Josh Totafi's latest release...

 This long Matariki weekend's been a neat time of reflection of the past, checking out the current projects that are on tap and considering new moves for the future with a whole lot of neat positive vibes. 

Being that this season marks the Māori new year calender. During which I listened to some music and came across this latest offering from one of my new fave tongan/Hawaiian artists Josh Tatofi's latest music video which had me laughing.

It's called "Who's that Girl?" and I just 'cracked up' (my Poly humour) when I watched it as it took me back to first watching the origin "Grease" movie with John Travolta in the 'T-birds' gang and the late Olivia Newton John who played his co-star of Sandy.

His latest song has a 50s vibe and the video shows the same. I had to shake my head though when watching Josh singing inside a 50s type car. Man, he should show some 50s moves cos that could add to the video too.

So why not check it out and see what you think. Again, like the original 'Grease' they had adults acting out the teenage characters and especially the guys were so funny cos they looked so much older than the teen counterparts that they were playing....

Matariki National holiday extra day...

 

This is some artwork that I completed at our last class noho (weekend stayover). My colleague is into art, as I am, and this is a depiction of the Matariki star cluster of nine stars.

I used white crayon on Watercolour paper then added the aquamarine blue dye which gives it a really rich affect.

It's neat that the Māori Indigenous educational organization that I work with has given us an extra day holiday today to celebrate our third national Māori Indigenous holiday tomorrow.

What's also neat is that the theme is about: Remembering (those who have passed away during the year) yesterday, acknowledging where we currently are and planning for the future. I'm also glad that the organizers of this special holiday have stipulated that it's not about having mad rush sales and shopping i.e. retailers cutting into the holiday.

But it's more about spending time gathering together with your family whether it be back at the Marae, at home or at a special place to regroup and plan for the Māori new year ahead. Traditional this is the time of the new year before the Gregorian calender that we use internationally.

Each star in the 9-star cluster also are named and represent important information that have spanned the generations. It's been really exciting to learn of these properties and to also learn that when Captain Cook landed on New Zealand, that he had no idea of the depth and breath that Māori culture already had in their understandings of the weather systems, astronomy and so much else that I have learned over the years in working at this indigenous institution.

Suffice to say that it's truly been a blessing and a real tip of the iceberg stuff and it has been an amazing challenge in learning all of the things that were never taught to me in high school and in the other educational organizations that I had post graduate studies classes in... 

New Whittaker's Macadamia Creamy milk chocolate bar...

 

Just in case you haven't heard, this new Limited Edition Whittaker's chocolate bar is my fan favourite. It's just been released and I hope that it's a keeper.

It reminds me of the oval chocolate-covered macadamia nuts that are sold in Hawaii and that I'd usually buy in bulk before boarding the plane to come home from a stopover or flight there.

I was really surprised to see this particular chocolate on our supermarket shelves and I think they may be even checking to see how it goes as to whether it will stay on the market shelves.

Either way, it's okay as I definitely enjoyed the taste but didn't like the fact that it was in bars as I still prefer the oval shape of the Hawaiian chocolates that I so enjoyed.

But hopefully, in the same breath, they will remain and I'd add them to my trolley every now and then as too much of a good thing isn't always a good idea.

So well done, Whittaker's, on bringing about another new flavour to add to your repertoire but also a fan favourite for many chocolate connoisseurs, like me (ha ha). Just joking, definitely nice but still prefer the Hawaiian origins...

Congratulations on Graduating Class of 2024

 

A big CONGRATULATIONS to my sis/cuz Aunei Lita (at my left) and her daughter, Mariana (at my right), for graduating with two certificates (level 4) from the course that I taught last year of Te Kunenga o te Ao Tikanga at Te Wananga o Aotearoa. 

I also had some other beautiful Wahine Toa (brave Māori women) students who attended from my class and congratulations go out to them all as some were also unable to attend the graduation ceremony.

The pic was taken at yesterday's graduation ceremony at Church Unlimited out in West Auckland at Glendene. It was an interesting venue having our graduation at a church but it worked out just beautifully as well.

