAGE IS HARD BUT WORTHWHILE Vagahau Niue is a beautiful Polynesian language that consists of distinctive and stressed long and short vowel sounds, no consonant blends, and contains only 16 letters from the traditional Anglo-Saxon alphabet.  It also has some complicated rules. For example, if a ‘t’ is followed by an ‘e’ or an ‘i’ in a word, it makes an ‘s’ sound. Therefore, the village of ‘Avatele’ is pronounced ‘Ah-va-sel-e’. Confused? Yeah, me too. The ‘g’ sound in words is actually pronounced like an ‘ng’ sound, like in the word ‘strong’. Niue’s native coconut crab species is called the ‘uga’ but is actually pronounced ‘oo-nga’. Also, there are no Niuean words that start with the letter ‘r’. I find this interesting. Needless to say, learning this language is not just hard, but also confusing at times. I mean, just saying hello – fakaalofa lahi atu – requires my brain to take several seconds to process where to place emphasis on the sounds [and where not to], leaving me looking somewhat perplexed whenever someone greets me. It’s a work in progress. But for all the confusion and funny looks I receive, learning the basics of this language has made my time here in Niue that much richer. I’m not content with speaking to people in English only; in fact, I think it is the height of rudeness to live in a foreign country and not make the effort to learn and speak the native language, as difficult and uncomfortable as it may be for you at times. You wouldn’t move to Paris and not learn a little bit of French, would you? I spend my days attentively listening to my friends, students and co-workers speak in Niuean – which let me tell you, they speak hard and fast – trying to follow along with the conversation, picking up words here and there and asking questions. It is a testament to the patience of these people that they are always willing to explain meanings of words and to gently correct me when I mispronounce them. Or to laugh with delight when I do engage in a conversation using my limited Niuean vocabulary. Or when I [accidentally] say a curse word. Here are some of my favourite words in my ever-expanding Niuean dictionary: fakaaue lahi : thank you i tupi tupi : no worries fifine : girl i fi : none/nothing fakamolemole : please monuina : luck/blessings taane : boy tau fanau : children/students mitaki lahi : very good   2 / LEARN TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Most westerners are blessed with the ease of solving simple everyday problems. Run out of milk? Go to the 7/11. Have a craving for cheeseburgers at 1am? McDonalds is always open. Bored on a Wednesday night? Go to the movies. Need a new pair of pants for work tomorrow? Head to one of the hundreds of shops in your city and choose a pair from thousands of designs on offer. But in a country where there are no fast food outlets, shopping centers, cinemas, nightclubs or convenience stores, and the post only arrives once a week via plane? Well, you need to learn to solve common problems in other ways. Or, you learn to simply go without. Living in isolation out here requires you to be creative and to think outside the box. Every day I’m met with some kind of challenge and I’m forced to figure out a way to solve it with the limited means available to me. You’d be amazed at what you can come up with when you use your imagination and a little bit of ingenuity. Living here has also made me realise just how little you need to be truly happy in your life. To move to Niue, my partner and I sold everything we owned [even our towels and cutlery] and we each arrived in this country with only a suitcase and a dive bag. Our home here is simple but comfortable. We traded in a whole bunch of materialistic crap in Australia for ocean views, tropical breezes and a hammock. In Niue, less really is more. Don’t get me wrong, I still miss shopping – and when I go back to Australia for a visit you can bet I’ll be maxing out my credit card on some serious splurges – but for the meantime, I’m perfectly content with making shit work with what I’ve got. 3 / YOU GOTTA MASTER THE ART OF CRACKING A COCONUT You know those big cartons of coconut water you buy at the supermarket for $10 or those fancy coconut chips you buy for $30 a kilo? Well, I now know firsthand how much work goes into making those suckers, and I can tell you, it ain’t easy. First you gotta husk it, which is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Those are some bloody tough coconuts. Then you have to pull off all the pulu [the grassy-like substance surrounding the actual coconut on the inside], which requires superhuman-like strength and patience. Once you’ve cleaned off that baby, you strike it along the natural lines that run down the coconut with a traditional he [a thick wooden stick] and hope to God that you don’t break your hand in the process. The reward? Some of the sweetest coconut you’ll ever taste in your life, so I guess the hard work is worth it. But I swear I’ll never take another store-bought coconut product for granted again. 