ISSUE 17
WA N S O LWA RA Our Histor y, My Trut h.
Welcome
CONTENTS
03 Lord’s Prayer 04 Editorial 05 Team
News 06 — 08 News
Past 09 Identities 10 — 12 Foundations (Feature)
Present 13 Pasifika Student Association Events 14 — 16 Modern Racism (Feature) 17 — 19 Pasifika Representation At Its Best (Movie Review) 20 — 21 Centrefold 22 Hunting SZN 23 Little Miss!
Future 24 These Are The Words I know (Poem) 25 Brown Dollar Studio (Business Profile) 26 — 27 In Conversation With A Siren (Feature) 28 For My Dad (Poem) 29 The Future is Brown, Brainy and Beautiful
Take a Break 31 Spotify Playlist 32 — 33 The Anoa’i Dynasty! (Quiz) 34 — 35 Top 10 As Voted By You 38 — 39 Save It For Later
About Us
The Wan Solwara issue is designed, created, and initiated by Pasifika students. We are proud to partner with Salient Magazine to bring a voice to our people. A huge thank you to the Pasifika Students’ Council for allowing this annual tradition to continue. Salient is published by, but remains editorially independent from, the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA). Salient is funded in part by VUWSA through the Student Services Levy. Salient is a member of the Aotearoa Student Press Association (ASPA). The views expressed in Salient do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, VUWSA, or the University.
Complaints
Complaints regarding the material published in Salient should first be brought to the Editor in writing (editor@salient.org.nz). If not satisfied with the response, complaints should be directed to the Media Council (info@mediacouncil.org.nz).
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We would like to acknowledge the custodian land and the history that has occurred. We share the Lord’s Prayer to bless this issue with peace and guidance amongst its launch.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
www.salient.org.nz
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Speak Your Generational Truth EDITORIAL Fakaalofa lahi atu, Talofa Lava, and warm Pasifika greetings to you all! Fakaalofa lahi atu ko e higoa haaku ko Josie Mailisi. By way of introduction, my name is Josie and I am a proud afakasi (Niue/NZ European). My passions include dancing, being an FBI agent, travelling and hanging upside down. I moved to Wellington in 2021 and was blessed to find a family of friends in the VUW Pasifika community. I am excited to invite you in to the world of the Wan Solwara 2022 issue. My name is Elisapeta, a Tongan name carried by a half Samoan. My grandfather came from Aleisa to Mt Eden, Auckland, to provide for his aiga. His ethos was service, my grandmother’s was selflessness. I am privileged to have the opportunity to serve the Pacific in their spirit, as a reminder of how the past has the power to shape the future. In the words of Dr. Melani Anae: “I am - a Samoan but not a Samoan. To my ‘Aiga’ in Samoa, I am a Palagi. I am - A New Zealander, but not a New Zealander. To New Zealanders, I am a ‘Bloody Coconut” at worst, and a ‘Pacific Islander’ at best. I am - To my Samoan Parents, their child.” “Wan Solwara” means “one ocean” in Papua New Guinean and reflects the strong connections between all Pacific people. This year’s theme revolves around the idea of “speaking your generational truth”. We have chosen to take a journey through our history to be able to speak on the past, present and future with the lens of 2022. We encourage you to read this magazine with an open-mind and an awareness for what was, what is, and what could be. We also encourage you to keep these questions in mind when travelling through this issue.
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Welcome
Past - What have people thought of us? What stories have you been told from your ancestors that have been mistranslated? What stories do you treasure? What memories or lessons have helped shape your history? Is there a moment in history you wish people knew more about? Present - What really happens today? What do you face in your everyday life? What is life like for you? How does your voice sound today in modern day society? Future - Where can you go from here? What do you want to do next? If you could paint your future, what would it look like? A massive thank you to all our contributors for this year, who have taken the courageous step to speak on issues and share their stories from across the Pacific. If you have an idea that you want to get off your chest, this is your reminder to put yourself out there and speak your truth. It’s time to use your voice to make an impact. We have resonated with so many pieces in this edition and we trust you will too! Whether you are wanting to find out what WWE character you are, travel through an in-depth feature of the Ballroom community, or complete the infamous crossword, there is something for everyone in Wan Solwara. We would love to hear your thoughts so be sure to tag us on Instagram to let us know your favourite pieces! @psc_vuw
@justdancejosie
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Meet The Team Elisapeta Dawson Editor Samoan, Māori, European Aleisa, Samoa. Ngare Hauata, Ngāpuhi.
Josie Mailisi Editor Niuean, NZ European Toi, Niue.
Justine Jane Taito-Matamua Designer Samoan Faleu, Manono Tai, Salelologa, Faga, Vavau, Lotofaga, Safotu.
Dimitris PJ Potusa Sub-Editor Tongan, Samoan Leimatua, Vava’u, Tonga. Manono Tai, Samoa.
Tanumia Matega Writer Samoan Ti’avea, Lalovaea, Samoa.
Jotham Tesese Writer Samoan Papa Sataua, Falelima, Lano, Samatau, Taga and Vailuutai. Samoa
Mauatua Fa’ara Reynolds Writer Tahitian Huahine, Ra’iatea, Norfolk Islander.
Sofia Misa Illustrator Samoan, European Mata’utu tai, Lufilufi, Falelatai.
Freya Scott (Gemmell Lolohea Tava) Writer Tongan, Samoan Vava’u, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Vailele, Solosolo, Samoa.
Amiria-Rose Monga Illustrator Cook Island Māori, New Zealand Māori Puaikura, Takitimu, Rarotonga. Rakahanga, Manihiki, Atiu, Aitutaki, Mangaia.
Jolénna Deo Writer Papua New Guinean, Fiji Indian, Fiji Chinese, Torres Strait Islander, Solomon Islander The Motu-Koitabu people, Papua New Guinea, The Singarangu Clan of East Kwaio, Malaita people of Solomon Islands.
Teherenui Koteka Writer Cook Islander Pukapuka, Manihiki and Mauke.
Janhavi Gosavi Salient Editor Alice Brown Salient Designer
Horoymana Fuimaono Writer Samoan, Chinese Solosolo, Samoa. Kerilyn Clarke Centrefold Artist Samoan, Māori, European www.salient.org.nz
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It’s Not Me, It’s You: Students’ Perspectives on the ‘Brain Drain’ Words by Beth Mountford (she/her)
With the gradual reopening of New Zealand’s borders, there has been much speculation in mainstream media about a ‘brain drain’. For those unfamiliar with the term, a ‘brain drain’ is the emigration of skilled workers from a particular country to another where they may be attracted by higher rates of pay or better opportunities.
For him it follows logically that people would leave after graduating, as “you don’t have those ties”.
Past - Niuean Three The Wan Solwara Team
Salient caught up with some VUW students and CW: Racism, Abuse, Death graduates joining the drain about why they’re feeling drawn away New Zealand and what the move All quotes arefrom attributed to Tauleletoahukuitogia means to them. Latule-Mailisi who has provided local knowledge and context surrounding the controversy, as a descendant Pete McKenzie, who graduated with a VUW Honours of Niue. Degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts at the end of last year is soonThree heading New York to begin and a Masters The Niuean areto Tamaeli, Latoatama, Degree. Folitahu who, whilst imprisoned, premeditated the murder of Resident Commissioner Larsen in 1953. McKenzie says it has been a “confronting experience This is a major event in Niuean history which had realising that [he is] part of the brain drain,” but permanent effects on the relations between New maintains that moves such as his have overall benefits Zealand and the Pacific. It is one of the only instances for New Zealand. “You want people with overseas of a New Zealander in public service being killed experience, you want people to bring back fresh overseas. perspectives,” he said. In the early 1900s, New Zealand Prime Minister McKenzie says that the rising cost of living and Richard Seddon stated his “mission” to extend rental prices in Wellington “removes an obstacle” to the Domain of New Zealand into the South Pacific. making the move overseas, saying “it’s easy to not Seddon embarked on a “tour” of Tonga, Fiji, Niue, and go overseas if everything is really good here but if the the Cook Islands, with intention to persuade leaders of cost of living is the same in the states as it is in NZ the benefits of annexation. In 1901, Niue and the Cook then that’s one barrier that’s missing.” Islands became dependent territories under NZ law. Fulbright, a cultural exchange programme that From 1943-1953, Cecil Hector Larsen acted as operates between New Zealand and the US, declined Resident Commissioner for Niue. A decade of to have a phone conversation. They stated in an unregulated governance from the New Zealand email to Salient that “part of [their] kaupapa is for Government enabled Larsen to misuse his power Fulbrighters to share their mahi in the US and then to abuse the Niuean people. With no departmental when they come back to Aotearoa, share what they oversight, Larsen exercised unrestricted executive learnt in the US.” powers, corrupting the judicial system as the sole judgesaid and that jury “on of Niue. They the whole” their scholars come
back to New Zealand and stay here “so the brain Larsen’s determination at the time led to Niuean drain (while it’s definitely a thing) is less of an issue for residents’ imprisonment for acts such as public [them]”. affection, consuming alcohol, and swearing. These prisoners were detained andwork usedopportunities to maintain the Other students cited better Resident Commissioner’s property and retrieve his golf overseas. Masters in Design student Elliot said that balls. “The Governor would say to the men they can’t many of his friends who have already moved overseas kill a cat, mocking them and belittling them.” Local are “doing the same jobs but for three times as much history illustrates allegations of abuse towards the [pay] and a lot more respect as an employee”. unlawfully detained. “The men committed the crime as the Governor (resident Commissioner) was mean with no respect for the Niuean people. He bullied them, and men (and) women were abused.”