It was a neat opportunity as an amazing fees free course that I taught for, a number of years, where I got to teach, learn, and grow in my understanding of te tikanga Māori or Māori protocols and customs which in turn helped to solidify my understandings of fa'aSamoa or Samoan customs and protocols.

Now that I am teaching in the new post graduate department in the course of Kaitiakitanga: Bicultural Professional Supervision, I'm glad that I got the opportunity to lean into cultural protocols and traditions that have also informed my own lived experiences and ultimately my thesis.

I invited my two elder children along for the graduation ceremony and it was neat for them to show support as they were shouting and 'cheeho-ing' from the audience in support of their aunty and cousin. It's such a blessing as the course can pathway to degree courses and whatever they choose to do.

I'm now halfway through teaching this new course that I've now turned my attention to and it's really been interesting, challenging, postgraduate and a wonderful opportunity to hone my skills and support  graduate students along their journey.

As always, I'm encouraging them also, like my sis/cuz to consider further challenging post-graduate courses like the Master's degree but I'll leave it up to them as it does require commitment, perseverance, especially pushing through adversities but the cherry on the cake is the graduation ceremony which makes it all worthwhile (plus the certificate) and memories of the journey...

Weekend 40 Hour challenge...

Over the weekend, two family members joined me on 'World Vision's' 40 Hour Challenge formerly known as the 40 Hour Famine.

The earlier commitment was about fasting or going without food from the Friday at 8pm to Sunday at noon. This is where we would usually have a feast as a group or organization to celebrate finishing the fasting challenge.

I have been supporting this organization and this challenge since I was in high school and I remember having sleep overs at a local church hall or at a school hall with other fellow supporters.

I remember playing badminton and having fun with all sorts of activities to get the mind off food although drinking water was fine. Nowadays the challenge can incorporate not using social media, mobile phones or the internet over the weekend, a now more popular challenge than the fasting.

Afterwards, we would gather our money having sort sponsorship from family members or friends so that the money gained from the sponsorship would go back to World Vision to use for their project work in different nations.

Nowadays, I just make a donation and last year I bought a Tshirt but left it in Samoa. The colours of the organization are orange with black and white. Next time I'll ensure that my Tshirt is around as I prefer the orange on black than the white on orange.

Anyway, another one of the charities that I love to support as there are so many that I have supported over the years but now have committed to only supporting a few that align with my Christian and cultural principles and values...

 

Independence and freedom as a writer and/or poet...

 

Today, when I was searching through my names with the ideas of rebranding, I came across a blog called 'NZ Poetry Shelf' and an article written by Paula Green.

She wrote a piece reviewing the Pasifika poets anthology, which one of my poems recently featured in. It was a delight to find that when interviewing one of the three editors called Mere, she was quoted as saying...

"A high was discovering poets who were writing outside the scrutinizing glare of the literary establishment. I am referring to poets like Maureen Fepuleai and Faalavaau Helen Tau'au Filisi who take on print publication projects on their own without the involvement of presses like AUP, and OUP..."

Incidentally, AUP is Auckland University Press (my being an alumni from my first University of Auckland University) and OUP (Otago University Press). Both presses are attached to their respective universities.

Although I had considered AUP, it's only ever been a consideration as I've enjoyed my independence and freedom of speech. The independence of being able to write about topics that are important to me and may not be to an established publisher keeps me independent and not chasing after the mighty $$$.

It's also an encouragement for would-be writers to try some pioneering self-publishing. My parents and grandparents were pioneering especially when moving to a new land, putting down roots and trying to navigate in a new location.

It was indeed a highlight to have been gifted with an opportunity to have some of my writing added to a published in a Pasifika poetry anthology. It certainly validated for me that one does not have to "ask for permission" from the academy to write and publish poetry but that through an authentic journey of writing discovery, one may just decide to publish their own...

 

Professional Development...

 

For the last two days, I've been on some Professional Development in the CBD Central Business District of Auckland City.

It's been a great privilege as it was a type of scholarship whereby there were 17 of us shortlisted for business startup support. 

Through some pretty amazing funders and philanthropic organizations that offered scholarships for us to attend workshops. 

One was regarding AI or Artificial Intelligence, Planning and pitching workshops, and much, much more which was plenty of food for thought.

