Stories by Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
News
Pacific community pay their respect to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia's tangi concludes on Thursday, the community waits with bated breath for the announcement of who will succeed him, carrying forward his legacy of unity and inclusivity.
'God's plan': Nu'ulua Fa'aofo, widow of Auckland horror crash victim
Nu'ulua Fa'aofo finds strength in her faith after the loss of her husband, Uili, in a motorway crash at Ramarama.
'We are going to do right for Samoa' - Winston Peters on citizenship bill
Aotearoa's Samoan community and NZ First discuss citizenship bill, honour late Māori king and RSE workers killed in Auckland car crash.
Widow of Auckland horror crash victim was meant to be in van
Nu'ulua Fa'aofo is remembering her husband, Uili Fa'aofo, as a loving, hardworking father and uncle who cared for his family.
Pacific leaders pay historic tribute to Kiingitanga movement
More than 300 leaders representing nations throughout the Pacific paid tribute to Kiingi Tuuheitia at Koroneihana celebrations hosted at Tuurangawaewae Marae.
Auckland-based Samoan influencer and his pug, Fraser, on a mission to help men cook
Daniel Rankin, 29, is a baker and has taken TikTok by storm.
'We have always supported our athletes' - Samoa govt on Lakapi Samoa's finance fiasco
Samoa's sports minister hits back at claims by Lakapi Samoa chairman that the government failed to fund the national men's 15s team's Europe tour in November.
Some Islanders don't want to leave homelands despite climate closing in - research
"We hear climate change this, climate change that, there's a flurry of activity and then it's done, but this is an ongoing issue," a University of Waikato researcher says. Audio
'I want to take everything I've learned back home'
Cook Islands' Antony Vavia, 28, is first Pacific islander to graduate with a doctoral degree within marine sciences from Auckland University of Technology.
'This year was about improving finances', says Lakapi Samoa chair
Manu Samoa has pulled out of their 2024 Northern Hemisphere tour because of a financial crisis, which World Rugby said is of the union's own making.
Dropping the ball: Samoa's financial woes due to 'decisions taken by the union'
A World Rugby spokesperson said the financial troubles faced by Lakapi Samoa "are a direct consequence of decisions taken by the union". Audio
Samoa facing 'significant financial challenges', withdraws from Europe tour
In a letter, dated 11 July 2024, Lakapi Samoa chair wrote to World Rugby chair, saying the union wants to "avoid embarrassment of being the first small union to go bankrupt".
University of the South Pacific launches new research hub for climate change
The Centre for Sustainable Futures will be a place of "seamless blending of expertise, diverse knowledge, indigenous wisdom and knowledges alongside modern science", the USP says.
A brief history of Sāmoan flags: 'Uniting under what colonisers brought', says academic
A Sāmoan academic says many younger people may not be fully aware of the background of the flags they raise during events and in support of their national sports teams, like the Toa Sāmoa. Audio
Mervyn receives Vanuatu independence medal
Broderick Mervyn, 28, is the youngest recipient of the Vanuatu Independence Commemorative Medal. He says the country's leadership in recognising emerging leaders.
Sāmoa or Samoa: Debate over the use of diacritical marks
While Sāmoan language experts agree there have been discussions for a more consistent written and reading text, there are mixed views on the use of using macrons and glottal stops. Audio
Five arrested in connection with deadly PNG massacre
Papua New Guinea police have arrested five people in connection with the brutal attacks in Angoram district that left around 25 people dead last week.
No money to fuel up police vehicles delays response to deadly violence
Hundreds of people are displaced after a massacre in remote PNG and the province's governor says political problems are getting in the way of help.
Niue on the verge of eliminating hepatitis B
This is thanks to a joint initiative between Niue's Health Department and non-government organisation, Global Health New Zealand. Audio
'It's time to give back': Ardie Savea intent on 'proving Moana Pasifika is a great team'
The 84 caps-and-counting All Blacks vice-captain says: "I'm gonna give it everything to be better, to grow, to learn, get uncomfortable…to have a good next couple of years." Audio
Pacific Islands take steps towards fairer and sustainable fishing
Forum Fisheries Agency highlights urgent need to address labour abuses in the fishing sector, such as long hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions.
Samoan dance group preserves culture through performing arts
Le Masiofo Siva Academy based in West Auckland merges traditional Samoan music and voices with the vitality of the young diaspora in New Zealand. Audio
Pacific community 'united around' WHO's Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala
Tongan surgeon and the first Pacific islander in the driving seat at WHO's Western Pacific regional office draws strong backing from Aotearoa's Pacific community leaders. Audio
Primanavia sing to gold at World Choir Games, despite challenges
Winning gold in Auckland was even sweeter for the Fijian group as the majority of its choir members had never set foot on an airplane before. Audio
Samoan church ministers bridge faith and public health
Almost 50 Congregational Christian Church of Samoa ministers have met in an effort to build a healthier and more informed community.