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News
“For example I brought this real nice set of Milwaukee socket wrenches the other day and I was like oh shit, if I’m going overseas what am I going to do with my nice set of Milwaukee socket wrenches that I just bought,” he said. The people of Niue the New Zealand Patrick, a third year petitioned Bachelor of Arts student says that Government three throughout Larsen’s 10 he has “always felttimes constrained by the anti-intellectual year term, no Zealand” avail or recognition. According culture herebut in to New in which cultural pursuits to Margaret Pointer, the Wellington Government’s are “poorly understood…and viewed largely as intention was to promote Larsen as overseer to all pretentious”. Pacific Island states in New Zealand’s domain. Pointer refers to that the lack ofoverseas political will from “Wellington” He says going after completing his to make any such forhe Niue, until the controversy qualifications is changes something “need[s] to go and do”. of Larsen’s murderindominated media, and required In order to remain New Zealand he would need change to be “high made.job satisfaction, decent pay and to be offered access to those jobs”. The three men, from the islands of Liku, Makefu and Hikutavake, escaped killed Hector Larsen in hisfor Kate Prickett, Directorand of the Roy McKenzie Centre Niuean residence before turning themselves in the the Study of Families, says that New Zealand’s current next he was killed some relief brainday. drain“When is two-pronged; wethere have was people leaving from the Niuean People.” The Coco-net’sas coverage of because of the economic circumstances well as “a the controversy clarifies there-opening spirit of theofpeople, and bit of catch up” due to the the borders. determination of the Niuean Three, saying “There’s On circumstances she said if onlythe so economic far the people will bend, before the“even people you stay here and turn a wage your wage is not going break.” to be keeping up with the housing costs. To get a “The men and weretosentenced to hang. New Zealand sent mortgage get onto the housing ladder is not the hangman there and dug holes. On to thiswork day something that’s available forthree young people the sky turned into fire and the hanging was called towards right now.” off.” After two execution sentences, the complexity of She says that the resolution of issues such as the the case, immense public pressure, and intervention affordable housing crisis will have to be “part of the from Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Sid Holland picture” to attract kiwis back to New Zealand. granted the Niuean Three clemency. They were released from Mt Eden Prison between 1960-1970. “It’s not just always going to be about the love of New Only Tamaeli was able to return home to Niue before Zealand and wanting to be here. People need to feel he passed away. that they can come back and have a stable house to live in, thathalf they havecentury career prospects The second of can the 20th led to a and opportunitiesoftoo,” she said. amongst Pacific nations, renaissance independence who shrugged off New Zealand’s colonial rule in All of the students and graduates that Salient favour of their own sovereignty. In 1974, Niue emerged interviewed professed their love for New Zealand. as a self-governing state in free association with They collectively spoke of a natural curiosity to New Zealand. Just as the Cook Islands had done, it explore, to see “bigger and better” things, and have retained the Queen in right of New Zealand as their the fabled overseas experience. head of state.
Present H e a dline Junkie:
A Bite-Sized Look Into the Big Stories
The Wan Solwara Team Words by Azaria Howell (she/her) and Beth Mountford Niue Represented at Commonwealth Games Jacinda Visits(she/her) Samoa TW: Homophobia Niue, home to 1,649 constituents and the largest raised coral atoll, qualified for three events in the GreenCommonwealth Co-LeadershipGames. Not a Shaw Thing team 2022 The 15-strong headed to Birmingham, England to compete for After Salient broke the news about a potential Green only the sixth time since 2002. Tony Edwards, the Party leadership spill at the Party AGM, votes came team’s Chef de Mission for Birmingham stated “[t] through showing nearly one-third of Party delegates hese games are where you need to take the best voted against re-nominating co-leader James Shaw. you’ve got to represent Niue”. The team consists of A co-leader vote is expected to take place in the ten lawn bowlers, four boxers, and one weightlifter. coming weeks. Chlöe Swarbrick declined to run for One of the members of the lawn bowls team is Niue’s Greens co-leader, stating the vote against Shaw was elected leader, Premier Dalton Tagelagi, the first “unprecedented”. Teanau Tuiono has confirmed in a elected representative of a nation to compete in the press conference that he is considering contesting the Commonwealth Games. co-leadership. Climate Change x Commonwealth Games Smokefree Aotearoa Closer Than Ever Tuvaluan boxer and police officer Fiu Tui used his Amendmentsplatform to the Smokefree Environments and international at the 2022 Commonwealth Regulated Products Act climate 1990 have passed their first Games to inspire global action. “God gives reading in Parliament withweightlifting, a clear majority. The Bill you a talent: table tennis, volleyball. received support from parties That’s thecross-party way we survive from the all sea levelsother than ACT. ACT Deputy Leader Brooke Van Velden rising, by using our talent.” These comments follow stated the amendments to the Conference legislation were “shortproceedings at the UN Ocean in June. sighted”, adding that the change would “increase Pacific Island leaders stated it was “utterly unfair” organised seek to reduce that Pacificcrime”. peopleThe are amendments amongst the most vulnerable, the amount of responsible nicotine available in smoking despite being for a “tiny fractionproducts of the and ban all sales ofgas tobacco products people born global greenhouse emissions.” Tui,towho competed in or after 2009. Associate of Health Ayesha against Grenadian KemrodMinister Moses, re-emphasizes this Verrall said the Bill end harm. urgency, saying “weseeks knowtoclimate change is real. We
don’t want to wait for our leaders to fight. I am from Aussie Rugby Players Boycott ‘Pride’ Jersey Tuvalu and my country is going to sink. We need help.” Seven players from Sydney’s Sea Eagles NRL Manly Pride Jersey Sells OutManly and Boycotters Open Club have refused to wear an updated ‘pride’ rugby to Donning Kit jersey, depicting a rainbow on the chest of the shirt alongside DesofHasler On 28 July,advertisements. The Manly Sea Team EaglesCoach sold out their confirmed these players would not take part the “Everyone in League” pride jerseys within 30 in minutes game where one-off willRoosters. be worn. On social of game nightthe against thejersey Sydney According media, Action Group co-founder to CEO Conversion Scott Penn,Therapy the jersey is here to stay and andseven activist Shaneel Lalboycotted said “the the Polynesian NRLto the players who fit are open players refusing to wear a uniform thatSix has rainbow wearing it next year if consulted first. of athe seven on it for who ‘cultural’ reasons a joke.were Pacific cultures, players boycotted theisjersey of Pacific even outside Polynesia is rich in queerness.” Sea Island heritage. Fijian-Indigenous Social Studies Eagles team captain pride Professor Jioji RavuloDaly fromCherry-Evans the Universitywanted of Sydney, to befacilitates celebrated in rugby, hoping attention willNRL turn to who cultural awareness training for the “17 players out there celebrating that inclusiveness players, urges people to understand Pasifika and diversity”. communities have “learned a lot of these rigid views on sexuality from white Western perspectives”. Metlink Gives New Meaning to Cancel Culture The Wellington region has seen over 1,000 buses being cancelled in the past week, with a significant shortage of drivers. Metlink representatives have blamed Covid-19 and the flu season for the driver shortage, stating that sickness is hard to plan around. The New Zealand Herald reports that over 120 bus drivers across the Wellington region have been sick and unable to work.
