South Auckland 'PopUp Business school of Aotearoa' short course...

 It's been a real privilege to have been able to 'pop' in and out of the South Auckland 'PopUp Business School of Aotearoa' which is running an intensive 10-day short course out of Te Haa Cooperative space out in Manukau.

The idea was brought back from England by Tony who is the founder of the movement here in New Zealand. He was an ex-pat living in England for a number of years and then returned back to NZ and brought the idea with him.

A big thanks to the Mangere-Otahuhu, Manukau-Otara and Manurewa boards whose funding along with MSD Ministry of Social Development has made this possible for many who are either in business or are considering business ideas.

It's been a very fruitful consideration of the various ideas that are out there for businesses to consider and especially for startups. I'd highly recommend this course for any who are considering business concepts or who want some more support as it's like attending a Master class for business owners.

What's even more refreshing is that all of the facilitators all own their own businesses and are able to share from first-hand experience the different things that they've been able to overcome in order to have successful businesses with overseas experience as well.

Also looking forward to being able to pop in and out of the course next week with a few ideas that they have in store for us as participants to try out. Never a dull a moment...

Measles outbreak in Samoa 101 years after the epidemic...

Our book launched this year about the epidemic 101 years ago

It's an alarming concern when some 32+ of mainly children have died through the measles outbreak in Samoa this year with many still sick with the disease that is causing grave concerns for medical practitioners in Samoa.

What's even more alarming is that it reminds some of us of the influenza epidemic that ripped through Samoa some 101 years ago in 1918 and took with it over a quarter of the population although statistics of the time only present it as one fifth of the population.

The frightening thing about it is the realization that many of the children who died may have survived with immunization although some dispute that this is a very serious strain of measles that is causing the deaths of so many vulnerable children.

There is no amount of support that could ever take the place of these beautiful children who have lost their battle to the disease and even more to the families who have lost beloved ones in being powerless in what they could have done to fight back as many of us know that immunization has been a concern when last year two children died in Samoa due to having had contaminated immunization shots.

The comforting thing is that many nations are now coming forward to provide aid to Samoa with Australia and New Zealand sending nursing and medical supplies and other neighbouring Pacific nations also adding their support.

My parents have returned back to Samoa today and we pray for their safe journey and also to the many families who have been affected by this disease. May the worst be over and may the families affected be comforted to know that they loved ones are now in a better place...

Watching another "Charlie's Angels" movie...

A big thanks to my lil' sister Maria who shouted me out on my birthday to watch a new 'chick-flick' i.e. the latest 'Charlie's Angels' movie which was a little different from the storylines of former Charlie's Angels movies.

What's so interesting is that in having been brought up watching the original Charlie's Angels back when they first started and the various 'Angels' who were taken away with new ones added during the various seasons in the 1970s and 1980s, the storylines were more about solving crimes with their womanly charms and intellect than it was about fighting criminals.

And then watching the remake and the redevelopment of the characters with Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu, it was very interesting to watch the change in how the characters solved cases and used deadly force with lots of fight scenes and developed character backstories.

This new film I found deviated somewhat from Charlie's Angels storylines with Bosley's character changing and with few references to the former Charlie's Angels story. I'm not sure that it was as successful as the former but it was different.

I'm not sure that I could recommend it as it was okay, but for those who have watched the earlier versions of Charlie's Angels, they may be in for a bit of disappointment but still an interesting chick flick to watch...

Thank you for the birthday wishes...

 It's been a great birthday with big blessings from above with my family and friends as it started with attending a workshop (that I'll blog more about in upcoming blogs) and then I was able to celebrate it with my parents and my aunty (my mum's sister) as well as my children and my beloved.

And then to top it off, my lil' sis shouted me out to the movies with Jumbo snacks i.e. drinks (that I couldn't finish), a massive popcorn that I couldn't finish and took home and the way for the m & m's (chocolate covered).

And a big thanks to all the well wishes on Facebook etc. who also wished me a special day. May God bless you all and lots of love to you also...

A happy 18th wedding anniversary...

 Happy 18th Wedding Anniversary to my beloved. Today we were able to celebrate this special day and share it with our family with a family dinner and dessert with a profiterole cake. Yum!

