NEWSROOM: 11 June - 17 June 2006

All Blacks get away on Ireland again
17 June 2006 - Source: NZPA

The All Blacks pulled off another escape act to beat Ireland 27-17 in a rain-drenched second Test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday night.

As was the case with last weekend's 34-23 win at Hamilton, the All Blacks breathed a sigh of relief after surviving a brave challenge from the tourists, who again had a first-ever victory over New Zealand within their sights.

In a match littered with errors due to constant rain - which varied from steady to heavy throughout - Ireland fought back from 0-17 down after 30 minutes to trail 14-20 at the break.

They were within three points of the lead entering the final 10 minutes against an All Blacks side struggling to hold on to possession before a try to five-eighth Luke McAlister created some breathing space for the hosts.

McAlister ended with 17 points, including five from six shots at goal on a difficult night for goalkicking.

The scoreline, including three tries to Ireland's two, flattered the error-prone All Blacks but leaves them undefeated in 20 Tests against Ireland dating back 101 years.

As was the case a week ago, Ireland were pushed around in the scrums but managed to again disrupt the New Zealand lineout.

They also defended staunchly and adopted a more conservative style than the hosts through the raking boot of five-eighth Ronan O'Gara, which was better suited to the conditions.

The All Blacks often kept the ball in hand from deep field positions or tried short attacking kicks but the execution was often rusty.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll said he felt the same as after last week's narrow loss.

"It certainly wasn't vintage from either side out there today, it certainly was very difficult conditions," he said.

"Having fought our way back into the game, we conceded a soft try and essentially
threw it away."

O'Driscoll said the response when 17 points down showed the character in his side.

"We've built that up in the last few years, I don't think you can ever count this side out.

"We realised that if we got one score and then a second we could get ourselves back into it and maybe the All Blacks would doubt themselves a little bit again."

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw admitted his side were again knocked off their stride.

"To Ireland's credit they fought back and put us under pressure. We perhaps tried to play a bit of footy in our own half near the break," he said.

"We tried not to put the ball out, we wanted to put them under pressure in their own half. But on nights like tonight, when it's a bit slippery at lineout time, it makes it difficult."

While he said the lineout needed more work, the scrum was again a saviour.

"I thought the last two weeks we've scrummed pretty well. We got a couple of turnovers there as well."

It was the All Black's 18th consecutive home win, equalling their undefeated home record, and also their 14th in succession at Eden Park dating back to 1994.

The All Blacks' next Test is next weekend against Argentina in Buenos Aires but that will involve an entirely different starting 15.

NEW ZEALAND 27 (Byron Kelleher, Clarke Dermody, Luke McAlister tries; McAlister pen 3 cons) bt IRELAND 17 (Paul O'Connell, Jerry Flannery tries; Ronan O'Gara pen 2 cons)
 

Luamanuvao Winnie Laban: Pacific Reach Semina
16 June 2006 - Source: NZ Government

The following opening address was delivered this week by the Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs at the inaugural Pacific Reach Seminar - a full day seminar held in Wellington for people to learn how to communicate effectively with Pacific communities in ways they might not have seen before.*

The Pacific Ocean binds us all together. The name of the Ocean is 'Te Moana Nui a Kiwa' and she reminds us that we are all of the Pacific - and that New Zealand is a Pacific nation.

Pasifika populations in New Zealand are steadily growing. New Zealand's success depends on all its peoples having the opportunity to fulfil their potential. And being able to fulfil our potential is central to the New Zealand dream and to the vision that Pasifika people have for their children when they migrate to New Zealand.

I grew up in New Zealand as part of the classic immigrants' story - my parents came to New Zealand from Samoa in the fifties, along with other Pacific Island families, and started organising the Pacific community. It was good learning for me to grow up in a community that was very close-knit and to be part of the church, women's groups, sports groups, and cultural groups.

As the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment and Associate Minister for Economic Development, I am strongly committed to seeing high employment, good incomes, high educational achievement, and strong and stable families in our Pacific communities.

The Labour-led Government recognises that Pacific people are vitally important to New Zealand - socially, culturally, economically and spiritually. We also acknowledge that there is still work to be done to address inequalities in health, employment and education and we are continuing to work hard to address these issues.

I would like to briefly touch on three themes that I believe are vital to the success for our Pacific communities as we move forward in the 21st century: identity, partnership and innovation.

New Zealand needs our energy, innovation and creativity. The Labour-led Government has set national identity as one of its overarching priorities: it is about who we are as New Zealanders, what we do, where we live, and how we see ourselves and are seen by the world.

