NEWSROOM: 09 December - 15 December 2007

Gearing up for the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo
15 December 2007 - Source: New Zealand Pacific Business Council Press Release
 
The New Zealand Pacific Business Council is hosting the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo at the Waitakere Trusts Stadium in Auckland on the 5th and 6th of March 2008. The Expo aims to achieve market growth for both New Zealand and Pacific Island businesses by way of reciprocal ‘two-way’ trade and investment.

The Expo is strongly supported by the New Zealand Government, the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission, and three of the major Councils in the Auckland region (Auckland City, Manukau City and Waitakere City).

It is expected that representatives from the vast majority of the 25 Pacific Island countries will be participating. The Expo is the ideal venue to discuss trade opportunities, projects for possible investment and joint ventures.

The Expo will focus on maximising business outcomes for both sellers and buyers by ‘matching’ exhibitors with the relevant buyers or ‘decision-makers’, while promoting both New Zealand and Pacific Island goods and services.

Several workshops on relevant Pacific Trade matters will be held during the Expo; and as part of the NZPBC’s focus on commercial outcomes, opportunities will be available for private one-on-one meetings.

To enhance the creative element of the Expo, a Pacific Fusion Fashion show and Pacific Art Exhibition will be held during the Expo.

The New Zealand Pacific Business Council was formed in March 2005, with the primary focus of promoting ‘two-way’ trade and investment between New Zealand and Pacific Island countries.
 

Pacific Music Awards announce road safety sponsor
14 December 2007 - Source: Pacific Music Awards Trust Press Release
 
The Pacific Music Awards Trust is happy to announce that S3 is to be the naming rights sponsor of the celebration of Pacific music in May 2008.

The country's premier awards night for Pacific music will also be a night to help get the road safety message across to young people.

S3 (pron. ess-cubed) is a Pacific community initiative dedicated to promoting road safety among young drivers and pedestrians.

The S3 programme is aimed at reducing the risk and hospitalisation rates road accidents have on the Pacific people in Auckland.

The S3 Pacific Music Awards are in their fourth year and the winners are to be announced at a sparkling event at Manukau City's TelstraClear Pacific venue on May 31.

Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua welcomes the involvement of the S3 programme in the awards.

“Pacific Music Awards and S3 is a partnership and sponsorship relationship that acknowledges and continues the Pacific leadership tradition of serving our music industry, road safety and our communities.”

“The high profile of the S3 Pacific Music Awards supports the life-saving work of S3 as it addresses road safety amongst Pasifika youth, their families and our communities," Rev. Strickson-Pua says.

Nominations for the S3 Pacific Music Awards open on January 15, 2008 for recordings released during the 2007 calendar year, in the following categories; Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Song, Best Pacific Music Album.

For terms and conditions of entry and to submit a nomination, visit: www.pacificmuiscawards.org.nz.
 

Big Sista P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A.: Pacific women inspiring students
13 December 2007 - Source: P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Press Release
 
A Pacific Womens’ project called Big Sista started at McAuley High School in Otahuhu, Auckland on Friday, 7 December 2007 with 12 Pacific women speaking at the Year 10’s careers day.

The Big Sista project's aim is to inspire students to choose long term career paths by sharing their journeys and emphasising the role of education.

The group spoke to 150 Year 10 students at McAuley High School in Otahuhu. Members of the group included past pupils and mostly women from P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A.’s Auckland branches such as P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Time out branch, P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Tamaki branch and P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Auckland Central branch.

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. was founded in the mid 1970’s by Eleitino Paddy Walker and a number of pioneering Auckland Pacific women who are still active in the organisation today such as Seiuli Moira Walker, Toesulu Brown and Laurel Taufauata.

Today P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. is thriving with its mix of Pacific born and New Zealand born, older and younger generations working towards a better New Zealand through lobbying, networking and community projects. The speakers covered careers in health, medicine, counselling, catering, law, business, banking, media, television, arts, education, acting, poetry, management, public service and research. Speakers included Jacinta Faalili-Fidow, Karlo Mila Schaaf, Alice Meredith, Stephanie Erick Peleti, Marilyn Kohlhase, Dr Juliet Walker, Lana Perese, Sandra Kailahi, Helen Schmidt Sopoaga, Maria Meredith, Jae Stowers and Josephine Bartley.