And we have much to be grateful for in the blessings of our supportive parents and families, our children, the provisions through God's blessings and also the different talents that we've been able to share with people in our communities and in our churches.

We're also sending our love to other couples who have gone through their ups and downs and if we were to give advice to young couples, it would be about trusting God in all things and to love to support and service our spouse throughout our lives rather than be self-centred.

It's truly been a blessing to look back on the years that we've shared together and look forward to many more, Lord willing, where we could be a blessing to others too. Well, the night is still yound and we're looking forward to a date to the movies and maybe even a late dessert.

A wonderful day to spend with the love of life, my beloved and the one whom I would like to spend the rest of my life with...

One day arts exhibition at TWOA, Mangere campus...

Navigating Journeys themed exhibition at TWOA today

 A big FAAFETAI TELE or THANK YOU to my family and friends who were able to attend our one-day exhibition at TWOA Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Mangere campus. It was neat to be in an indigenous arts exhibition that featured whakairo (Maori carvings), raranga (Maori weaving) and Toi (fine arts) of which I had the privilege of studying under this past six months.

As earlier blogged, it was a privilege to have had space and the opportunity to study malu, pe'a/malofie (traditional Samoan tattoo) designs and to also be able to study Samoan tapa or siapo designs as well.

I was then able to create my own renderings of designs and then displayed them amidst the other exhibitors of six main pieces. I would have loved to have displayed a lot more but because of the limit of time and in wanting to keep it fluid, I certainly thank our teacher and the institution for the opportunity to do so.

It was neat to see so many people coming to support fellow artists and to share in a cup of tea and refreshments afterwards. This was something that my mother said used to happen at her old school, Avoka (a Samoan Methodist girls school in Faleula Samoa which has since closed) whereupon they would have a handcrafts display where crafts could be sold.

I'd definitely recommend this course of study for the novice or those wanting to have the experience of learning to draw, paint, print, sculpt or photography. Our tutor Trinity, was second to none, and very versatile in supporting new beginners as well. Definitely a experience I would highly recommend to all...

Saying NO to the End of Life Choice Bill...

It has been interesting to follow the David Seymore (MP Member of Parliament) End of Life Choice Bill that was proposed again in 2017 and has now completed its 3rd reading having won majority MP voting since it's inclusion.

What that means for NZ is that at the next elections in 2020, we have a referendum in that not only do we vote for the party that we feel best represents us and then our local MP but we also get to cast our vote as to whether we as individuals within the nation agree to the Bill that supports the choice of terminal patients with six months to live be given the choice to end their lives (euthanase voluntarily).

It has been really interesting to listen to the Pacific MPs speeches in the debating chambers especially for those who have voted against the Bill citing medical, professional, cultural, spiritual etc. reasons for their recent conscience votes.

What worries me is that those who are voting for the Bill cite the main idea as being given the right to have the choice to choose death in terminal cases. However, as many of the MPs voting against the Bill stated that it is a slippery slope especially with the elderly, people with disabilities, those who are terminally ill and the vulnerable upon which coercion or the decision being made for them could happen.

It was reported in Alfred Ngaro's speech against the Bill (National MP) that in Oregon State (USA), Canada and Victoria State (Australia) they all have measures that have been put in place to try and ensure that individuals are not abused in the system. However, NZ has not put the necessary steps to ensure that an individual's choice is not abused by others.

It also puts doctors in a very difficult position with 1,500 doctors petitioning against the bill with a conflict of interest put upon them of once upholding the sanctity of life but if passed the bill would pass then it would give doctors another option of ending life which could bring about so many other unsafe practices for patients.

I'm definitely voting NO to the bill and will be advocating for many of our Pasifika peoples to block vote the same way...

Art exhibition at Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Mangere campus this weekend...

My 5 finished pieces for our exhibition

Looking forward this weekend as have submitted five finished pieces for my classes' art exhibition as the culmination of 18 weeks work in our Certificate in Maori and Indigenous course (although I petered out toward the end with so much other work happening).

A big 'THANKS' to our kaiako or teacher, Trinity, as she did a wonderful job of sharing her knowledge of the use of different medium and she was so versatile in her knowledge of painting that she helped me to get over my 'fear' of using watercolours as I hadn't mastered the art of use watercolours until I learned under her tutelage.

