Your Feedback

Hi there

First things first, we love Spasifik magazine! great to see your team supporting and showcasing PI's achievements.

I am very intrigued by Craig W Strong's article about returning, or going, to fiji to work. I believe it is well written and I do agree with Strong. However I feel he should elaborate on this topic. Perhaps he is planning to do so? What is missing is tips on how to move to the islands - where to start looking for employment and accommodation. Especially for those like myself who yearn to travel from Aotearoa and contribute to the island's skillbase and economy. However as I have never lived in the islands, I am unfamiliar with where to start? I have searched the internet for the above however to no avail.

So yes, I do look forward to Strong's future articles!

Ofa atu

Rachel
Auckland, New Zealand

American Football fan writes in

I read the article about American football in your issue of SPASIFIK Sport March-April and how New Zealand could be the new hunting ground for talent. I felt the article was a fantastic source of information on previous Pacific players who have made it into the NFL.

However, I was disappointed that there was no emphasis on the struggle and obstacles many if not all have experienced in order to get where they are. The article came across as though these opportunities are handed out to just anyone with Pacific genetics or rugby union experience.

I think your article had a lot of depth in regards to research of the game and famous players. I was extremely impressed and somewhat proud. But it blows my mind how barely anything was mentioned of the opportunities that can be made available to our young people if they are supported and pointed in the right direction.

American Football is the number one sport in America; therefore players who are driven and dedicated to succeed in the NFL are rewarded greatly. Beyond the dreams most of our young people could even fathom. I know I don't have to tell you this, but I just can't stress it enough! Arena Football, "the stepping stone to the NFL" also rewards players. Having signed a contract to play Arena Football guarantees you housing, food, etc plus a bonus every game you play for the whole season - not to mention the exposure as an international player especially if you are of Pacific descent. With every game, it could possibly bring you an inch closer to Arena Football One or the NFL. Then on top of that there are the life skills forced upon these young men who have the courage to make tremendous sacrifices to follow such a dream. They leave their families, their support systems, and their comfort zones for something that is not guaranteed, and personally I think we need to praise this. We need role models for our young ones and I believe you had the opportunity to do that by show casing the 11 who gained contracts to Arena football for what they really are; humble men, just like most of the ones we have grown up with and been raised by and who just happen to want to do something greater with their lives.

I have been a proud supporter of the Metro Lions NZ Football team for nearly four years now and not once can I recall a scout visiting. Metro have been in the NZ Kiwi Bowl 5 years in a row, including the Metro Colts - under 21 team. NZ is a wealth of untapped talent. Their support system is conceivably huge, with the love of their families, team and club members. On a larger scale unfortunately, it is at a bare minimum including that from our own NZ American Football association - if there is any support at all.

I wish it were as easy as sending anyone over to America to play, but it’s not. Could it be? I believe so. But I think it depends on whether we want to help our people succeed or not.

Regardless of my bold Signature at the bottom! I would like to remain anonymous, should you choose to publish this letter. And in all honesty, I think your article alone could entice me into subscribing! Thank you for your time.

Anon
Auckland

ED – Thanks for your great letter. While we would have liked to have gone into more detail about the American Football scene here in New Zealand and the struggles of the average player with a limited supported base, our interest was in posing the question – why are Polynesians from this side of the world with little experience in American Football, in popular demand? The majority of those who have made it to the NFL or Arena Football from NZ have rugby or league backgrounds hence our reasons for posing the crossover question.

Mahalo for representing the Islanders...It is good to have magazines like yours. I enjoy what new things are happening to different Islanders. Have you ever done a write up on Polynesians in the military?
We are a (Tongan,Samoan,Hawaiian) military family and it would be nice to read about other polynesian military families based around the world.

L. Mailangi

I really enjoyed the contents of this magazine as it covering things that includes Pacific Islanders interests and especially about page 23 of the Nov/Dec SPASIFIK issue for it once again highlights Fiji on the world map.
Congratulations!!!!

Anare Maiwalu
Teacher
Fiji.

What a fantastic magazine, BRILLIANT. I was reading about my poor hometown Otara, thinking what can I do. We need to address this problem. How dare we have killings in Otara. How dare these young of today have these awful thoughts in their minds about harming another human being. We should make a programme showing these youths the harm they are doing, and deep down I'm sure there's a soft spot. Schools and teachers should share a thought or 2 to students, be a mother or father figure to the students. When I was at Hillary the teachers were great (some) but if you had a problem at home you were able to your favourite teacher, or the teacher could spot a student who was having difficult time. It's sad watching tv Otara on Aust. tv. You see the way kids talkand act. Parents also need to be role models.

Linda
NSW Australia

Kia ora to the many staff at SPASIFIK!
I have just finished reading (for the 5th time) the May/June edition of this 'tu meke' magazine! Not only do I work for a company with a staff number of 50 plus, of which I am the ONLY LONELY maori, but I also work in the financial industry where 'maori' have a very low representation, again making me feel like the outsider in my own country as the majority of staff are immigrants from many and varied countries! I was inspired to read the article about the young samoan lady who has successfully operated a hair salon in Grey Lynn, along with her business partner! She had a vision for her business and she has been successful and that's fabulous! I also have a vision to be successful in my new chosen field and that is to be the top maori female in the financial industry as well as being a ' tu meke' role model for all young maori and polynesian girls still at school who maybe considering what career paths to take! Determination, perserverance and self belief in one's capabilities have helped me to succeed so far and holding true to heritage and being proud of who I am. I'm maori and damn it im proud of it!