Over the past few months I have met with Pacific communities throughout New Zealand, and I am encouraged by the positive developments that Pacific people are making throughout New Zealand by sharing their cultures, languages and values with other New Zealanders and by working in partnership with others.

It is important to promote and celebrate our vibrant and dynamic cultures. Part of what makes New Zealand successful is our cultural diversity - and our inclusiveness.

As part of Budget 2006, Hon Phil Goff and I announced that over the next three years, the Labour-led Government will spend $600,000 on a programme to revitalise the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau languages that are at risk of becoming extinct in New Zealand.

Helping Pacific languages to survive and flourish is an important part of New Zealand's identity as a Pacific nation.

Government recognises that our language, arts and crafts are precious things. They are an integral part of who we are and shape our identity as individuals and communities.

Our culture, heritage and inclusiveness contribute to an evolving New Zealand way of doing things, and a stronger sense of New Zealand identity.

There is a Samoan saying; "E so'o le fau i le fau", which means that a thread can't hold its own - its strength comes from being interwoven with other threads to create the fine mat, which is the most precious in fa'a samoa.

With this saying in mind, Government, businesses and communities need to work respectfully together in order to have a strong and vibrant society.

The recent Meningococcal B campaign led by the Ministry of Health and supported by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs is an excellent example of how successful partnerships can be forged between government agencies, service providers and the Pacific community - 95 per cent of Pacific Island school children completed all three doses.

We are all partners in taking this country forward, and much of our strength comes from our strong sense of connection and community. Unity is also our strength.

We all know that strong families and communities contribute to the social and economic development of a strong, independent nation.

As a Samoan, I know my community is based on families and extended families, aiga, aigapotopoto. Individual identity is defined by aiga. In fa'a samoa the individual and their aiga are inseparable. We do not stand alone.

These are Pacific values, the fruit of Pacific cultures. It is important to reflect on these values when engaging and communicating with Pacific communities in New Zealand, and I hope you all have the opportunity to explore Pacific perspectives further in today's seminar - and also take time out today to enjoy and embrace the special and unique branding and flavour of the Pacific.

As Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, I am committed to ensuring that our younger generations realise their potential, especially in relation to economic self-sufficiency. I have established a working group to develop an economic development action plan for Pacific women. For me, this group showcases the high calibre of educated and experienced Pacific women in their respective careers, and also demonstrates the determination and commitment to shape an economic sustainable future for Pacific women and communities in New Zealand.

New Zealand today has many fine role models of Pasifika achievement - in business, in sport and the arts, in the community sector, and throughout the workforce where there are so many hard working and innovative Pasifika people.

Sportspeople such as Tana Umaga, Beatrice Faumina and Valerie Vili represent the pinnacle of sporting achievement in New Zealand, while Makerita Urale, Sina Urale, Dei Hamo, Scribe, Aaradhna and Ladi-6 are strong representatives for the arts community. Shane Ta'ala from Sway Communications represents the younger generation coming through in the field of Communication and Information Technology (ICT).

We need more young people like them to strive in areas such as ICT and biotechnology that are growing industries in New Zealand, and which provide opportunities for us in the future. These emerging areas underline government's drive for more New Zealanders entering the knowledge-based economy.

Earlier in the year I addressed a Pacific IT forum in Wellington, and noted that "Pacific Islanders were once masters of navigation in our canoes - now we need to develop and navigate highways of communication."

If we are innovative and allow our creativity to grow - we can grow our potential.

I wish you well for your discussions and deliberations today and the new perspectives and ideas that will be made available to you.

It is now my pleasure to officially declare the inaugural Pacific Reach seminar open.

Ia manuia tele.
 

All Blacks name Laulala at centre for second Irish test
15 June 2006 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

All Black coach Graham Henry has handed Samoa born Casey Laulala a start at centre for the second test against Ireland in Auckland this Saturday.

Laulala started his career in Auckland attending Wesley College and played for Counties-Manukau before moving south after signing with Canterbury. Hailing from the village of Afega in Samoa, he attended Robert Louis Stevenson School in Apia before moving to New Zealand on a scholarship. He comes from a talented family, his father Eti is a pilot while his sister represented Samoa in netball.

Laulala replaces fellow Samoan Ma'a Nonu of Wellington who played in the first test in Hamilton. It will be his chance to impress the selectors and force his way into the 30 man squad for the upcoming Tri Nations against Australia and South Africa next month. Henry confirmed this week that the two Irish tests and test against Argentina later this month are effectively trials for the Tri Nations squad.

Henry has made three changes in total to the All Blacks starting fifteen. The two other changes see Troy Flavell replacing Greg Rawlinson at lock, while American Samoa born Jerome Kaino starts ahead of Marty Holah at blindside flanker.