The modules of learning include:

1. drawing
2. painting
3. printing
4. sculpture
5. photography

The neat thing is that all of the students who stayed the course produced some fantastic pieces that we'll be proudly displaying this weekend on Saturday 23 November at Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Mangere Campus from 9am to 2pm (open to the public).

I only wish that I could have spent more time perfecting the ideas that I had for all of the pieces but suffice to say that I had a neat time dabbling in the various fine arts medium and enjoyed the freedom and pleasure of creating new pieces.

I'm inviting my family to view but if any are interested in finding out more information then you are most welcome to view our exhibition next to the atrium area and you can always sign up for next year's course fees free...

Final noho marae (overnight stay) for the year...

This has been an interesting and informative year as it draws to a close with my class. What's been really neat is watching adult students add to their journeys of learning and also in their personal lives to share goals and pursuits, difficulties and triumphs and developments. With more to come.

I've really come to appreciate the privilege it is to be a kaiako (teacher) and to share some of the insights that I've learned along the way of my educational journey. Both the good and the not so good but in all we still continue to learn from our successes and our failures and hope that our children will succeed in the role modeling that we put before us.

One of the important lessons that I've learned along the way is that for us as parents, despite whatever our circumstances, we need to be able to set a good foundation for our children in providing that important safe haven at home in order for our children to succeed.

I've seen how my mother and father, and many other visionary parents provided that space where we (as children) were able to dream our dreams and then given the space to make them happen. If that's what we as mothers can do, then we go a long way to making it happen for our children, no matter what choices they make in life.

Fathers also play an important role but from my perspective, as a mum/mom, we make those choices that can either make or break our children's dream so that it's imperative to ensure that we first and foremost are in a good space and then enable our children and families to be in a good space too.

I think of the pioneering woman whose path I follow, as in my mother as an important role model and the many other women who make or have had daily sacrifices in order for their children to succeed. Honouring those important people are important to do in life.

I'm hoping that as my class goes forward in their endeavours that they continue to shine that light of hope that it's never to late to keep learning and to be neat role models for their families, of providing that special space at home for their children's dreams to come true...

Congratulations to my beloved and completing Masters students...

A big congratulations to my beloved for completing his final presentation yesterday that counts towards 20% of his Master's degree course work. This was the culmination of two years of intense work and the final presentation completes his study journey with his graduation next year.

This has been such a neat journey to observe as he was formerly one of my students in my first Certificate in Indigenous Research class in which he completed with flying colours four years ago. There he was able to research some of the missing parts of his family's genealogy of which he was able to link.

And congratulations to the many in his cohort, some of whom were past students of mine, who have also completed their final presentations and are also looking forward to graduation ceremonies with their families. The sky is the limit and a real blessing from God...

Congratulating my lil' sis Maria on her application success...

One of Maria Tauau's book illustrations

A big congratulations to my lil' sis (Maria) who's just finishing her Bachelor of Social Work degree for this year and has been accepted into the Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge cohort starting next year as a 2-year degree.

I'm so happy for her as it continues a family tradition now that my beloved is also finishing his Master's degree this week with his final presentation and with my sister starting hers.

What's so neat about her indigenous knowledge practice is that it will be based around her art that incorporates a lot of Samoan symbols and with my art research this year, I'll also be encouraging her to look at Samoan iconology through malu and pe'a (Samoan traditional male and female tattoo) patterns.

As well as Maria's artwork featuring on some of the covers of our books, she also has some artwork at a local hospital in the maternity ward, I've taken some of her paintings to our house in Samoa with some hanging at our parents' house as well.

This is quite exciting as for her community project she has a number of ways of expressing her artworks and I'm looking forward to her ideas for an exhibition or whatever she chooses to do as an artist...

"Measina a Samoa" - Aganuu Samoa...

Our knowledge holders teaching my daughter to make luau (from taro leaves and coconut cream for the umu)

Last weekend, I had the privilege of participating with our youngest in a Aganuu Samoa event at our local church that included an overnight stay, weeks of rehearsal with siva (cultural dances) and learning about Samoan rituals and protocols (aganuu Samoa).

So for the past 3 months, we have been busy since joining our local church's Samoan Autalavou (youth group), of which our youngest and I joined to give her a taste of what I used to be involved with growing up.

