Mary Afemata

Auckland

Multimedia Journalist at 531 pi

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Articles

'It's not just festival moments': Director urges support for indigenous stories

4 days ago | pmn.co.nz | Mary Afemata

The Handlers, a play about Māori and Pasifika women working in factories like Crown Lynn, opened at Circa Theatre in Wellington this week as part of the 2025 Kia Mau Festival. Speaking ahead of opening night, co-director Sepelini Mua’au says that while it is easy to celebrate Indigenous storytelling during high-profile events like the festival, councils and publicly-funded venues must support Māori and Pasifika creatives all year round.
Auckland councillor backs free desexing amid roaming dog crisis

4 days ago | pmn.co.nz | Mary Afemata

Councillor Daniel Newman backs dog desexing push in South Auckland. Photo/LDRNewsDaniel Newman says stray dogs have made some streets unsafe, backing a new desexing pilot as the first step towards a long-term fix.
Porirua residents to decide on super-council, Pacific leaders urge protection of local representation

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Mary Afemata

Porirua voters can express their opinion on the potential creation of a Wellington-wide super-council. But Pacific leaders have voiced concerns that the model could dilute local representation unless equity and cultural voices are prioritised.
The Naked Sāmoans delivers a hilarious, heartfelt reunion

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Mary Afemata

Another sold out season for the Naked Samoans. Photo/QTheatreOpinionExperience the brilliance of comedy royalty as they bring beloved characters and new antics to life, making for a truly memorable evening.
Super-council plan for Porirua: Pacific leaders weigh in on referendum

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Mary Afemata

As Wellington considers regional amalgamation, Pacific leaders caution against losing local voice in a larger system. Photo/Wellington City CouncilPoliticsWhile the mayor stresses a need for modernisation, Pasifika call for equitable engagement to ensure all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Wardens get funding boost but is it enough?

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Mary Afemata

The Government has awarded Auckland’s Pacific Wardens their first major funding boost in over a decade, but community leaders say more may be needed. Pacific Wardens across Auckland and South Waikato patrol streets, attempt to calm tensions, and provide a visible, approachable presence at major events like Pasifika and Polyfest. Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti announced $1 million over four years in Budget 2025 to support the work of the Auckland Pacific Wardens Trust.
Ode to Ōtara: Young musicians strike a chord for change

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Mary Afemata

"Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ was written centuries ago, but this week, it served as a powerful celebration of unity through music, bringing together youth, the Auckland Philharmonia, and Sāmoan music educators SolFa.Dozens of young musicians performed 'Ode to Joy' at a Sistema Aotearoa rehearsal, welcoming Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith to Ōtara’s Music and Arts Centre on Tuesday.
Game of Loans: Lending out board games now

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Mary Afemata

Libraries are stepping up their game - literally. This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. It’s part of a push to re-engage young adults and make libraries more social, inclusive, and fun. Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe local board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, says it’s an amazing initiative.
Run It Straight: What do the fans think?

1 week ago | teaonews.co.nz | Mary Afemata

Run It Straight’s viral full-body collisions are stirring controversy in Aotearoa, but fans say the competition builds people up and brings the community together. The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Last week, two grassroots ‘Run It Straight’ events in South Auckland were cancelled. Instead, the organisers held a giveaway event at Foot Locker in Sylvia Park on Thursday night.
Run It Straight events face safety backlash - but what do fans say?

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Mary Afemata

Run It Straight’s viral full-body collisions are stirring controversy in Aotearoa, but fans say the competition builds people up and brings the community together. The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Last week, two grassroots Run It Straight events in South Auckland were cancelled. Instead, the organisers held a giveaway event at Foot Locker in Sylvia Park on Thursday night.