On 1 August, Samoa reopened its international borders. NZ politicians were some of the first visitors Luxon in days Hot Water, Quite Literally after 865 of closure. Officials were invited by Samoan Prime Minister and VUW alumna Fiamē Leader of the National Party Christopher Luxon has Naomi Mata’afa, who visited New Zealand in June, to been met with backlash after travelling to the tropical celebrate 60 years of signing the Treaty of Friendship. destination of Hawai’i over Parliament’s break. A social Her father Fiamē Mata’afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II, media post from the opposition leader stated he was CBE, was the 685’s first Prime Minister that signed campaigning in Te Puke at the time of his vacation, the treaty between the two Pacific nations on 1 which some have labelled as “misleading”. Luxon August 1962. Ardern says the Treaty represents both stated “we genuinely made a mistake and we own up governments’ commitment to “promote the welfare of to it.” Despite this, Luxon did not agree that the post the people of Samoa, and conduct our relationship in was misleading, adding he was “not losing sleep” over the spirit of close friendship”. The friendship between the matter. Samoa and Aoteroa is exemplified by the recent bill launched by the Green Party to restore theon right to Auckland Mayoral Candidates Treading NZ citizenship for people from Western Samoa (born Eggshells between 1924-1949). The Auckland Mayoral Debate, held at Auckland Local Body Election Plans Revealed University on 26 July, has been modestly described as “lively” crowd members egged mayoral Based on aafter Wellington City Council report (December candidate and New Conservative Tedthe 2021 - financial spending) current co-leader priorities for Johnston. Two eggs were thrown in total: one hit WCC are three waters infrastructure, infrastructure Johnson in the the other failed to of public square transport, andshoulder, safe, affordable housing. collide directly a target, but did splatter some Candidates andwith parties use ideological positions residue another mayoral Lord. to build on trust and loyalty withcontender their voterCraig bases. We Johnson, who ourselves displays egg-like himself, has can empower throughfeatures voting and voicing said he is unbothered bypolicies the incident after 10 years our perspectives on the of campaigning working as atheir bouncer. The egg-throwing bandit candidates, past actions, and holding themis yet to be caught to after fleeing scene immediately. accountable their futurethe promises. Local body voting booths close on 8 October. Don’t miss out on Bye Bye Bloomfield :( your opportunity to have your say.
Friday 29 On, Julythe sawPacific Director General of Health Dr 40 Years Underground Theatre Ashley Bloomfield’s last day on the job. After the most Revisits Dawn Raids turbulent four years his role has ever seen, Bloomfield announced he would be stepping down. A year after in theApril Newthat Zealand Government’s apology He toldPasifika Jack Tame “[t]he thing I’m proudest of is to the community, director Oscar Kightley what we us managed achievecan’t through vaccination reminds why thetoamends stopour there. Opening programme.” become andtoabe in Auckland onHe16has August, thisaiscelebrity a play not household (some even go as farcast as toexplores say a missed. Setname in 1973, Oscar Kightley’s “saint”), beacon throughout the the lives aoftrue “Sione and of hisstability band, the Noble Hawai’ian Covid-19 pandemic. Sabretooth Tigers, as they welcome you to the Paradise Honeypot Club where everything is beautiful, until it isn’t.” This play offers a new perspective to what many of our ancestors experienced. It explores loyalty, loss, wit, warmth and more. Book your tickets through the ATC website.
SPLENDID
85 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington www.splendid.nz @splendid.nz
Future - How Aotearoa’s First National Adaptation Plan Will Impact Pasifika
Dimitris Potusa (he/him; Leimatua, Vava’u, Tonga; Manono Tai, Samoa) On 3 August, the Government released Aotearoa’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which responds to the climate change risks assessed by the National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA) delivered by the Climate Change Commission (the Commission). The NAP contains over 120 actions to help Aotearoa adapt to the impacts of climate change. It follows the Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) released in May, the national plan to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions and align our emissions targets internationally. The NAP has four priority areas to form the foundation of Aotearoa’s adaptation response: 1. Enabling better risk-informed decisions 2. Driving climate-resilient development in the right locations 3. Adaptation options including managed retreat and 4. Embedding climate resilience across Government policy The consultation period for the NAP included directed engagement workshops for Pasifika across Aotearoa facilitated by the Pacific Advisory Group. Feedback showed that Pasifika are among more vulnerable groups of New Zealanders. The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) explains this is due to factors such as how Pasifika “often have more crowded households…lower incomes…and poorer health outcomes”. Pasifika are also affected by adverse weather potentially causing damage to homes, buildings, and churches that may result in resettlement away from dangerous areas. Here are some ways that the NAP aims to support Pasifika, with example actions provided by MfE: Better risk-informed decisions Pasifika households, businesses and communities can use tools to assess their own risks and make better adaptation decisions. Relevant actions include: Design and develop risk and resilience and climate adaptation information portals: These portals will make information available on social and equity risks. They will also help assess the vulnerability of people disproportionately affected by climate change, such as Pacific peoples. Work with community housing providers: This will increase the resilience of community housing by supporting strategies for emergency management and long-term adaptation. Working with Māori and Pacific providers, this will reduce community housing tenants’ exposure to climate risks. It will help increase resilience in culturally appropriate ways, and respond to the needs of Māori and Pacific recipients.
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Design risk assessments of public buildings: This will help owners of public buildings understand and adapt to climate risks. It includes important ‘social infrastructure’ like hospitals, churches and schools, and things like cultural and heritage values will be considered. Homes and Buildings Relevant actions include: Reduce and manage the impacts of climate hazards on homes and buildings: This action includes collating existing information to help adapt now; researching the impacts of climate hazards on different typologies; producing property-level guidance; developing an assessment framework; and investigating incentives. This action is also necessary to inform further work such as regulatory changes. Government policy The Government is embedding climate resilience across all its strategies and policies which will support Pasifika communities to adapt to climate change now and in the future. Relevant actions include: Implement the Climate Migration Action Plan: This will support Pacific peoples to live in their own countries where possible, and to grow and thrive even when climate change impacts mean they have to move or migrate. Build community resilience through social cohesion: This work will lessen instability and community disruption caused by climate change. It will help everyone, including Pacific peoples, to feel safe and belong, and to access opportunities. Expand funding for community resilience: This would expand the community funding provided during Covid-19 for communities to carry out their own longterm plans, and make more funds available through Whānau Ora. Responding to the Climate Crisis: An Implementation Plan: This 2019 report set out goals and objectives in response to the Defence assessment “The Climate Crisis – Defence Readiness and Response,” which explores the links between climate change and security. It underscores the importance of working with and learning from our Pacific partners, to understand and respond to intensifying climate impacts” To read the full document, head to MfE’s website. Source: Climate-change-and-Pacific-peoples-Whatthe-national-adaptation-plan-means-for-you.pdf (environment.govt.nz)
REGIONAL IDENTIT Y
PERCEIVED IDENTIT Y
IMAGINED IDENTIT Y
Illustration: Sofia Misa www.salient.org.nz
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FOUNDATIONS
Mauatua Fa’ara Reynolds (she/they; Samoan Ti’avea & Lalovaea) “I’m Mauatua.” My name feels like home in my mouth. My own whare. A hoem that holds so much history, meaning, mana. A fare owned by my ancestor, the daughter of a chief, who helped begin a new Pacific civilisation and culture. Now, this is mine. And I care for this house with so much aroha, arofa, and aloha because it was passed down to me and is my legacy. But it’s not my name when the white girl repeats it. “Mow-a-too-a? Makatonga? Mowatushka? Moana!” her serrated shark teeth (not my special ma’o or mango teeth) crush my house. She tears through the foundations. Our foundations. Because she doesn’t know that the powerful atua seated at the end is omnipresent throughout our sea of islands. And when I reach my left ear to Samoa and Aotearoa, they chant the same word spoken in my heart. Atua. She doesn’t know that our atua journeyed across the largest living body on this earth And morphed And transformed. Because when I reach my right ear to Hawai’i, I hear them cry akua. While our people, words, and vaka have voyaged far and wide, stretched to the ends of the earth and evolved, our hearts and mana remain the same. But she doesn’t know that. All she knows is that “Bora bora is so pretty! It’s all over my insta feed”. She doesn’t know that my grand-père was put on a big industrial boat (not our strong wooden wa’a) and shipped to the Tuamotu islands where he had to assist the nuclear testing.