The event was called Aganuu Samoa or rituals and protocols involved in our faaSamoa (Samoan way of doing things). There were weekly dance practices that involved learning three different dances: a dance using coconut shells, a mauluulu (light rain) or refreshing elegant dance as well as a dance that depicted Samoan chores.

So the night before the Saturday event, all the children had the last practice and then we brought in our things into the church hall for the sleepover i.e. airbeds, pillows, etc. I helped to teach some of the young ones on how to win in dominoes and then the adults started prepping the veges for the following day's cooking feast.

Needless to say that with all the excitement, we didn't get to sleep until after midnight and then I was up early at 4am when some adults came in early to begin firing up the rocks for the umu (earth oven). So that we were up and putting away our sleeping quarters by 6 - 7am.

The children were encouraged to go and listen and watch demonstrations of plaiting food baskets using palms leaves and then to learn how to peel taro, plait up fish using palm leaves, peel green bananas and make different types of luau using taro leaves and coconut cream.

It was a neat learning experience especially for our second-generation NZ born Samoan children with so much to experience and learn from. So that after preparations with the hot umu rocks ready for placing the food to be cooked on and then covered around 8am, when then got ready for the festivities that were to begin shortly.

The proceedings started with a 9 am breakfast for all and then a large photo of all the Autalavou and important guests was taken so that by 10.30am the opening service began. By 10.45am we were ready for the ava (welcoming ceremony) whereupon a few of us with matai (chiefly titles) were able to drink from the kava that had been ceremonially prepared by our taupou (village maiden).

When finished the cultural dancing started, followed by a scenario with fine mats being gifted for a wedding between parties with ie togo (fine mats) exchanged with money and food boxes. This was so that the youth could learn speeches but also witness what our parents do when such faalavelave (events that disrupt i.e. funerals, weddings, birthdays etc.) whereby the faaSamoa (Samoan way of doing things) rituals were displayed.

After this, gifting began with attendees bringing gifts of money in appreciation of the day and in placing it in a bowl placed in front of the stage, they would then dance to accompanying Samoan music and others would come with money gifts to join the dance in support.

We ended with more dancing and a toonai (feast) whereby the umu had been uncovered and the Autalavou was able to serve the guests who had arrived. By the end of the day, there were more speeches of thanks and the Autalavou shared the total amounts of $ that had been gifted with gifts of food and money going to the appropriate important guests who had attended.

The festivities ended at around about 1.30pm and then the tidying up began with guests departing with plates of food and many happy memories. All in all, it was a wonderful day of learning and some new experiences for our young children.

A big thanks to the committee and all the members who contributed to make it a wonderful day. Later on photos were shared on our Autalavou Facebook page and comments of praise and support flowed in with much appreciation to the committee for organising it with smooth execution.

The interesting thing for me at the end was the speech of our minister who identified these rituals as "measina a Samoa" meaning important treasures of Samoa that were demonstrated for our children but also for the guests to witness.

This happens also to be the topic of my thesis and I guess a way of confirming for me the importance of such rituals and ceremonies to be meaningfully passed onto our next generation of children to learn about but then also to understand the importance of participating in and then continuing on for the next generations...

Dictionary legacy left by the late Papalii Dr Semisi Ma'ia'i...

It is so sad to hear about the recent passing of author and doctor Papalii Dr Semisi Ma'ia'i who was also the writer and researcher of the book 'Tusi'upu Samoa' a well researched Samoan dictionary, Volume 1 from Samoan to English. Published by little island press in 2013.

In my beloved studies, he came across the dictionary and purchased it to assist in a deeper understanding of some of the nuances of words within the Samoan language. I only gave it a cursory glance in having two other dictionaries that I would often refer to i.e. 'Pratt's Grammar & Dictionary of the Samoan language' (Reprinted 1960) and 'A simplified dictionary of modern Samoa' by R.W. Allardice (reprinted 2006).

However, in starting to seriously study some of the meanings of Samoa words, their semantics, nuances and literary meanings etc. I've found Papalii Dr Semisi's dictionary of over 460 pages to be far more superior in the vastness of information available. It's also the first that I've read that has been written by a learned Samoan.