4 / PATIENCE IS THE KEY I gotta confess: I’m not naturally the world’s most patient person. I’m more of an I-want-it-now kinda human. So you can imagine how living on an island in the South Pacific that is geographically isolated from any major landmass has tested my patience. But in Niue, patience is the name of the game. Fresh fruit, vegetable and dairy supplies come via plane once a week [if we are lucky], with the rest of our supplies coming via boat once a month. If the shops sell out of something in the meantime? Well, that’s tough luck. If I order something online or if someone has sent me some post, I have to wait up to three months for it to arrive. This absolutely killsme, but it’s like Christmas morning when it lands in my hot little hands. My beautiful students are bi- or tri-lingual [with English being their second or even third language] and did not start learning the curriculum in English until Year 4, which makes teaching sometimes very difficult – especially with my thick Aussie accent and lack of Niuean language skills. It takes a lot of patience to explain concepts to kids when you have to factor in language and cultural differences. However, the effort and enthusiasm they put in to learning astounds me. They never give up. Time is a very flexible concept here. If an event is supposed to start at 6pm, you can take that to mean that people will arrive somewhere between 6:30 and the next morning. Things get changed at the last minute; messages get lost; plans get chucked out. No one rushes in Niue. Here, the notion of ‘Island Time’ isn’t a cute, touristy gimmick; it’s an actuality. And you better get used to it. So instead of chucking a tantrum or hating on it, I’ve just learnt to go with it. I’ve learnt to take my time and to be more understanding. More compassionate. Easy going. Flexible. And I’ve definitely come to love that about this country. 5 / BEING CALLED A ‘PALAGI’ IS NOT OFFENSIVE Palagi [pah-lung-ee] is a Polynesian term for Caucasian foreigners [i.e. white folks] or anything that is not part of Polynesian culture. It is how the locals describe non-Niueans to each other and differentiate between people. Example: When I first arrived on the island, the immigration official at the airport enquired about the purpose of my visit to Niue. When I explained that I was commencing a two-year teaching contract, he smiled and exclaimed with a laugh, “Oh, so you’re the new palagi teacher! We’ve been waiting for you!” This still cracks me up. Whilst some people would think it is racist to be labelled by the colour of one’s skin like this, I do not. Niueans aren’t designed like that. They don’t use the term in a derogatory way or as a means to spread hate or intolerance. They don’t hurl abuse at or denigrate white people. ‘Palagi’ is simply a term used to describe someone who is not from around here. And given that I am a minority in Niue, I’m cool with that. Anyone who thinks that they may take offence to this should probably reconsider if Niue is the right place for them and leave the rest of us palagis out of it.   6 / THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A ‘DIET’ There are three things that I know to be true about Niueans: They are the kindest, warmest and most generous people on the planet They LOVE to throw a party and any excuse for a celebration is welcomed with enthusiasm They can eat like no other culture on earth. In Niue – as I’ve come to learn and love – food is a means to sharing and connecting with the people you love and your community. It’s a way to spread your wealth and to show others that you care for them. Meals are about generosity, friendship, and authenticity. Sharing food with Niueans is one of the most unpretentious representations of care, goodwill and spirit that I’ve ever encountered in all my travels. And boy, can they cook! Nothing makes you feel more welcome and accepted than eating lovingly prepared umu food around the fire, laughing and drinking with your Niuean family. Just be aware of slipping peacefully into a food coma afterwards. Of course, all this feasting can present a problem for self-conscious white girls like me who come from a society where beauty is commonly associated with being thin. After a few months of living and eating like this, I confessed to my closest Niuean girlfriends that I’d put on too much weight and that it was time for me to go on a diet. They just looked at me like I’d just announced that I was a transvestite alien from another planet. Apparently, there is no such thing as a ‘diet’ in Niue. Sure, the people here exercise and work hard – life in Niue can be surprisingly strenuous – but they also don’t allow themselves to get caught up in the marketing and celebrity bullshit that mainland people do. Out here, there are no billboards, no magazines, no advertising; no photoshopped or airbrushed images to body shame women into an eating depression. In Niue, no one gives a damn what people look like because to them, true beauty is all about happiness and generosity and living a wonderful life. It has nothing to do with the size of your hips. In Niue, you work hard, play hard and eat hard. It’s that simple. Now, every time I hear that voice whisper ‘Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels’ inside my head, I smile and tell it to piss off. Kate Moss may be a supermodel, but she doesn’t know shit about how wonderful sharing a delicious meal with Niueans can be. I feel sorry for her. How to get there: Air New Zealand flies directly to Niue from Auckland twice a week during peak season [May-October] and once a week during the low/shoulder season [November – April]. Keep an eye out for regularly advertised sale airfares to Niue. Photography by Shanny Matterson & Dan Fitzgerald Blog Author Shanny Matterson - Creator/Travel Writer R E B E L + R O A M