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Past
When I was just a young tamahine, my Mama told me that ‘once upon a time’ he was on the beach with his friend doing work. His friend started complaining about how itchy his leg was. Āue, stupide, my grand-père thought. So itchy, he kept saying. He walked over to the coconut tree and started rubbing his leg against the rough surface of the trunk. Finally, some relief My grand-père watched his friend itching his leg, As his skin slowly started to peel off in strips, like the bark of our trees. Before he passed, my grand-père still had the nuclear bombs exploding inside him. That sickening murky radiation coursed through his blood for decades. It blinded him. It gave him incurable ulcers. It ate away at his mana. It took him from me. Slowly. My story is not just my own. It belongs to the Marshallese, the French Polynesians, to all of us. How bad does it need to be to get an apology? Because those bombs were more than 10 times the size of those that destroyed Hiroshima. Do I need to kick, cry and scream? We’ve been doing that for decades. Do I need to howl for my grandfather’s decaying corpse? I still do that. Too often, our islands have been perceived as tiny, dependent, weak, isolated, and expendable. They use our fenua as a testing ground and our tangata as lab rats. They used us as sacrifices for the ‘greater good’. They poisoned our life force, our moana, our fenua, our nurturing mother. And it continues to kill us, because the subterranean fractures under our atolls could release radioactive material into the sea. This would be devastating. We are not small. We are not fragile. We are not disposable. We are vast. We are strong. We are fierce. My name is Mauatua. Learn it.
www.salient.org.nz
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Illustration: Amiria-Rose Monga
OUR HISTORY, THE TRUTH
• By 1996, France had conducted 45 atmospheric and 134 underground tests. Those bombs were up to 200 kilotons: over ten times the size of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. Each test cost an average of $2 billion CFP, the equivalent of more than $31 million NZD. • Information on the tests is still kept under wraps by the French Government, and we may never know the full extent of radioactive contamination affecting French Polynesia and the surrounding islands. • The catastrophic methods used for the first tests included placing the bomb onto a barge and letting it explode, which caused the water and everything it contained to travel into the sky and fall back over the atolls, covering land and water with dead sea life. These were left for weeks to rot in the sun. • In 1968, Fangataufa was so badly contaminated by a thermonuclear detonation that it was shut off from humans for six years. It is now listed as a wildlife sanctuary for birds, and classified as a common military zone (338). • Apparently, everytime a test was imminent, the locals were placed in shelters, then afterwards their houses were sprayed down with seawater, hardly a process of decontamination. • In the Tuamotu, bombs sometimes triggered underwater landslides and even tidal waves. • The amount of spilt plutonium in the same area would have been enough to exterminate the entire population of French Polynesia. Scan this QR code and sign the petition to ask the French government to acknowledge and compensate those affected from the Tuamtous Islands and surrounding Islands.
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Past
HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR PASIFIKA ASSOCIATIONS Samoan Association Malo le soifua maua ma le lagi matafi. O lo’u igoa o Tualagi-Marcus Tuma’ai. I am the President of the Victoria University Samoan Students’ Association. Our association was established in 1971. We are an association with just over 70 members and growing every week. Our vision for 2022: “To provide a space where all students experience the richness of the Samoan culture; whilst prioritising their academic progress.” Tongan Association Fakafeta’i ki he ‘Eiki ‘i he ‘ene tauhi ‘ofa kuo ne fai mai kitautolu. We are the representative collective of the Tongan Students at VUW. ‘22 Taumu’a/Vision: FEKAU’AK‘I- Connection Recently, Stallions attended the annual Amatakiloa conference, held in Auckland. We were awarded the Cultural Night Kumete, the Speech Cup (Daphnie Katoa Taulata) as well as the Sports Cup. Without the support and love we have received throughout this journey, our success would truly not be possible. We look forward to what the future holds. Tu’a ‘Ofa ‘Eiki atu Tokelauan Association Mālo Ni, E talitonu te loto e laututuha uma ki tatou I tona alofa. Te Namo – Te Lumanaki is the Tokelauan Students’ Association at Victoria University of Wellington. Te Namo means the lagoon that describes the body of water situated between the Tokelau atolls. Te Lumanaki means ‘the future’ which embodies our position to provide resources for the future and give back to our Tokelauan community. Our hope as the Te Namo – Te Lumanaki executive team is for every member to leave with a range of knowledge about the Tokelauan especially the fatele aspect of it. This is how Te Namo – Te Lumanaki sustains the Tokelauan Culture. Ke manuia koutou kae ke ola foki tenei hui tauva. Te Namo – Te Lumanaki President Vaiao Perez Cook Island Association VUWCIA otherwise known as Te Akaruruanga o te Ipukarea is the Cook Islands Students’ Association at Te Herenga Waka. Te Akaruruanga o te Ipukarea translates to shelter of the motherland and this is what VUWCIA aims to be for all of our Pasifika diaspora, be you a Cook Islander or one of our Pacific neighbours. Together we celebrate our peu Māori the intricacies of the Cook Island culture. This year, VUWCIA travelled to Kaitaia to participate in Taoko’tai’anga, the annual CI student confrence, where we as an anau (family) brought home the W. VUWCIA! Hi Ha Tukia! Tuvalu Association Talofa koutou katoa! The Tuvaluan Students’ Association, Tautai O Tuvalu, is a place that nurtures and develops the language and cultural traditions of Tuvalu. Our goal is to allow others to embrace our Tuvaluan culture, while also providing a safe space for Tuvaluan students here at Victoria University of Wellington. Keep your eyes peeled for what we have coming up this semester and hope to see you soon. Pasifika Law Students’ Society (PLSS) Mālō e lelei and warm pacific greetings! The Pasifika Law Students’ Society is the law school kāinga for Pasifika students. We run seki social, cultural, and academic initiatives at the Law School for Pasifika students so we can create a supportive and safe environment to accelerate brown excellence and increase awareness and understanding of Pasifika culture! If you have any questions, need help or just wanna talanoa about something, hit us up! www.salient.org.nz
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MODERN DAY RACISM Tanumia Matega (she/her; Samoan Ti’avea & Lalovaea) Content warning: Racism, Explicit Mentions of Racist Slurs
PAST I attended my final year of high school at Wellington East Girls’ College in 2021. I was catching up on schoolwork and buying lunch from the canteen. It seemed like any other day. But it wasn’t. The week of 11 October, videos and images surfaced online of Palagi Wellington East Girls’ College (WEGC) students yelling offensive and racist slurs at a party. They yelled, “Māori should go back to the bush.” They wrote Nazi imagery on their chest, yelling the n-word. Repeatedly and proudly. On Wednesday 20 October 2021, Māori students confronted the racist students. Videos of the incident had spread across the school by the next period. On Friday, 22 October, the principal ‘addressed’ the situation, but it was more of a plea to stop spreading things online which would affect the College’s reputation. She had not mentioned “racism” in her four speeches to the different year groups. Did she not want to admit that racism and prejudice had yet to breathe their last breath within the walls of this institution? The following week, the school was clearly divided. The friends of the offenders defended them online, while a petition asking for the offenders’ expulsion gathered strong support as eyewitness testimonies were shared hundreds of times. That week, those in support dressed in cultural attire. Those who were friends with the offenders were silent. I had never thought racism could be so bold in a place that felt liberal. While this specific instance most directly impacted Māori students, Pasifika students supported and empathised with them as
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both communities are similarly subject to racism. This is reflected in common vernacular where the people of the Pacific are homogenised as ‘brown’. Communities are carelessly grouped to simplify the complex social issues they burden us with. WEGC’s mission statement said students will “learn, lead and participate in an environment that reflects and values diversity while fostering personal excellence”. Their ‘Recognition of Cultural Diversity’ policy reads: “Wellington East Girls’ College celebrates New Zealand’s cultural diversity and strives to ensure that all students feel culturally safe and valued. We aim to create a learning environment that is caring, inclusive, cohesive, and supports the cultural and linguistic diversity of our students.” Was the College aware that their ideologies differed from the reality of their students? Pasifika students only made up around 12% of WEGC when I was there, and staff consistently butchered the pronunciation of ethnic names. In 2021, the Poly group was prohibited from fundraising because it would seem ‘bad’ for the group to look for funding elsewhere. The school’s reputation seemed more important than support for POC, leaving our “brown” extracurriculars without proper resourcing. More than half of our prefects were POC, and the Kapa Haka and Poly groups performed well, which enhanced the College’s reputation. Everything looked great on the surface, but it was obvious from the party that WEGC and our wider society still had a long way to go.
“To our Pasifika community, I recommend you never shy away from calling out racism. Calm, educated responses will have more favourable outcomes. Aim to educate, not humiliate”
PRESENT Now I am in my first year here at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). I thoroughly enjoy my classes, don’t get me wrong, but when there was a presentation about a Māori framework and the only 2 POC students were chosen to present it, I did get that feeling. The same feeling I got when my Year 10 English teacher was surprised about the quality of work and my intelligence level—the same feeling when someone wanted a ‘brown’ perspective and looked straight at me.