He definitely left an amazing legacy for Samoans and other interested people to discover. On the final page it's written "Continues in Volume 2 English to Samoan" and one can only assume that this is the work that he was working on to complete the two volumes.

I would highly recommend this dictionary for students or scholars studying any topics related to Samoa or for general use in deepening knowledge of gagana Samoan (Samoan language)...

"The Pilgrim's Progress" (2019) movie highly recommended...

"The Pilgrim's Progress" (The Journey of every Christian believer). So looking forward to watching this movie and recommending it, having read an adaptation of the book many, many years ago. It's based on a book by John Bunyan who was an English writer and preacher back in England in the 1600s.

This particular book rang true for me as a youth because it tells the story about a man going on a journey and some of the things that happen to him are universal truths about the struggles we have in life. He wrote it as an allegory or story that contains symbols with greater meanings for the Christian life.

And just found out that you can also buy the DVD that has just been released in Manna Christian stores both online and in stores so seriously considering to go and buy it over the weekend and to watch it at our church's weekend sleepover...

To ban or not to ban the annual Guy Fawkes fireworks...

 Yesterday we celebrated Guy Fawkes with letting off a small number of fireworks as our youngest had reminded us that we hadn't celebrated it for a couple of years. There's reasons behind this as:

1. Our pet animals get agitated by it and everyone else who's letting off fireworks in the surrounding neighbourhood.
2. I always equate it to burning my money and what level headed budget-conscious mother would do that? (haha) However, it is a concern when families decide to buy fireworks over providing food for the table.
3. It's an antiquated holiday from an old colonial past that actually supports the burning of a 'Guy' as Guido Fawkes back in England in 1606 who planned the 'gun powder plot' against the Crown but he was caught and sentenced to death.
4. There are crazy people in our society who don't responsibly use the fireworks and instead point it to people, animals, and property with harmful intent.
5. Accidents have been known to happen with ambulances, callouts to police with fire departments on alert during period time.
6. Although it's illegal for people under the ages of 18 to buy fireworks, often children can get their hands onto it with detrimental effects.

I'm in two minds about banning fireworks which is a suggestion that is being seriously considered by various councils due to the negative effects of allowing them for general use to the public and there are others arguing vehemently against banning them.

It does have it's positive points in having free public displays that are professionally orchestrated and that families can attend or as a time that brings families together for BBQs signalling the beginning of summer etc.

I'm still on the fence on that as I see many families responsibly using fireworks and keeping it within their budget and not going overboard but it is a no-brainer for those who have been caught up in the negative effects of fireworks...

Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge (Level 9)...

Today, I just heard the good news that 6:7 of my past students made it to the presentation stage of the Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge course (final stage) before having their degrees confirmed for graduation this year.

I also have another two students of whom I supported but didn't complete my research paper so it's 8:9 students that I was thankfully able to support into the programme. As they only take around 40 candidates each year.

Like a mother hen, I feel so excited and privileged to have supported and witnessed their journey 3 - 4 years earlier from starting with me in the Cert. in Indigenous Research course and now having almost completed their degrees.

It is definitely not a journey for the faint-hearted as there would have been a lot of learnings along the way as well as challenges and obstacles to have overcome but so proud to hear the news.

I am also hoping to get permission to attend each presentation (as appropriate) in having spoken with each candidate earlier about what their topics might be to what they have completed. The presentation time is only 15 mins with a set format for their slides, topics and their findings, etc. so it will be so interesting to listen to them over a 2 day period next week 14 - 15 November

I also have another 7 students (plus another student whom I'm supporting but didn't teach) waiting in the wings to see if they get into the next cohort of the Master's degree that recently closed last week. That announcement will probably be made at the end of the month and wishing my students the best.

It's something that I believe in, in having scaled the heights (and still metaphorically scaling) and seeing the panoramic view up ahead, as a teacher, it's important to keep encouraging our students to continue their journeys and to give a helping hand when we can. The benefits to their families and others around them can be life-changing and life-transforming...

Script to Screen 2 day workshop....

This weekend, I've had the privilege of attending a two-day workshop about developing film scripts for the screen. It's a wonderful opportunity because I've kept missing this type of workshop over the years with so much already going on.

This 2-day workshop, however, allowed me some time to consider where my writing could go to in the future, after my studies, as I'm always looking for challenges to develop my writing i.e. taking it up another level.