TheWesternGuide also known as "Coach West" on The Morning Shack is showing us his roots in Avondale. He takes us to all the iconic spots from the Spider to the Racecourse. This hearty Avondaleon "knows a place" and takes us there. AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

An area filled with flavour, overflowing with culture and a hub for shopping, take a walk through Otara with Abigail as she highlights some of her favourite local spots. - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Check out this stunning panoramic snapped by Coconet traveller Cecilia! Hi Guys, so this photo was taken at Aga Reef Resort when we stayed there during September of 2013. This is a recently built Resort and oh my, the view of everything there is just amazing, it's one of those times you've got to see to believe. Pictures do not do it  justice. I did take it on my phone, heaps fia professional photographer.

Climate Activist Aigagalefili Fepuleai takes us around in the area where she spends her 9-5 working for Greenpeace Aotearoa, from hidden gems for snacks and more! 🌺📍 - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home

We kick it with Nadi local Angie! She takes us to the best curry spot, gives us some insight to the true local feeds plus head up in to the hills for a special delivery to her mum. Its a true weekend in the life of a local living in Nadi town! AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Moemoana Schwenke checks out the fashion hot spots of Samoa! Special thank you to Mena, Mahealani's & Rimani Samoa Shop Rimani Samoa here Check out Mahealani's here

90 Day Fiancé reality TV star, Asuelu Pula’a shows us around his home village of Utulaelae, Falealili in the heart of the 685 baby!  He shows us a well known and important river that he spent a lot of time at growing up, as well as his family home in this episode of Area Codes. - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Samoan dancer & student Moeatalagi Schwenke takes us on a tour of her favourite spots around Darling Harbour & downtown Sydney. She shares why some of these spots are significant to her including locations where she's danced and protested in her environmental advocacy. - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

East Auckland Stand Up! Film maker & digital content creator Benji Timu takes us around some of his favourite spots in the hood he grew up in - Glen Innes. Find out what you should check out the next time you roll out East. - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

We're wrapping off an amazing season of Fresh 2022! This year we had some great insider tours from islanders around the motu of their neck of the woods. From Zainab's tour of Mt Roskill to Zeke's tour of Rarotonga. We got to see a variety of neighbourhoods that islanders call home, from vibrant cities to peaceful villages. This is a recap of the Fresh Areacodes we got to see.

We're hanging out in Old Papatoetoe, Callum shows us around some of his favourite spots that hold the biggest meanings to him! If you're local, then you already know we had to make a lil stop at Lil Abner's... Callum tells us what it's most famous for 😋 - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Captain Fresh takes us around French Polynesia to meet his "family" members! We board the new custom built Aranui 5 cruiser, bus to the Art gallery and visit the cemetery in Captain Fresh's MY WORLD.

Hairstylist Carla Ta'akimoeaka takes us around spider-town, Avondale! Carla is the Founder and Director of Urban Kurl Studio and she shows us some of the best spots and eateries in the 828🕷 - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

We're back in the 685 with Desiree, who gives us the local's guide of the best swim spots throughout Apia! - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Check out the classic wooden buses of Samoa, Eyespy Studios and fresh produce market in Apia with Young Sefa. See what makes the Pearl of Pasifika unique in this weeks Area Code.