Chrissie
Auckland, New Zealand

Spasifik magazine is such a motivating and inspiring resource for the Pacific Community. I believe that Spasifik gives a voice and a platform for our people to showcase our true strengths and abilities. As a young Pacific Student our voices are often last to be heard not only because of our traditional culture barriers but because we are also a minority with a bad rep. It would be great if Spasifik could have a place for us as young pacific students to voice our opinions and have a place to call ours.

Winona Ngaro
(living out East now but alwayz Westie@ heart)

Talofa Spasifik team,

Well done to all for your great magazine. It's always a pleasure to see the professionalism and the unique Pacific touch that your magazine bring to our people the world over.

A brief comment on Paea Wolffgrams article on the "lafo" and it's place in our culture. The example and the circumstances used would not be the normal instance where lafo is being offered. "Lafo" is paying homage and token of gratitude. This is slightly different to payment for services rendered. It is also important to know and remember who can and who cannot afford to refuse.

The "Good Samaritan" deed by Malietoa to serve his people is a true and the most honourable tribute to our late "Father". I had the honour of meeting him on a couple of ocassions (we partook in a couple of ales) and he had that Mana which is rare amongst us, let alone any leaders in the world.

Will look forward to the next issue that to read about the incredible achievements of our people.

Soifua

JP
Australia

I was reading an article about a young samoan hairstylist whos done well in her career. I too am a samoan hairstylist except im a male which is very rare in this industry. I teach & do seminars as well as travel both local & abroad. My clients are from all walks of life both men & women.

People find it intrigueing to see a young polynesian male suceed in an industry where im certainly the minority tho i engourage many young polynesians especially males who ask me about it but are too afraid of being stereotyped. I say follow your dream & if let other peoples ignorant stereotypical views put you off from wanting to be in the hair industry, then dont it!

Franc T

At last!

I've been slack in the last couple of years in getting hooked up with SPaciFik. A splendid effort. The visuals and the skills that have put the finger on the pulse for those of us oldies who know what they feel but not quite have the 'iloa' (know-how) to put it across to the new and younger 'generators' the world over.

Fantastic and I am already looking forward to the next.

cheers

Minnow love!

JP

Konnichiwa and Talofa

I have finally managed to get onto your website and read about what is happening in NZ and with our pacific people and its great. Especially being far away from home and missing the pacific flavour it makes my day to be able to read stories of whats happening.
My husband and I are currently living in Fukuoka Japan teaching English to High school students. Its been a great experience and a very awesome opportunity to do this on the the JET programme. I didnt realise there were actually a few islanders here in japan who are on the JET programme or are playing rugby and we have all managed to find each other and when we can have sunday Tona'i together which is great.
Well I just wanted to drop in and say thank you for putting your Mag online for all of us over here to look through and read your stories.

Sayonnara
Ligi and Matthew Toua

Just subscribed to this magnificent mag, keep up the great work, its nice to read up on whats hot back home (NZ) but also global news, where ever the pacific islanders are. My family are the only Samoans in this area, we have some Fijiians and Tongans. We used to live in the UK for 10yrs but now live in the south of France, and are following up on all the new pacific signings that the french are bringing over.

Lets hope the ABs take home the RWC 07, a Pacific island team would be FAB!!!

Faafetai lava

Anne Fanolua

Fakaalofa Lahi Atu from the humble shores of the ROCK of POLYNESIA – NIUE.

This is a letter of appreciation to the TAGATA PASIFIKA & SPASIFIK crew on my winning a year’s subscription of this awesome magazine. If I hadn’t won the competition I would have renewed my subscription anyway as it is definitely worth my money. Living in the islands I can’t help but be curious as to how our P.I communities in NZ and around the world are faring in their respective fields. SPASIFIK & TP provide me with that information with each issue and bulletin always keeping me guessing what to expect next. I have found stories that have been intriguing, educational, inspirational and enjoyable even life changing at times. I thoroughly enjoy the success stories of how our people are making their mark in the world, the stories of the highs and lows of life in the limelight highlighting the warrior spirit in each one of us, the artistic flare that comes quite naturally, instilling the pride of being P.I burns ever so brightly within me. I would also like to give a big ups to the design & layout crew for the work behind developing the unique Pacific Flava & youthful look of this mag which is very appealing and as someone who responds better to visuals the glossy pics do help complete the package. I have been a loyal reader right from the beginning.

Fakaaue Lahi Mahaki SPASIFIK you truly are making a difference and I’m anxiously awaiting your next issue.

P.I & PROUD

Inangaro Vakaafi, Mutalau, Niue Island
½ Niuean ½ Cook Islander

Bula! Kia ora and thank you so much!

I won one of your prizepacks, the one for the film that my husband is in ... you may have heard of him?
His name is The Rock. Yes ladies - MY husband. Thanks so much for a great read, and for a great presence in this country (it is much needed believe me). You are something to be proud of Spasifik Magazine - much like my new t shirt!

Now... just how to get it back off my 10 year old son!

Vinaka va levu, mihi nui kia koutou katoa.

Jodhi Hoani

I LOVE IT, reading the stories are so inspiring. After reading the past few issues it seems like more and more islanders are inspired, motivated and recognised which is great. I think we need something similar here in ozz.

Keep it up!

Jacynta
Australia