Pasifika funerals are more than a one day event and highlighted the inappropriateness of asking for a copy of a death certificate. Pasifka funerals compromise multiple services before, during and after the funeral (maliu). This open conversation led to further discussions where Edwina provided generalised answers of what many Pasifika students go through. These educators apologised and expressed they “had no idea this is what our students experience”.
With all honesty, I have not had the whole “university” experience. I didn’t stay in a hall and wasn’t involved in many groups. I interviewed Edwina Harris; a fellow student, a great leader, and President of the Pasifika Students’ Council.
So what about the rest of VUW? How does it deal with racism within the university? Edwina expressed, “I want to preface my answer by stating that racism is complex and does exist among people of colour. Therefore, there will always be room for improvement. In general, VUW could do much better. It is, at its core, an institution that favours Palagi. It does well with having many staff that believe in equity and strongly support decolonising the structures and policies that continue to discriminate. I would love to see more talanoa sessions where staff and members of our Pasifika community can sit down and have open discussions of what our cultural differences are and find solutions to the many barriers we Pasifika students face. To our Pasifika community, I recommend you never shy away from calling out racism or instances where you feel discriminated against. Calm, educated responses will have more favourable outcomes. Aim to educate, not humiliate.”
I asked if she could recall a time she had faced any racism or microaggressions at VUW. Edwina said, “I experience, see, and hear of racism almost daily at VUW. I am often praised for how well I can articulate myself despite just speaking English, and often receive comments of ‘you are a great Pasifika leader’”. Edwina could not disclose specific details in order to protect the privacy of students involved. However, a general issue that occurs for Pasifika students is the inquisition around the length of compassionate extensions for bereavement. After a VUW meeting, there had been discussion around a student lying about the need for an extension due to a funeral. Edwina has had to help educators understand that
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“Talanoa sessions between staff and the Pasifika community provide a chance to have open discussions about our cultural differences and discover answers to the barriers Pasifika students encounter”
FUTURE People will claim Aotearoa is not racist and that we have changed for the better. People will argue that we have improved by implementing more Te Reo Māori in our education system and requiring cultural awareness training in workplaces. Yet, if you look at any news article about Pasifika or Māori, the comment section is still filled with entitled Palagi complaining that they have helped us enough. We’re on a trend towards greater cultural competency, but we are not satisfied. We require all academic institutions to now do the same. Racism is complex. Many learn this behaviour from their upbringing and others are taught to normalise it from their environment. For example, the girls from my high school would have learnt their attitudes from their parents or environment. Staff members who are unaware of protocols have no idea that funerals in Pasifika culture take weeks rather than days, so a day-long extension isn’t going to help much. Through educating people, we normalise a notolerance policy towards racism. Talanoa sessions for staff and the Pasifika community are key to creating change. Talanoa sessions provide a chance to have open discussions about our cultural differences, as well as discover answers to the barriers Pasifika students encounter. It’s a significant step any institution can take to better itself.
As corny as it sounds, tomorrow is never promised. We can never predict what the future holds. So right now, in the present, all we can do to prevent racism is to take action. Act in educating people about our cultures, so our tatau, food, and language aren’t seen as a trend, but as a treasure. We need to educate people on the pronunciation of names, so that our future nieces, nephews, or kids don’t face the same shame we had growing up when our teachers mispronounced our names. Educate people that we are more than just rugby players or good singers, but even better orators and astro-cartographers. But for our non-Pacific readers, educate yourselves as well. Ask questions, challenge your own bias, take charge of your own learning. We have always held wealth beyond their understanding. It is their loss if they continue to limit themselves through hate, but it will no longer be our burden to carry. It’s a wisdom that people before us have used to make a life in our homelands; a key that our parents and grandparents have used to immigrate to a new land of plenty in search of opportunity. Education is the key for us to use right now, in the present, and for a brighter future.
We invite you to combat the affects of racism and discrimination of our students. sign this petition in support of requiring cultural competency training for Staff, as well as facilitated Talanoa sessions at Victoria University of Wellington.
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PASIFIKA REPRESENTATION AT ITS BEST Jotham Tesese (he/him) Being in my third year of Film Studies, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for Pasifika representation on screen. These films and TV shows reflect my experiences growing up Samoan in NZ. Contains spoilers!
The Legend of Johnny Lingo (2003) Ok, but do you search the horizon every day? I’ll always remember when my family gathered to watch this film when it came on Māori Television. This film will always be important for me because it was the first time I saw people that looked like me onscreen. Before Tama decides to leave the village that shunned him for bringing misfortune to their lives, he makes a promise to his friend to return to care for her. Tama meets the great Johnny Lingo and eventually makes his return to the island he grew up on. This film is full of heart-warming moments and touches on the importance of work ethic, love, and keeping one’s promises. For those who watch Korean Dramas (including those who watch it secretly), I recommend watching this for the ‘childhood-friends to lovers’ plot line and THAT ending. Even if you don’t watch K-Dramas, I still recommend this film!
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No. 2 (2006) When I watched this film as a kid, I was so lost. I didn’t understand why anyone would want to make a film about a family function in Auckland. Rewatching it as an adult, I now realise the film is a hidden gem. When Nanna Maria calls for her grandchildren to throw a big feast in her backyard, chaos ensues as the family’s dysfunction and tensions between cousins begin to reveal itself. Despite the chaotic start, the family manages to throw the party their Nanna wanted, and she makes the important announcement of naming her heir. The feast in the film reminds me of the family functions we would have at my cousins’ house. This film is important because it reflects the importance of family within our Pasifika community. Not only does the film depict recognisable family dynamics, but it emphasises the importance of working together and dealing with issues that may divide our families. If you like family portrait films or you live for the drama, you should try to find a copy of this film so you can watch it.
Fresh TV: Season 4 Episode 23 Polyfest 2014 Samoa Stage (2014) Who hasn’t watched Fresh TV? I watched this episode on YouTube back in Year 9 when I was still establishing my own cultural identity. I loved all the performances and the way the students spoke with pride about our Samoan culture. Beulah Koale and The Sola Sisters host this episode of Fresh which follows the performances of the Samoan Stage at Polyfest in Auckland in 2014. This episode includes excerpts of performances, interviews, and a comedy sketch with Aunty Tala. Similar to Polyfest, Palmerston North holds Pasifika Fusion every year. Pasifika Fusion provides a platform for Pasifika excellence in categories such as cultural performance, visual arts, and cinematography. I participated in the cinematography category for several years, which sparked my interest in Film studies and my desire to make films about the everyday stories of our Pasifika people. This episode of Fresh TV is a reminder of the beauty of Samoan culture. For those who want to see Samoan cultural performances or are wanting some new songs to add to your playlist, I recommend watching this episode.
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Three Wise Cousins (2017) “I wish I had a blue t-shirt.” This comedy film follows NZ-born Samoan Adam who falls in love with someone who likes a ‘real island guy’. To become that guy, Adam takes a trip to Samoa to learn about the way his cousins live. In high school, I watched this and thought, ‘wow, I’m not the only one who feels like a plastic Samoan.’ Now that I’m older, the film’s value for me has shifted towards the representation of life in Samoa. As someone who’s never been to Samoa, it was amazing to see how people climb coconut trees, as well as the process of preparing koko Samoa that’s sold in those polystyrene cups we always see here in NZ . This film is a great reminder to be appreciative of all that our parents have done for us. Adam’s trip to Samoa exposed his entitlement and laziness at home. His transformation at the film’s end shows that it was not necessarily his disconnection from his culture, but more so his laziness that was the issue. If you love a good comedy film, I recommend this film (I would also recommend giving Take Home Pay a watch too).
Loimata, The Sweetest Tears (2020) You might need some tissues. I first watched this film in FILM 204 (Documentary Histories with Thierry Jutel) and later with my family. Loimata is a beautiful, poignant documentary about Ema Siope leading her family in retracing the past and finding healing together. The family travel together, visiting the various places they lived in, and ending their journey at Loimata in Samoa. The healing the family experiences helped me realise the importance in communication and being able to have these difficult conversations. I’ve recognised that as we are now navigating adulthood, it’s important to have these important conversations surrounding topics considered taboo within our Pacific families to relieve generational traumas. After watching this documentary, I grew to appreciate the love in my family more. The documentary deals with heavy subject matter so I would recommend watching this when you have the capacity to watch it. Jumping to the Conclusion These films and shows have provided the representation I needed to see, lessons I needed to learn as a Samoan living in NZ, and an understanding of what our community can do to better ourselves. Through these representations, I have solidified the value of love within family, the beauty in expressing one’s cultural pride through performance and speech, the importance of not taking advantage of our parents’ sacrifices, and the necessity for communication within our families. It is evident that there is still a huge lack of Pasifika films and shows made by Pasifika people. I want to share my experiences from within the Samoan community and the wider Pacific community through short films. My hope is for more young Pasifika creatives to tell their stories too. www.salient.org.nz
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3-Generations, @kreatedbykerilyn, 2022.