Our Area Code this week takes us to the Beautiful clear blue waters of Tahiti. See the island, beautiful people and incredible food Tahitians have to offer. Haere tatou! - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Ella Loheni Stancil gives us her insider tour of the neighbourhood home to her family business MENA. We grab donuts from the famous DOE, she takes us to see her nanna hard at work on the sewing MENA machine and then go to the iconic Sione's Wedding basketball court. Check out the spots with us! - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

685 all through this week's Area Code! Ericah takes us on a tour through all the hot shopping and hangout spots in beautiful Apia City 🇼🇸 - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Our favourite wise cousins give us 5 fresh tips when traveling to the beautiful island of Samoa!

Our Fijian locals Roq & Cav give us their fresh tips for when you're visiting Fiji! From Fiji Time, how to roll your R's like a local and more!

Local va'ines Kura Happ & Emma Kainuku-Walsh share some island tips to keep us safe while on the island! 

Kingsland’s on the map baaaby! in this week's Area code, local Gaby Solomona shows us some of the iconic spots! It's her hood, her local! So take off your shoes before you step into her area and enjoy being taken around 💃 - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Yoga instructor Gamo Farani-Tomlin shows us around the streets of Onehunga - 312 baby baby - home of SWIDT, Dressmart and other Fresh spots! Check out Gamo's fave place to grab a sweet treat & coffee plus the Pasifika owned international fashion labels Tav Pacific and Tanoa. -  AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

North Meanjin is where it's at this week! Youtuber Harlim Nikorima has got all the Area Code hook-ups from the best food spots, places to pop fat manus this summer and the home turf of the mighty NRL Dolphins with brother Kodi Nikorima 🇦🇺

Take a trip over to the island of Oahu in Hawaii! We look at the spots to get the good food as Hawaiians call it-'Local Kain Grinds'. Check out the shopping spots and things to do, dont miss the local music scene and the best places to kick it for a Sunday sesh Special Thanks to: Misa Tupou Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Hawaii Tourism Authority

Today the mythical and historical treasures of Falealupo, Savaii are marked with way finding signs, guiding visitors (curious enough to journey far to the most remote north western point of Samoa) along the loop trail of historical sites in the Falealupo peninsula with ease. {{18734}} But of all the landmarks in Samoa that support her myths and legends, there is one that remains unmarked and hiding in plain sight in the heart of Falealupo, yet it’s existence illuminates a unique insight into the power and vulnerability of Samoa’s first warrior Queen and demi-god, Nafanua. Just a short distance from the Falealupo canopy walk turn-off and fittingly tucked away on hallow ground behind Falealupo Catcholic church, sits the Aga Lega; a large underground cave that once served as a healing chamber and retreat for Queen Nafanua as well as a focus for high chiefs who sought her wise counsel and blessings. {{18741}} Should you find yourself lucky enough to locate the Aga Lega, you may have the added good fortune of meeting Tupa’i Tolo, one of the local matai and caretakers of Nafanua’s retreat - curiously carrying  the same title as Nafanua’s high priest and war general in ancient times tasked by the Queen to deliver her decrees, lead her armies and acquired for her the Tafa’ifa royal titles. “The history of this place has been passed down to me by my father and his father before him – we are the descendants of the priestly families of Nafanua and the custodians of the Aga Lega” said Tupa'i {{18732}} Despite its mythical, historical and cultural value to Samoa with all the potential of being the next iconic site, the Aga Lega rarely receives any visitors unless the location is revealed through word of mouth, “It would really help us to have signage like all the other historical sites in Falealupo” said Tupa'i “it would make things easier for everyone if the Aga Lega were included in the loop trail but unfortunately people just pass by this site, not even realising - this is the maota (house) of Nafanua.” {{18739}} “The name originates from the healing plant also known as turmeric that grew in this cave” said Tupai Tolo “the old stories tell us it was brought here by the flying foxes and kept in this sacred cave for a very important purpose” “Most Samoans are familiar with the historical battles of Nafanua, who fought many wars from the east to the west but not many people know that this is the place where the warrior came to recover and recuperate, healing her wounds with the lega, kept here in this very cave.” {{18743}} The Aga Lega gives the visitor the unique experience of re-imagining Nafanua as a mere mortal, retracing the steps of a wounded yet victorious Warrior Queen into the dark, cool sanctuary to recuperate and find strength to fight another battle. Stairs lead down to the cave that opens up into a natural cathedral- like space that would have been in total darkness if not for the open ceiling at the other end of the cave. Tupai points out a large round shape passage that leads off the main central space as the location for Nafanua’s personal chambers. {{18737}} Local folklore also reveals that the Aga Lega was regarded as the seat of power during Nafanua’s reigh, a place where high Chiefs sought out her counsel and wisdom and more importantly, where the warrior Queen distributed the political and cultural powers of Samoa that still exist today. “When Malietoa and Su’a sought out the powers of sovereignty over Samoa, it was here they came to seek Nafanua’s blessing. However it was not their time because she had given the honour to Salamasina of Leulemoega. Instead she gave them an oracle,to await their sovereignty which will come from the heavens which today we know as the independent state of Samoa founded on God.“ {{18745}} Like all myths and legends of Samoa, the listener awaits to receive the moral within the story and in his expert skills as an orator, Tupai comes full circle in the story of Falealupo’s divine daughter and the role of their district in the making of Samoa till today. “Falealupo is the only village that has a tradition of advocacy and support weaved into their faalupega (geneology) why? Because all the glory and blessings of Nafanua was gifted from Falealupo to lift up Samoa and because of that… today, the role of Falealupo is to support and defend Samoa." . * To contact Tupai for the location of the Aga Lega or request a tour, call 727 6900. A small fee of $5 tala applies at the entrance. ** Photo Credit for all photos used above - Samoa Tourism    