It was neat to meet a wide range of people from different ethnicities, ages, backgrounds, etc. all brimming with film ideas and considering writing scripts to make them into short and/or feature-length films.

I'm at the short film stage and interesting in developing ideas for a 10 - 15 min short film in the next year or so in script form, whilst learning the ropes regarding production, etc.

It's early days with my studies as first priority and with more book ideas that I'm working at. It was exciting to even consider the idea, especially when there are so many film ideas to weigh up. Although, I've already decided that some stories easily lend themselves to film and others to publishing in short story form or poetry.

I got to listen to some Samoan New Zealand women filmmakers i.e. Nikki Si'ulepa (Snow in Paradise) and Marina McCartney (Vai - Samoan section) and watched some of their films and watched an interesting Maori short film called 'Hinekura' by Beks Arahanga.

We also had a pitching session whereby each attendee had to pitch a 3-minute film proposal to a panel of 3 and get feedback on it. My printer wasn't working so I decided to text it into my mobile phone and used that as my note taker which was funny as everyone else read from paper notes.

All in all, it was a neat experience and one that I would definitely recommend to any would-be filmmakers out there who're considering it, as it definitely is not for the faint-hearted. Even Peter Jackson started out making short films too.

So watch out world, there are some amazing stories that I heard today that need to be developed into scripts and then to get a good production crew around to start shooting after planning and budgeting and then to sit back and watch it on screen after distributing it worldwide. An interesting consideration for future filmmakers...

Graduations to all our senior Pasifika students in their final high school year...

 Last night, we accompanied our eldest to her final high school year's senior prizegiving at Mt Roskill Grammar school, a progressive, liberal and highly competitive school but still caring of cultural diversity and inclusion. We thank God for her time there and the lessons that she's learned along the way.

Our eldest sat in the final row for prize winners who had won tertiary prizes, scholarships and had made important contributions to the school. It was a long but well-oiled prizegiving with many recipients and it was neat to see diversity displayed on the stage with many Pasifika, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, European etc. students walking up to receive their trophies, cups and/or certificates.

It was neat to see our eldest enjoying the evening with her friends and peers. It was quite a subdued affair with few shouting out, with only one haka tautoko performed for the Maori students who had gained certificates/trophies. Very different to the Wananga graduation ceremonies that I've now become accustomed.

I reflected on my final year of high school and how I 'collected' many prizes being in a Year 13 class of only 12 students and I was able to top Geography, Art and History and English being one of only a few or even the only one of my class. (Ha ha.)

Some would have said that that wouldn't have been an accurate reflection of my place if I had been in a large secondary school but it didn't make a difference because I still competed with students from other schools when we reached Uni and kept going when others dropped out.

So that was one of the reasons for why I opted for a larger grammar school (our eldest insisting for a co-ed school than the single-sex school that I would have preferred) to have that experience of working in an environment which was more indicative of the diversity of NZ society and at Uni.

Our eldest has had the opportunity that I only dreamed of, and she held her own, is a year ahead of her cohort, with me as a mother/teacher watching over and seeing how fast she was able to progress in the tenacity that she displayed and put her up a year so that she is one year younger than her peers.

That wasn't to put her off as I knew that she was able to rise to the challenge, in being a voracious reader and with her young soul having an interest in social justice at a young age, her acceptance into Law school at both Uni of Auckland and AUT, was easily chosen from when she received her Kiwa (Pacific Students) scholarship from AUT. She also received a senior Enterprise award for her contribution to the school in the many different spaces that she represented and walked in.

After prizegiving photos and well wishes and yes, I made some 'ula lole' (last minute in the car) as I had forgotten all about it whilst in Whakatane, we left with one of her prize-winning friends for a quick celebration at a local family restaurant.

We then drove to visit my parents and it was neat to share in a prayer and blessing with them in seeing their next-generation elder grandchild (from my line) continuing the legacy of working hard and succeeding in a given goal.

It reminded me of the lessons that I learned growing up, about believing in something bigger than yourself (having faith), of having a goal and working hard towards it (despite the obstacles), of never giving up and not forgetting your family or those giants who have walked before you and humbly walking with your God because these are the lessons that we learn not from school but from our faith, our families and of love...