HUNTING SZN 2022 VICTORIA UNIVERSITY RUGBY LEAGUE Horoymana Fuimaono (he/him; Solosolo, Samoa)
I’m Horoymana Fuimaono (aka bobo, aka bobunda, aka Wing of the Decade, aka 50th game premier player). I play in the Premier Team for the Victoria University Hunters Rugby League Team (the cooler version of the OBU team). One thing that I really felt we needed and gained by the end of the season as a club was team culture. Team culture to me brings unity, trust, and safety. Without team culture, what is a team? I’ve been a loyal Hunter for seven years. You could say that it’s part of my development as the person I am today. When I look around me in the club, I idolise a few of the boys and what they’ve done to become the players they are. To be a strong player often we see the most important things are strength and commitment, but I come from a background of a different weight mass, so it’s important we play our game in order to play well. So really you just need a lot of tika. I started playing in 2015, my brothers are the sole reason I decided to play. What better opportunity to play the sport you love with the people that inspire me the most, my brothers. I started as a wing; despite my size, I had mongrel, speed and strength so could make tackles most people can’t make ;) Following that, 2018, I made the transition from wing to loose forward. I had a small frame and a rugged playing style but that meant I ended up getting my first severe injury in the beginning of 2019, which put me out for the remainder of the season. Coming off a rough year, I made my return the following year and boom! Ruined my shoulder. Was looking forward to making another return and once again! Broke my hand.
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Looking back at my career as a Hunter, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a good group of people who have helped me develop as a person and a player. I’ve had a pretty unfortunate three years due to injury. During this time, I’ve seen how hard the team and the club have struggled to get players to play and the team culture diminish. My family and some of the veterans have taken initiative and focused on the things that this club needs moving forward. This has included huge developments for the club including: • Sick training gear • A women’s team - Hunters baddies • A Hunters’ haka • Investment into Juniors (under 6s & 12s) • The chance to attend O Au o Le Samoa Course Coming off this year’s season, I’ve adjusted to playing centre and I’ve been fortunate enough to go uninjured and was able to hit my 50th premier game. No club I would rather hit this milestone with. The Hunters have grown into a home for Central Wellington League players, and the foundations of us are built upon the hard work of family, club veterans who have put time and effort into who we are as a club. Who are we? Hunters! Aima’a baby.
LITTLE MISS
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These are some words that I know Kaungame’a, vaka, kainga, ‘ofa, these are some words that I know Mālō e lelei, tokoua, fefe hake, sai pe, these are some words that I know Mana, fefine, kalo, vai, these are some words that I know Sikoti, langi, hafakasi, otai, these are some words that I know “We’re cousins, you know, we go back thousands of years”, these are some words I didn’t know “We share languages, words, brave navigator histories”, these are some words I didn’t know “Yes - you say mo’unga, we say maunga, And there’s mauna and mo’ua too” “You’re connected to us, we’re related, you know”, these are some words I didn’t know Four hundred (plus!) languages in the Oceanic Pacific, these are some words I recently learned Twelve hundred languages in the Austronesian language family, these are some words I recently learned From Taiwan to Madagascar, Vanuatu to Rapa Nui, these are some words I recently learned Each one of them a treasure, holding stories, our history, these are some words I recently learned Your heritage isn’t insignificant, or just a ‘cool fact’, these are some words I wish I’d known We are so much more than ‘small islands’ (but I didn’t learn that), these are some words I wish I’d known “It’s not your fault you didn’t learn your language”, these are some words that I cherish You are not ‘broken’ if you struggle to learn your language, these are some words everyone should know. Lea Fakatonga, Gagana Samoa. I don’t know my languages well, sometimes I’m scared I never will But when I do learn new words in my language, it’s the most indescribable thrill And our languages are strong, intricate, magical creatures; but there’s work to be done still Until they are all thriving and no longer threatened All thriving, and no longer threatened. I hope that we work until Those are some words that I know. -Freya Scott (Gemmell Lolohea Tava)
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BUSINESS PROFILE: JUSTINE TAITO-MATAMUA Dimitris Potusa (he/him; Leimatua, Vava’u, Tonga and Manono Tai, Samoa) Brown Dollar Studio, which aims to help other brown small-business owners with their branding, social media, marketing and design. This helps stimulate the Pasifika small-business economy, thus uplifting and circulating the “Brown Dollar”.
Petone born and raised Justine Taito-Matamua is full Samoan and her whakapapa is to the villages of Salelologa, Faleu Manono, Lotofaga and Vavau. Justine is also a full hustler. She studies a full-time Design degree. She works part-time as a 200-level Design tutor. She co-founded a contemporary Samoan dance group, Anamua Fou, that has performed at All Blacks games, national conferences, and is heavily involved in the local Samoan community. She co-produces the social media platform Valley Now which highlights young Pasifika leaders from the Hutt Valley and hosted a community exhibition for local artists last year called Taeao Fou. She owns the creative agency Brown Dollar Studio that has designed report covers for universities, logos, art projects, event branding, and a campaign. Perhaps the most demanding task of all, she is the youngest of eleven. But how did Justine become so booked and busy? She primarily attributes the successes in her life to the sacrifices of her parents, and their lessons on ambition and perseverance. Her design hustle started with freelance gigs within the VUW Pasifika community. Along with her passion for helping others, this culminated into the foundation of
Last year for her capstone paper, she submitted Lalaga, a design project which exemplified her Samoan heritage. “I worked with my mum and we did this weaving workshop. The whole concept was to weave with your elders so they can teach you indigenous knowledge.” Three years into her degree, this was the first time she put her authentic self into her work. Justine advises creative Pasifika youth: “Don’t pretend to be someone that you’re not; be yourself. Speak up and put yourself into your work! Don’t be afraid to stand out and use your brownness as a weapon. And work within your own community, there’s so much inspiration and opportunities you can gain from the people around you. There’s a creative community anywhere, you just have to go find them.” Finally, she plugs Hatch Pacific, an educational programme formed by the Pacific Business Trust which helps to develop young Pasifika entrepreneurs. To check it out, go to hatchpacific. co.nz, and don’t forget to check out Justine’s various handles on instagram to see the tika stuff she’s working on! @justinetaito https://www.linkedin.com/ in/justine-taito-matamua @browndollarstudio @valleynow | @anamuafou
DESIGN EXAMPLES
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IN CONVERSATION WITH A SIREN: MARETA FROM BALLROOM’S ‘HOUSE OF DAWN’ Content Warning: Mentions of Discrimination, Racism, and Homophobia Interviewer: Tall, queer, brown and beautiful. I’ve always had a fascination with how people walk, the purposefulness of their direction, led with their own two feet. Sounds easy doesn’t it? But as young Pasifika people, who are navigating family, religion, and the politics of bodies versus the reality of fluidity, it can be incredibly difficult to put one foot in front of the other. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mareta from Tāmaki Makarau, who is the Sex Siren of Avant House of Dawn. “Dawn is like the first light spilling, breaking up the darkness of the night,” they said. We got together to discuss everything Samoan, queer, and how judgement only restrains joy. Mareta has an assurance about themselves, an effortless swag and comfort in their skin. A tangible magnetic energy you’re drawn to, when they walk in the room. Where do you source your power? Mareta: I know I love a song when I start to envision myself doing the damn thing. In karaoke, on stage, in my room. Making up a whole ass routine, in an outfit I don’t own, with flexibility that my parents didn’t give to me. Power comes from my dreams. In the moments with myself, when I’m listening to what’s out there and what’s within to allow this energy exchange. In embracing the divine feminine and divine masculine inside me. It is then that I’m able to share that power with myself and others in a free and safe space. I feel that power continues to make more sense of itself. How has Samoan / Pacific Island culture influenced your performances? It just does, because it is within me, it can never not be. My culture is something I keep learning about more and more everyday, in how I feel it and what it looks like in this new age. It will keep growing stronger in my practice and I hope to feed back into it. In the documentary ‘Paris is Burning’, Venus, a trans woman, competes in the Ballroom category of ‘realness’. She embodies her real self, occupying a space to be who she truly is, as the streets of reality constrain her to their interpretation of her physical
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form. Her performance is her truth. Minorities and people with neurodivergence have been conditioned to ‘mask’, embodying social norms for safety and acceptance. This spoke to me, as a whitepassing queer Samoan, in institutions such as VUW. Authenticity is daunting. My worst moments are when I slip into this mask, when it takes hold of me and keeps me passive and the same. Have you had experiences where you perform as ‘real’, or ‘mask’ to fit in, like Venus? I think Venus just wanted the world to see her how she knew herself to be, and I think a lot of people want that. To be seen and heard, received in love, in empowering ways. Masks can be created to protect ourselves as queer POC when navigating and shifting into spaces. For me that mask shifted from how I thought I was supposed to be, to knowing and creating my own way of being. Both are as real as each other, because I am too. There are different categories that you can walk in Ballroom, such as Runway, or themes like Business Woman. Ballroom offers opportunities that are denied in reality. A chance to be celebrated as well as share our stories. Queer people, especially queer kids, need to be received with love. Ballroom allows you to stand in power, a celebration of who you are when you walk. It’s a celebration of your story and your reality, the ones we deserve to live.
