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As the region’s largest cultural event the 10TH FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS, which American Samoa is hosting from 20 July – 2 August, aims to protect and maintain the development of indigenous cultures and art forms. A 120-strong Aotearoa delegation made up of some of New Zealand’s leading and emerging artists, will be travelling there to showcase an evolving New Zealand identity based on its indigenous people, the Maori, and Pacific migrants. We profile five New Zealand artists; Storyteller Robert Ruha, ceramic artist Carla Ruka, renowned actor Rawiri Paretene, playwright Dianna Fuemana and musician Teremoana Rapley, who share their stories in our special preview of the 2008 Festival, themed Su’iga’ila a le Atuvasa, meaning Threading the Oceanic ula.
Fresh from winning his second Qantas Media Award last May, award winning columnist PAEA WOLFGRAMM returns from China where he gains a new perspective on the growing and sometimes controversial Asian presence in New Zealand.
In business, we chart the rise of Maori/Samoan RICK FALA from trimming hedges to becoming CEO of Methven, one of New Zealand’s most progressive, leading edge export-focused companies, which makes him a MOVER AND SHAKER in New Zealand business. He shares his simple philosophy of success with DOMINIKA WHITE.
The debate over the growing number of liquor stores and the current drinking age continues to rage in light of a spate of alcohol-related crime and violence that has swept across New Zealand this year. Most at risk are Pacific youth BINGE DRINKERS who feature highly in alcohol disorder statistics. After a Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) led Pacific community fono in south Auckland was held to address the issue, KENNEDEE JEFFS investigates the outcomes and seeks answers.
In the latest of our LEADERS OF THE PACIFIC series, we profile Kiribati leader ANOTE TONG, whose greatest challenge is global warming, which poses a threat to the very existence of his tiny low-lying island nation. He speaks to award-winning One News Pacific Affairs reporter BARBARA DREAVER, who is of Kiribati descent.
Our PHOTO ESSAY is both hauntingly beautiful and mysterious as photographer JEFF EVANS provides a surreal look through his lenses at RAPA NUI, widely known as Easter Island; from the eerie looking stone figure Moai to its unique inhabitants.
Still in the Pacific, we go to the Cook Islands where HELEN GREIG says the country name issue is still alive and well. Meanwhile in Tonga, the push for political reform has gained traction ahead of historic 2010 elections. But are Tongans ready to accept a new system? JOHN SULLIVAN writes.
Our latest celebrity profile is radio DJ and media personality LEAH PANAPA, who co-hosts the award winning Morning Rumble show on The Rock FM. She tells all, from her favourite All Black, to interviewing that other Rock, Dwayne Johnson.
With MAORI LANGUAGE WEEK being celebrated from 20-27 July, we profile a successful musician who has been a bastion of Maori language retention through her music for over 20 years. MOANA MANIAPOTO shares her ongoing mission to have te reo recognised by the mainstream following her latest album release.
In education and careers, ADAM TAFAU is going places as the first male and Pacific person to graduate with a Bachelor of Dance from the Auckland University of Technology’s School of Dance.
In Art, EMANITA MATAELE is one of the only Pacific body painting artists in New Zealand. But her cultural beliefs have sometimes come into conflict. The Tongan artist shares her story of finding the balance to follow her passion.
In music, ZEISHA FREMAUX tells why music will always come before modelling, while controversial rapper ERMEHN shows a new side of his persona that will surprise.
Niuean funny girl IRENE PINK is also back with another dose of her TICKLED PINK humour remembering the good old days of her youth in an effort to reason with today’s social networking and MTV crazed younger generation.
As well, we have our usual popular features including music, where we bring you the winners from the 2008 S3 Pacific Music Awards and more REVIEWS, Brown & Around, Books, Food, where JOE LAM takes the Taro back to Roman antiquity, and BEAUTYLICIOUS, as Maori Television presenter ORIINI KAIPARA joins celebrity hair and make up artist NATHAN KAKE to show you how you can be brown and beautiful.
After missing last year’s Rugby World Cup and being in and out of favour since his All Black debut in 2003, MA’A NONU is back in black and well established in the midfield. Since coach Graham Henry’s decision to hand the Wellington-raised Samoan a license to thrill, he has unleashed his power running on the Irish and English with devastating results. The dreadlocked star talks to SPASIFIK editor PETER REES about ditching the mascara and taking his rugby more seriously.
New Zealand’s World Champion shot putter VALERIE VILI is the only real Pacific hope of a gold medal at the upcoming Beijing Olympics on August 8-24 as we profile Samoan kayaker RUDOLPH BERKING and Tongan shot putter ANA POUHILA about putting it all on the line in the colours of their beloved islands in our exclusive OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN.
In fitness, SARAH COWLEY shows you how to lead a more active lifestyle by stepping up to the 10,000 Step Challenge. And to keep your energy levels up and bodies warm, SERU MAR cooks up a lamb curry and other traditional Fijian dishes without the excess that you will love.
Buckle up as we take you away from the cold and gloom, to sunny, warm Hawai’i where LOUISA TE’I introduces you to American Samoan car enthusiast Seti Mataio and his HAMO’ HUMMER.
In homes, we take you inside Samoan Esther Malcolm and her husband John’s BAY OF PLENTY HOME at the seaside town of Ohope, where nature and leisurely living is at their doorstep.
In travel, SPASIFIK publishers INNES and ANNE LOGAN travel to Samoa with son BEN and friend KIM to sample the sights, sounds and tastes that the proud island nation has to offer, an unforgettable experience made more special thanks to the hospitality of their wonderful hosts, including the SINALEI REEF RESORT & SPA where WEDDINGS is their speciality.
We then fly westwards to the other side of the Pacific as we take you to the underwater kingdom of PALAU, the crown jewel of Micronesia which has one of the world’s best diving spots, as captured by photojournalist DANKA LEDGERWOOD.
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