A lack of role models in achievement-related areas was noted in the following report “Towards making achievement cool: Achievement in Multi Cultural High Schools (AIMHI)” It is in this area that the group believes a positive impact can be made as most have been through the school system, are of similar backgrounds and faced challenges in their journeys to where they are today.

The students enjoyed the variety of speakers and no surprise was the popularity of one of the speakers Sandra Kailahi who is currently appearing on TV1’s Fair Go. Sandra is also the president of the Auckland Central branch.

The Northern Region Vice President of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A., Josephine Bartley said:

“If just one student acts on what we have talked about in our sessions and is motivated to stick to their career path no matter what obstacles they may face then our job has been worthwhile.”

P.A.C.I.F.I..C.A. is easily accessed on the website: www.pacifica.org.nz .
 

Labour confirms Mangere candidate for 2008 General Elections
12 December 2007 - Source: Su’a William Sio
 
On Monday, Labour confirmed Manukau City’s Deputy Mayor, Su’a William Sio, as its candidate to contest the Mangere Electorate Seat in the 2008 General Elections.

Chair of the Mangere Labour Electorate Committee (LEC) Tafafunai Tasi Lauese said Mr Sio, aged 47, has the unanimous support of the Labour Party and Mangere’s Labour Electorate Committee.

A member of the Labour Party for over 20 years, Mr Sio brings a depth of community service, knowledge and local experience in the Manukau community, most recently as a Manukau City Councillor since 2001. This has included serving as the Chair of the Manukau City Council Plan Committee under appointment by Sir Barry Curtis in 2004.

In this year’s local body elections in Manukau, Sio was the highest polling candidate for the Otara Ward. He was recently appointed as Deputy Mayor by the new Mayor of Manukau, Len Brown. Sio is the first person of Pasefika heritage to hold the office of Deputy Mayor in Manukau City, regarded as the largest Polynesian city in the world.

Mr Sio, who grew up in Manukau, says he feels humbled and privileged by the confidence and support offered by people, young and old, from all walks of life, from far and wide.

“I feel a huge sense of responsibility resting on my shoulders tonight after being endorsed as Labour’s Mangere candidate,” he says.

“I take on this candidacy with the united support of my family and the Labour Party by my side.”

“I want the people of Mangere to know that Labour will take nothing for granted in Mangere. We will work hard to regain the confidence, the respect and the support of voters throughout Mangere Bridge, Mangere East and Mangere Central. ”

“I look forward to working across our diverse communities, including our young people with the courage and the energy they bring to things, to ensure that we all work together to make New Zealand a better, fairer and more prosperous place for everyone.’’

For more information, contact Su’a William Sio via mobile: (027) 257-8855
 

Graham fight heralds a return to the ring for Ali Dutt
11 December 2007 - Source: Vegod Dutt
 
Ali'itasi (Ali) Dutt
Father: Rev. Reupena Leasuasu (Safune)
Mother: Serafi Leasuasu (Leauva'a)

Ali a Youth Worker/Counsellor at Aorere College (South Auckland) returns to the ring after a three and a half year layoff and is treating this event as an opportunity to blow out the cobwebs. Ali and Mariam have an international audience with the WBO ringside to sanction the main event where Dan Mckinnon 10-2-1 fights for the WBO Oriental Title and world ranking.

Recently Ali's passion for boxing featured in Sandra Kailahi's book Pasifika Women (Reed Publishing). Her key word was 'perseverance' something Ali is well accustomed to. The journey to the ring happens well before the event. The training, the expectation, the nerves, the excitement, the anticipation, the mocking and so on weighs well on every fighter. Even more so, as a Samoan woman who's passion lay outside the realm of what is not typically a Samoan woman's persona. On the other hand however, she has started a following for young Pacific Island women who have a passion beyond the traditional to step out, believe in themselves and encouraged them to never give up.

Her Trainer Alex Sua is well aware of Ali's ability and passion and he pushes her to breaking point. This is a lonely sport, there's no team member to throw the ball to when you get tired. You may have 2 minutes per round but, after 1 minute lactic acid burning kicks in, at 1minute 30seconds the legs and shoulders go numb and in the last ten seconds you’re trying to give it all you got wishing you trained a lot harder. By the last round you want it over and if there were any nerves in the first round by this time they are well shaken off. At the end of the fight the faithful pat you on the back and the critics exploit your flaws (welcome to the world of boxing).