In the reserves hooker Andrew Hore comes in for Anton Oliver who heads to Argentina on Thursday with the other All Blacks XV which plays in Buenos Aires next week.

Craig Newby is also added to the bench.

Ireland has kept the same team which almost came caused an unlikely upset last weekend. The side will again be led by centre Brian O'Driscoll.

Meanwhile, wing Scott Hamilton has been named to the starting XV for the Argentina Test, replacing Sitiveni Sivivatu who continues to battle a knee injury.

New Zealand All Blacks (1-15): Clarke Dermody, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Troy Flavell, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Rodney So'oialo, Byron Kelleher, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko, Aaron Mauger, Casey Laulala, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina.
Reserves: Hore, Neemia Tialata, Greg Rawlinson, Newby, Jimmy Cowan, David Hill and
Ma'a Nonu.
 

Mana Pasifika promotes wellbeing and safety in a family fun day
14 June 2006 - Source: Child Youth and Family

Mana Pasifika will showcase local Pacific youth’s talents, as well as promote wellbeing and safety in a free family event on Saturday 24 June at Porirua Recreation Centre. The day is organised by Everyday Communities, a prevention and awareness programme which engages the entire community to take responsibility for the issues of family violence, child abuse and neglect.

“It’s important to celebrate young people and build their capacity by  providing opportunities like this for them to express themselves and share,” said Kaleti Moala-Mafi, one of the event organisers.

Performances from young Pacific groups such as Beatrootz, Legacy,  Blackout Kru, FLOWZ and Popsicles will keep the audience entertained. In between acts attendees will learn about the support agencies that can help keep them safe. Inspirational speakers, information booths and lots
of free giveaways will complement the entertainment, with the event  broadcasted live on Niu FM.

Although the event has a Pacific focus the day is open to everybody.

Free buses for members of the public will be leaving Wellington and Naenae railway stations at 11am and returning at 5pm.

Good photo opportunities include:

* Everyday Theatre interactive drama workshop with at least 100 Pacific young people learning how to deal with or help others in family violence situations, 10am-12pm
* Fire safety demonstration, where the Fire Service will cut up a car and burn it, then put out the fire, 12pm
* Speeches from dignitaries including Porirua mayor Jenny Brash and government representatives, 1.30pm-2pm

If your photographer is unavailable we could take photos on the day.

For more information contact:

Kaleti Moala-Mafi - Public Education Advisor

Child, Youth an Family - Phone: 04 918 9171
Mobile: 029 262 3708
Email: kaleti.moala-mafi003@cyf.govt.nz
 

Faumuina makes Top 3 'Dancing with the Stars'
13 June 2006 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

New Zealand's champion woman's discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina continues to defy the critics as she survived the latest cut in the popular 'Dancing with the Stars' television competition on Sunday.

The west Auckland based Samoan is now into the top three with former Miss World Lorraine Downes and Double Olympic gold medalist swimmer Danyon Loader after politician and ACT Leader Rodney Hide was voted off the show.

Hide made a terrible blunder dropping his partner Krystal Stuart which sealed his fate as the judging panel showed mercy with the scoring.

Hide told host Jason Gunn that he had "never had so much fun". He lost over 25kg preparing for the show.

'Dancing with the Stars' features celebrity contestants with little dancing experience with members of the public deciding on who goes through by voting during the show. It is a similar format to the well known American and New Zealand idol music competition shows.
 

Atanoa makes docile court appearance
12 June 2006 - Source: NZPA

Dying fugitive Tifiga Atanoa made a brief but docile appearance in court today after being too unruly to appear in Manukau District Court on Saturday.

Atanoa, 33, created one of the biggest manhunts in south Auckland for several years after failing to attend a court hearing on firearms and driving charges.

Police said he was suffering from terminal cancer, was using the methamphetamine drug P heavily and had told several sources he would not be taken by police.

He was arrested on Friday night by armed police but on Saturday morning his behaviour ruled out an appearance in court. In a brief court cell hearing, he was remanded in custody until today.

Today he refused to speak to a duty solicitor and at the start of Manukau court's afternoon session - held in Papakura because of power cuts - Atanoa said nothing.

He acknowledged, with a wave of his hand, Judge Arjit Singh's decision to remand him in custody for a fortnight.

Atanoa's cancer was evident with a large tumour growing on the right side of his neck.
 

Junior All Blacks and Tonga continue winning ways
11 June 2006 - Source: IRB

The Junior All Blacks moved to the top of the IRB Pacific 5 Nations standings after a comprehensive 56-12 victory over Samoa on Friday night. However, Tonga remain in contention after recording a narrow 24-23 victory over Fiji in Gosford on Saturday.

