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Dec 6, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
Christmas is often a season of joy and cheer for most families, but for Musika’s Gift co-founders Vene Manutai-Esau and his wife Diana, it’s a season that reminds them of a tragedy that shaped their lives forever. When Vene’s younger brother, Musika Manutai, suffered an unexpected death in 2014, the couple found comfort in the outpouring of kindness from their community. In 2018, they decided to reciprocate that love for their community by creating Musika’s Gift.
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Nov 29, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
They’re the newest Polynesian band on the block, bringing a fresh wave of sounds to the forefront of Pacific music. Mayjun, a Samoan trio based in South Auckland, are diving into the world of pop-punk – a genre Pacific Islander’s don’t usually venture into. Originally formed in 2023, the trio is made up of members Elijah McPherson, Tivoli Levi and Jeremiah Fale (HALES).
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Nov 24, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
Australia-based artist, producer, and DJ DHEM has dropped his latest track, “P&S” featuring New Zealand’s songstress Jarna and Sydney’s ‘hook master’, Kymza. The trio brings a melodic blend of R&B and hip hop to the forefront, with Jarna and Kymza sharing their perspectives on a romantic relationship that turned sour. “This track is about finding common ground again when it comes to love or having a healthy reset, and pulling the pin on what might become a toxic relationship,” DHEM says.
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Nov 8, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
The Voice Ministries Church’s latest initiative, church to community (CTC) is taking to the streets of Auckland to spread their message. Driven by the desire to reach the disconnected, CTC is helping rebuild relationships between the community and Christ through a different lens. “Some of our Pacific people have been hurt from church, this is why they don’t attend,” says senior pastor, Reverend Glen Wayne Anaua.
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Nov 3, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
It was a night filled with cultural pride, reflection and celebration as guests gathered in their Sunday best to celebrate 50 years of the University of Auckland’s Samoan Students’ Association (UASSA). The jubilee dinner was held at the Ellerslie Events Centre recently, where alumni and current members reflected on their respective journeys in UASSA. It was also a night of celebrating the impact Samoans have contributed to the University of Auckland (UoA).
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Oct 24, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
Rising R&B Star Sam V brings R&B nostalgia to the forefront with his latest offering, Rolling Your Eyes. The three time Best Pacific R&B / Soul Artist leans into our desire for the return of love, desire and connection in R&B with his new release. Produced in collaboration with the prolific Astro (Chris Brown) & EDY (Kennyon Brown), Sam V continues his rapid ascension into the global world of R&B with Rolling Your Eyes, the first single as part of an upcoming EP entitled “90’s Girls”.
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Oct 18, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
Flexing his skills in the barbershop and the gym is 23-year-old Vakaawi Reaiti. The young barber is redefining the barbering experience through his garage-barbershop Kawza Cutz, a unique space where artistry and community intertwine. Located in the driveway of his Mt Roskill home, Kawza Cutz brings a fresh and welcoming vibe to the neighbourhood, where clients receive sharp haircuts and engage in meaningful conversations while building connections.
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Oct 14, 2024 | 
tpplus.co.nz | Ann-Tauilo Motuga
Proud teine Samoa Anna Siafolau is bridging the gap between Pacific and Japanese cultures through her personal project, @pacificislandersinjapan. The Instagram page highlights the rich experiences of Pacific Islanders, creating a vibrant space for connection and cultural exchange in Japan. Pacific Islanders in Japan, has garnered more than 1,000 followers on Instagram. And it all started following a conversation with one of Anna’s close friends.
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Oct 4, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Galumalemana Steven Percival |Faith Leapai |Ann-Tauilo Motuga
Pacific invasive species management professionals often work in remote and rugged environments, where medical help may not be immediately available. They are now better prepared after receiving New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) standard certification, on delivering first aid, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle injuries or medical emergencies until professional help arrives.
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Oct 2, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Faith Leapai |Ann-Tauilo Motuga
Three female academics at The University of the South Pacific (USP) were inaugural recipients of the Vice-Chancellor and President’s (VCP) Strategic Fund for Female Academics which aims to promote gender equity across the institution. The Strategic Fund aims to support female academics who are on the threshold of academic promotions, allowing them to take time out from teaching to focus on their research and publications.