Ali is not expecting to lose, however, she is not expecting an easy fight either. She is well aware of the evil of complacency and will make every effort to rise up and win. Last friday night at Vili's Boxing Gym Tournament she was invited into the ring and was asked what everyone could expect when she fight's Mighty Mariam Graham on Dec 15th? (This Saturday) She responded with ‘come to the fight and find out.’

The fight is going to be held at the ABA (Auckland Boxing Association) 1 Ngahura Street, Eden Terrace, Doors open at 5pm. For further details contact Genetics Gym (09) 262 3686 or 027 393 0182.
 

Celebration of Pacific diversity in Otara
10 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
‘Celebrating Diversity’ was the theme of the event targeting Pacific disabled and Pacific older people held at the Otara Leisure Centre last Friday. The event was held as part of the international day for Pacific disabled organised by the Pacific Information Advocacy Support Services Trust (PIASS) and well supported by various organisations including some government agencies.

Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark attended the event and she spoke about the purpose of the day and was appreciative of the efforts of PIASS in coordinating this event. She also encouraged the community to further their understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. She acknowledged the valued contribution of the older Pacific peoples in New Zealand and she is supportive of the event, which is committed in adding to New Zealand’s prosperity.

It was a unique celebration which began with a Maori welcoming, followed by a short devotion conducted by Pastor Robert Mani. The ava ceremony was next as part of a Pacific protocol in welcoming the dignitaries. This was followed by an opening speech by His Worship, the Mayor of Manukau, Les Brown which he concluded with a Christmas waiata ‘Silent Night’. The General Manager of PIASS, Philip Beilby talked about the significance of the event and the purpose of their organisation.

“PIASS is a non-profit organisation aiming at promoting the health and wellbeing of Pacific disabled and older people. We work in accordance the New Zealand Disability Strategy and Positive Ageing Strategy to improve opportunities for Pacific disabled and elderly people to participate fully in the community and any areas that they choose”, says Mr Beilby.

This is the third year of this event formerly known as the international day for Pacific disability and day care exhibition. This event was inspired by an international day recognising people with disability which was established in 1992 by the United nations General Assembly to promote awareness of disability issues and the capabilities of disabled people.

The Pacific version of the day also acknowledged older people and was turned into a colourful and joyous day. The event featured short presentations and speeches, stalls and exhibitions and entertainment by different ethnic groups including Edgewater Satellite Class with Somerville.

According to Catherine Temu (PIASS) and main organiser of the day, support from the different ethnic communities was overwhelming and it encouraged us all to remain committed to our vision of improving the overall health and wellbeing of Pacific people experiencing disability.

The event attracted close to 1,000 people and was hosted by 531PI announcer, Mr Barney Teao.

Inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing in Apia 2008
09 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Event Polynesia Boxing in association with South Pacific Boxing Inc. this week announced the first Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event to be held in Apia on Saturday 26th January 2008.

According to Mr. Teleiai Su’a Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia, “This is exciting for Samoa boxing going forward and promoting Samoa as a host country of international events.”

The main bout will see IBF Australasian Cruiser Weight title holder, Mr. Laurence Tauasa fight for the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Oriental Cruiser Weight title in front of his home country Samoa for the first time. Mr. Tauasa continues to be a Samoan flag bearer in the boxing world and has fought under the Samoan flag since turning professional despite representing Australia in his amateur career.

Mr. Ale Vena Ale, secretary general of South Pacific Boxing is pleased with the opportunity provided by the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event for local professional boxing referees and judges to be able to officiate international boxing tournaments.

Main under card will feature Walter the Tongan Warrior, current South Seas Cruiser Weight champion against Samoa Commonwealth boxing medalist Lupematasila Bob Gasio currently fighting out of Auckland.

Other bouts will include the International Amateur Challenge Cup between New Zealand top Invitational Team verses Samoa top Invitational Team plus the Fa’afafine International Title fight for the vacant belt.

“This will be an excellent build up for both countries leading up to the Oceania Boxing Tournament to be held in Australia in March 2008,” said Ms Tui Gallagher, Auckland Boxing Association president and Boxing New Zealand executive.

For more information contact Mr. Tuilagi Maiava Saipele Esera on (+685) 751-9458 or email: saipele@eventpolynesia.com 
 

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