Junior All Blacks impressive against Samoa

In the first IRB Pacific 5 Nations match of the weekend the Junior All Blacks maintained their winning start to the competition with a comfortable 56-12 victory over Samoa in Auckland on Friday.

The Junior All Blacks, who will move to the top of the standings after two successive victories (Tonga take on Fiji in the competition's other game tomorrow), scored seven tries to secure maximum points in what was an entertaining match in which both sides played their part to the full.

The stand-out performer for a strong Junior All Blacks side that contained a number of players with Super 14 experience was fly half Jimmy Gopperth, who weighed in with a personal haul of 26 points, scoring his side's sixth try and converting 9 of his 10 attempts at goal.

Despite the comprehensive score, it was Samoa, debuting in the competition, who powered into an early 7-0 lead when scrum half John Senio darted over for a well-taken score.

However, that was as close as the Samoan challenge was to come as the Junior All Blacks got into their stride, displaying an impressive level of skills and attacking flair. A brace of tries by powerful number eight Nick Williams and one for Kevin Senio, older brother of his opposite number John, laid the foundations for a healthy 30-7 half time lead.

Two of the first half scores came as a result of some excellent forward pressure, with Williams scoring his first in the 14th minute after a series of drives close to the Samoa line. Senio's first also came as a result of a solid forward platform, before Williams added his second on the stroke of half time.

The Junior All Blacks started the second period strongly and struck immediately after the interval through prop John Schwalger. Full Back Ben Atiga, fly half Jimmy Gopperth and winger Viliame Wasaseduadua took the Kiwis past the half century.

Samoa, to their credit, did not give up and were rewarded with a try through Number eight Zak Feaunati, who showed quick thinking to run a penalty close to the Junior All Blacks' line.

Samoa will be looking for an improvement against Japan in the first of back-to-back matches in New Plymouth next weekend, while the Junior All Blacks face Tonga in the clash of the round in the same venue.

Tonga leave it late in thrilling encounter

Tonga remain unbeaten in the IRB Pacific 5 Nations competition after coming from behind to beat Fiji 24-23 in a thrilling match in Gosford on Saturday evening.

Trailing 17-23 with just five minutes to go, the game appeared to have slipped away from Tonga. However, in cold and wet conditions the home side rallied one last time before replacement hooker Aleki Lutui crashed over out wide for a try that brought Tonga back to within one point, much to the approval of the 3582 crowd. Pierre Hola's conversion sealed victory for the Tongans.

Neither side allowed the damp conditions to stifle their attacking play with both sets of backs creating opportunities. However, it was the Tongans, with their powerful forward pack and intelligent kicking game, who settled first with Hola slotting over a drop goal just three minutes into the match.

Seremia Bia levelled the scores with a penalty before Fiji forged into the lead after a typically flamboyant back move, started deep inside their own half, was rounded off by Kameli Ratuvou underneath the posts. Bai converted and then added a penalty shortly afterwards to open up a 13-3 lead for the visitors.

Tonga, enjoying the better of the forward exchanges, hit back with two minutes to go until the interval with centre Suka Hufanga capitalising on turn over ball inside the Fijian half. Hola's conversion reduced the deficit to just three points at half time.

Tonga regained the lead early in the second half after Hola's accurate cross-field kick was gathered in the in-goal area by Saracens winger Tevita Vaikona for a well-finished score. Hola's conversion gave the home side a deserved 17-13 lead.

Both coaches made a plethora of substitutions as the game entered the final quarter, and it was Fiji, who were quick to adjust to the changes, who struck with a well executed try by flying sevens winger Mosese Leveitasu.

Bai's conversion, followed by a penalty in the 69th minute seemed to have wrapped up the victory for the visitors, before Latui's try and Hola's conversion secured Tonga's first victory over Fiji since 2003.

The result sets up a mouth-watering Round Three clash against the only other undefeated team in the competition, the Junior All Blacks in New Plymouth on Saturday in the first of a 'double-header' at the Yarrows Stadium as Japan take on the Samoa.

IRB Pacific 5 Nations standings after two rounds

Teams P W D L PF PA PD BP PTS
1 Junior AB 2 2 0 0 91 29 +62 2 10
2 Tonga 2 2 0 0 81 39 +52 1 9
3 Fiji 2 0 0 2 40 59 -19 1 1
4 Japan 1 0 0 1 16 57 -41 0 0
5 Samoa 1 0 0 1 12 56 -44 0 0.
 

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