As someone in this kaupapa, as a face of the future, how does this make you feel? It feels new, a little spiky but really exciting. Is this a responsibility? Yes, but a beautiful opportunity. How do you stay strong? Through teardrops, kindness, and replenishing my joy. Whether it’s retreating back to the moana, to the masina, remembering and listening to this exchange between us. Which is just as important as coming back to my people again, because we make each other stronger. How has Samoan / Pacific Island culture influenced the people around you? I think we have such power. It’s bold and beaming, yet still able to be grounded. I think the unapologetic love and attitude we have for ourselves, our culture and each other is one of the special things about us and how it can influence other people. We’re a beacon for the youth and the older generation that will keep glowing brighter. Do you have a piece of advice for Pacific Island performers? You’re a gift in this world, keep that fire within you. But also protect yourself and the ones you perform with, you have each other and those bonds are blessings.
How is this new reception and investment in queer and brown performers for you? Are you excited? Fearful? Optimistic? It’s pretty scary. We have to protect ourselves as we become more visible. But we deserve to have spaces, we need to have a platform and share our stories, because they’re important and so are we. We need to see more, because the world would be basic without queer POC. I’m full of excitement because we love to see it. Have you found freedom? Haha, yea I think I’m on my way. I’ve let go of this idea that I wasn’t allowed to love myself and deny myself exploration. To love and live in joy — that is radical is a freedom. Life has changed for me, as a proud, multicultural, slightly dirty and very pan individual. I haven’t found myself quite yet, but every morning I look in the mirror and put on a face for the people around me to see. And that face is looking more and more like my real self, as I come into my power — finally. Practice gratitude for what we have inherited, respect for your being through confidence in the wisdom of the past. There are no binaries. There is no judgment. There is no sin. Love is abundant, an infinite gift. What a beautiful person you are, to have the capacity to love those who do not understand you. Stand in your truth. There are people who understand you. You are not alone.
Mareta - @maretadavidson House of Dawn - @avanthouseofdawn
There is a family waiting for you, to welcome you back home.
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“FOR MY DAD”
Sugar. Honey. Iced. Tea. Last year I broke my tibia and my fibula bones. After many hours spent staring at hospital walls and under many pain medications I realised something. My bones are sugar cane. Take a cane knife to me and I will pour out sweet juices. You see Sugar came when my tumbuna on my fathers side sailed across two oceans on the Leonidas from south India to Fiji to be met with rows of sugar cane. Sugar came as the British mixed it with tea and fed it to bodies they felt belonged to them to keep them working long hours in the sun. Sugar came as my father became the youngest Coca-Cola sales rep from all across Fiji. Sugar came in the form of every Coca-Cola product found in the many houses I lived in as a child. While babies were drinking milk from baby bottles to grow strong calcium filled bones, I drank coke and filled my bones with sugar. Sugar, you can say, is why my family moved in “04 to Tāmaki Makaurau, West Auckland” to be exact. We moved to the land of milk and honey - a different kind of sweetened immigrant dream. I will never know what it was like to spend months on a cramped ship in hopes for a sweeter life or leave everything I know to move to a foreign land. All I can do is make sure my elders are served with tea. Hold the sugar please. - Jolénna Deo
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Future
THE FUTURE IS BROWN, BRAINY, BEAUTIFUL, BICULTURAL, BILINGUAL AND BOLD Teherenui Koteka (she/her; Pukapuka, Manihiki, Mauke, Cook Islands) and Elisapeta (she/they; Aleisa, Samoa, Ngare Hauata, Ngāpuhi)
I am completing my Masters degree in which I am required to complete a week of industry work. Whilst in this placement I was posed with the question of “who am I bringing into the room?” My response has always been, “I am bringing my nieces, nephews and all the tamiriki of Te Ipukarea.” I choose to bring these youngins into any room I enter because I believe they have a lot to offer any person and community they interact with. In Dr. Melani Anae’s article ’Towards a New Zealand Born Identity’ she states, “The Pacific Islands ‘community’ is a collection of distinctive groupings which have occasionally formed coalitions to pursue interests in common, a unified community.” We have always protected ourselves, our determination being a better life for those who come from us. Dr Anae cites a formula for reclamation of identity in pan-ethnic groups (against homogenized labels such as ‘Pacific Islanders’, ‘brown’ or ‘coconuts’). We can use this formula for our tamariki born across the diaspora, to entice them towards their future. 1. “Discovering the identity as a self-referential category or label” Settle with who you are. The inherent value you possess, grounded by the unique differences of your home within the Pacific. Any young Pasifika person has the ability to diversify our economy, provide incentives to embrace our culture/s and shape our own future. We are the best in the world at performing arts, political science and dealing with climate change. These are not learnt habits but ways of our culture that we need to embrace! As said by poet Albert Wendt: “Pacific Islanders exist only in New Zealand. I am called a Pacific Islanders when I arrive at Auckland Airport. Elsewhere I am Samoan.” 2. “Discovering the already existing narrative - good or bad - to which the label refers.” The path to a brighter Pasifika future lies not in conforming to the ways of the colonizer, but in our embedded history! There are those who are limited by their ignorance, their own judgment of themselves. You are strong. You have the capacity to stand in what you know to be true. 3. ”Discovering” the story, or counter narrative, the newly self-conscious group itself wishes to tell.” I ran a poll recently asking Pasi youth what they wanted for our Pasifika future. A common response was for our metua to value the insight of youth. The number one answer was for the older generation of Pasifika peoples to realize job opportunities for the next generation lie outside the realms of law, health and commerce. On this note, I’d like to quote Minister Aupito William Sio: “this generation of Pacific youth is Brown, Brainy, Beautiful, Bi-cultural, Bilingual and Bold(er than those that came before them.)” The late great Moana Jackson said “courage is simply the deep breath you take before a new beginning”. Our history, your truth. You are unlimited, you are deserving, you are intelligent, you are our future. Claim your destiny as everything your ancestors, parents, and grandparents wanted for you. We have the power to dictate our future. Foster dignity, never forget your worth. We are the future. www.salient.org.nz
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WAN SOLWARA TUNES This playlist is brought to you by Wan Solwara with carefully selected songs as voted by you! Below is a sample tracklist of some of the hottest picks! Scan the Spotify QR code through your app and gain access to over 100 Pasifika beats! 1. ‘Ehu Girl’ by Kolohe Kai 2. ‘For the People’ by Nesian Mystik 3. ‘Fever Remix’ by DJ Noiz, Tomorrow People, and Fiji 4. ‘Wake Up’ by Aaradhna 5. ‘Dance Floor’ by Nesian Mystik 6. ‘Ue’i Ho Sino’ by Fokaa Jr SWC 7. ‘Ma’ili E Matangi’ by Loa Pole’o ft. D Tunez 8. ‘Fanagai Lupe’ by Spawnbreezie 9. ‘Taku Vaine’ by Jax Samsob, Rex Atirai ft. Samson Squad 10. ‘Hamofied Funk’ by POETIK and La Coco 11. ‘Fuki’ by JahBen and Robyn Akari 12. ‘Lady Love’ by Bina Butta ft. Kennyon Brown 13. ‘HEKA HORCY’ by AP and Kamahumble 14. ‘Wifey’ by Victor J Sefo 15. ‘Ride My Lane’ by Kali-D and Chris Y 16. ‘Iko Iko’ by Justin Wellington and Small Jam 17. ‘Let’s Do It Again’ by J Boog 18. ‘In My Maserati’ by Olakira 19. ‘Time To Party’ by Flavour ft. Diamond Platnumz 20. ‘Hula Mai’ by Jarome
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Man, Myth, Samoan.