Here's some tips on finding the perfect beach spot the next time you and the whole family decide to go for a swim/eat/relax! Just remember - those are not undies, they're togs!  

Check out the do's and don'ts for what to wear the next time you hit the beach in the Islands - just make sure you leave your speedos at home! Because if you wear them in the islands, you might just get more than just weird looks from the locals!

KELI BLOCK, what's hot!!🔥 Jane Vavaitamana takes us around your neighbourhood and reveals all the sweet spots! Oh and discover some of the famous faces that made it to the world stage! Like, comment and share if you here for it all!

On this week's Area Codes, we're taking it to the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, CHRISTCHURCH CITY! The largest city in the South Island, peep all the interesting places our amazing tour guide Josephine is about to take you to! - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Are you planning a trip to the Island of Tonga? Not sure of what to expect? Well Josh & Nox are here to give us their island tips for when you visit Tonga! Be sure to take note.

True Marquesas guy Kahu takes us on a special local tour of his beautiful island. We see everything from the ocean, mountains to of corse the food!! Take this adventure with as as we wander around paradise with a brother who knows all the spots. - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Proud Niuean Leki Jackson-Bourke takes us on a tour of his favourite spots in Niue. We get the insider scoop on where to go and special places. We also get tips on sacred tapu (taboos) around certain areas, as well as those picture-perfect spots for the gram. - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

Le Lagoto Resort & Spa is located on the big island of Savai'i in Samoa on a secluded white sand beach fringed by coconut palms and crystal clear waters. They are a boutique resort with only 10 bungalow rooms and 2 family rooms which offer the modern conveniences of a large resort in an intimate, idyllic setting! Video courtesy of Le Lagoto Resort and Spa. Check them out on http://www.lelagoto.ws/ and on facebook!

We take a tour of an important site on the island of Nuku Hiva. Kamuihei is the port of call for ancient Marquesans as they set out on journeys across the pacific in search of the treasured red feather. Aniata Kimitete leads us through the different areas of the Kamuihei site.

Sydney! We’re in your neighborhood, with an Area code straight from Marrickville. Marrickville Mel is here and there and everywhere you wish you were, Meeting the locals and eating good in the hood! - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

It’s famous for its colour and quirks, we hit up everyone’s fave little historic road … Karangahape. Mile Fane walks these streets everyday so as a true K-Roader she takes us around some of the go to spots & let’s us in on a little history. - AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.

The OG Samoan hip hop artist Mr Tee takes us to his village of Solosolo, the birthplace of the song "Pitonu'u Solosolo" which was the anthem of the 685 parades in 2022. Mr Tee tells us how his musical influences changed resulting in starting Samoan Hip Hop with songs like "Fika Mai le Pese". -  AREA CODES is a fresh tour of neighbourhoods and villages by the locals of the spots. We get the insider scoop of the popular spots and nooks of places islanders call home.