THE ANOA’I DYNAST Y!
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is THE Actor, THE Businessman, and seemingly everybody’s uncle. Challenging the definition of ‘triple threat’ in the entertainment industry forever, he’s the Pacific Island performer who has dominated the small and silver screen since ‘96. Talking smack, chasing cheques, and collecting aunties’ fatus along the way. But his success runs deeper than muscles and charisma. He’s a descendant of the Anoa’i family, a Samoan professional wrestling dynasty that is the most decorated family in the sports history. His grandfather, who was also a professional wrestler, Pita Maiva, appeared as the Dodge Driver in the 1967 feature film “You Only Die Twice”. The Rock’s own daughter Simone recently debuted for WWE, under the name of ‘Ava Raine’. And yes, you guessed it, even Roman Reigns (Joe Anoa’i) shares in this lineage. Pita Maiva’s brother, Reverend Amituanai is grandfather to Joe Anoa’i. Making the Rock and Roman Reigns Cousins (you know the ones), the same grandfather to ‘The Uso’s’, double act by Joshua Samuel Fatu and Jonathan Solofa Fatu, the cheeky duo who are widely regarded as the best wrestling pair in history, with their catchphrase “USO crazy”. It’s officially 4 generations of the Wrestlers as The Rock’s Daughter joins WWE! Take this quiz below to discover which Anoa’i member of the Dynasty family you are. 1. What quote do you relate to the most?
2. How would you describe yourself?
A. One tough man
A. The Legacy ones
B. I’ve got more soul than I can control
B. The OG ones
C. Don’t be afraid to be ambitious about your goals. Hard work never stops.
C. The Best ones
D. “This will be my life one day”, this is for you. I’m humbled, grateful & ready to work. Let’s do this.
E. The Cheeky ones
D. The Underdog ones
E. “Day One Ish!” 3. What’s your go to wrestling move?
4. Your Favourite Food is:
A. Salmon Drop
A. Beer
B. Dropkick
B. Sliced Cheese
C. Rock Bottom
C. Fish
D. Talking Smack
D. Pizza
E. Double Headbutt drop
E. Raw Fish
5. How would your theme song sound? A. Something traditional. B. Something soulful. C. Something bold. D. Something with a killer beat. E. Something Islander
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WHICH ONE ARE YOU?
MOSTLY A’s You are the legendary “High Chief” Peter Maivia. The Great Grandfather. Patriarch to the family, you continue to break barriers for your family and future. Your interests are in the community, and most likely, whatever your younger siblings need help with.
MOSTLY B’s
MOSTLY C’s
You are the soulful Rocky “Soul Man” Johnson. The Father of ‘The Rock.’ Your cousins steal all your music, your siblings keep stealing your style as it’s constantly sickening. You’re the original, the image for people to imitate. Future focus, your steeze tends to be appreciated later rather than currently, the people don’t quite get you yet.
You are the one and only Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The first third-generation superstar in WWE history, you’re driven, you’re powerful and destined for great things. Also, you’re probably BFN with bold facial expressions. Everyone’s got a crush on you and the aunties seem to be the most susceptible to your charm.
MOSTLY D’s
MOSTLY E’s
You are the fourth generation “Ava Raine” Simone Johnson. The youngest of the family, you are the beginning of the new age and era of WWE. You are excited to bring the legacy of your career to life, motivated to change your own destiny, and open doors for those around you. You like to work alone, eat healthy and win big.
You are the fourth generation cheeky power duo Joshua and Jonathan Fatu a.k.a. “The Uso’s”. You’re probably the youngest in your family, and have the cheek to answer back to your aunty when she asks you to do the dishes at Christmas. But there’s two sides to you, charisma and loyalty to your aiga, making every family event a little more bright! www.salient.org.nz
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TOP 10 AS VOTED BY YOU! Have you ever tried to Google the Top 10 Pasifika *insert subject*? It’s not something that comes easy... We wanted to create our own “Top 10 Google” as a reminder to chase your dreams in the present to create the future you want. Check out the answers below as voted by you! Top 10 Musicians/Singers
Top 10 Comedians
1. Savage
1. Joe Daymond
2. Spawnbrezzie
2. Tofiga Fepulea’i
3. Aaradhna
3. Eteuati Ete
4. Iva Lamkum
4. James Nokise
5. Nesian Mystik
5. Bailey Poching
6. Adeaze
6. Goretti Chadwick
7. Che Fu
7. Rose Matafeo
8. J Boog
8. Mr Holy Boy Dom Tupou Pearson
9. Kolohe Kai
9. Regan Roell
10. DJ Noiz
10. Tina Grenville
Top 10 Actors/Actresses
Top 10 Movies
1. KJ Apa
1. Three Wise Cousins
2. The Rock
2. Hibiscus & Ruthless
3. Shortland street peeps
3. Take Home Pay
4. Oscar Kightley
4. The Legend of Johnny Lingo
5. David Fane
5. Moana
6. Jason Momoa
6. The Orator
7. Ana Tuisila
7. No. 2
8. Talia’uli (Uli) Latukefu
8. Sione’s Wedding
9. Stacey Leilua
9. Vai
10. Stan Wolfgramm
10. For My Father’s Kingdom
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Top 10 Educators
Top 10 TikTokers
1. Tapu Vea
1. @havea_676
2. Dr. Emalani Case
2. @lordniue
3. Fabiefara Filo Masoe
3. @no.merci
4. Kalo Afeaki
4. @mistah_cee
5. Mrs Prasad (SBC, IYKYK)
5. @tamatameite
6. Lorena Gibson
6. @knowyourrootz
7. Tuaine-Nurse Tamarua Robati
7. @elvislopeti
8. Teneya Nicol
8. @siennalalau
9. Louise Falepau
9. @chieflaiunientertainment
10. Ofisa Taeao
10. @diamondlangi
Give your voice! Whai wāhi mai ki Te Pane Matua Taiao - Stand for the Regional Council
Our region is changing, we are facing challenges and opportunities like never before.
predator free environment which supports and sustains our native wildlife and the people who live here?
We need diverse and representative voices in the room guiding the region through the challenges of climate change, flood protection and environment restoration, among many others.
If so, then consider standing for Greater Wellington in October’s local government elections. It’s your chance to be part of setting the direction of our region, and it’s your time to make your voice heard.
Are you -or someone you know- up for the challenge of helping to building a future-focused region connected by sustainable and efficient public transport, with a
For more information on nominations, enrolling and voting go to www.giveyourvoice.co.nz
Nominations open: 15 July Nominations close: 12 noon 12 August Election day: 8 October 2022
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SAVE IT FOR LATER Key Association Events Event
Date
Time
Details
Te Namo Wild Wild West Social
Friday 26th of August
7.30pm
$15 pre-sale or $20 door sale tickets
PSC Masquerade Ball
Saturday13th of August
6pm - 11pm
Wharewaka, Makaro Room, Taranaki Wharf, Taranaki Street
Pasifika Movie Night
Friday 22nd of August
6pm - 8pm
SUMT228
#KOKO Symposium
Thursday15th of September
6pm - 8pm
AM102/104, Kelburn campus
Graduating? We’ve got jobs for that too.
Crossword: Wan Solwara
Down 1. Opposite of close 2. Severe shock and grief 3. Having occurred before the present 4. One Ocean 5. The “vie” in “c’est la vie” 7. The full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture 12. Giving up something 13. Complete something 15. Something that will happen in due time 16. Change into something new 17. A person of Polynesian, Micronesian, or Melanesian ancestry 18. Happening in the current time 24. A way of thinking 26. The act of keeping something quiet 27. The reality of a situation 30. Opposite of shallow
Week 16 Answers
31. These panels help you save energy
Across 6. Human beings making up a group or assembly or linked by a common interest 8. Performance night for Pasi101 9. When someone does something for you 10. Enjoyable 11. A piece of land surrounded by water 14. When given an objective to complete 19. Being respectful and aware of cultural differences 20. The name given to a group of people when they originate from the same ancestor
Horoscopes on the Salient website:
21. The F in KFC 22. Receive it at no cost 23. Highly attractive proposition 25. Stories from the past 27. Staple root vegetable 28. A concept of moral rightness based on ethics 29. The basis on which a thing stands or is supported by 32. To change and evolve 33. Island dish with soy sauce and vermicelli 34. The name of the goat in the movie “Boy” 35. A piece of land 36. Opposite of day 37. Colour of skin
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