The other great opportunity was being in a building that had an amazing view of the harbour, the seascape, and great views from our office windows. I especially enjoyed the ambiance and the like-minded group that I was with.

I also wanted to thank my elder two children for looking after my household, two of whom caught COVID and were isolating whilst I was away. Really appreciate the care and attention that they took as it was such a blessing.

Now the mentoring starts 10 sessions which is a pretty amazing venture and I'm looking forward to my first one this Friday. In fact, there's so much going on that I think I need to catch up on my sleep but it was ultra exciting.

So if you ever get the opportunity to apply for some neat opportunities, why not go for them, like me, you never know what it's like until you take a chance and then thank God for such neat opportunities. So much for me to consider even when I'm trying to finish and submit my thesis...

The 'Conqueror' Te Araroa virtual challenge medal...

 

Today, I received my 'Conqueror' Te Araroa medal having completed the virtual challenge last month. It's a little heavier than expected and it came with an explanatory note on the design.

It is likened to a replica of an axe head and has some intricate Māori designs on it which is what I've seen on other Māori greenstone of pouname that I've received.

I think it's such a nice medal to receive and especially as it's my first one from the 'Conqueror' brand. However, I still like the Pacer medals as they come in a gift box but they don't have the explanatory note which is a nice touch.

I'm now also awaiting for the 'Jesus trail' medal from the Conqueror brand that I completed this month. It was top on my list as I had wanted to learn more about the bible stories that I had learned about growing up and the places that Jesus walked. Although hoping that one day I get to visit it too.

My next walk that I'm contemplating to do with Conqueror is a 1,000 km walk over a year similar to the challenge that I'm trying to finish with Pacer of the Silk Road trek that's taken me around 3 years since 2021/2022. It's a 3,800km virtual challenge and I'm in it's last couple of months so getting there...

Stardome with Indigenous Māori bodies of knowledge...

 

Yesterday, I went with a colleague and some of our class members to visit the Stardome Planetarium especially as we prepare to celebrate the National holiday of Matariki at the end of the month. 

This first indigenous Māori holiday is now in its third year of celebration but there are still many people in New Zealand who are not aware of its origins.

It was interesting to watch the information regarding the Māori creation story regarding Papatuānuku (as Earth mother) and Ranginui (as Sky Father).

It was good to see it being shared with a greater New Zealand audience i.e. the new generations and those from overseas. The other neat thing was to also read the names of the planets in te reo (language) Māori as some of these celestial bodies that could be seen by the naked eye also had Māori names.

Over the last few years, I have been following Professor Rangi Matamua whose amazing vision has brought about this marvellous feat in being able to validate the important bodies of knowledge of Māori that had been suppressed through racist colonial laws and also a superior (inferior) complex of those early days.

This is particularly important as the dawn of a new era with many Māori scholars and Māori students learning ways of their ancestors to bring about (k)new knowledge (there's a whole scholarship of writing on reclaiming those concepts as well).

I feel humbled and privileged (in a good way) to be able to share these learnings with my students and appreciate the centuries of accumulated knowledge that helped my wayfinding ancestors to navigate to Samoa and then settle and create measina a Samoa that my thesis is based around.

This knowledge is only the tip of the iceberg of the many bodies of knowledge that are being reclaimed and support new generations of Indigenous peoples in their identities, informing songs, dances, speeches, protocols, and ways of being. A dawn of a new age of acceptance and learning...

13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture - Hawaii...

 

A very special event is currently taking place in Hawai'i and it's the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture with events being hosted in different parts of Hawai'i. The FestPac as it's been abbreviated to brings together at least 27 nations sharing their various arts and culture at different arenas around the hosting islands of Hawai'i.

The event started on 6th June and will be running through to the 16th June where it will have a closing ceremony as well. The event is action packed as each day has a programme that has been planned and especially designed for viewers to attend the special events.

The has been "regenerating Oceania" and that's a fitting theme as there has been so much discussion about climate change and how it has affected Pacific nations but also about how the Pacific ocean joins the people of the Pacific rather than separating them although living in different nation states or islands they share very similar values, principles and some histories of colonization as well.

It was neat to watch the opening ceremony and especially with my home islands representing as Samoa and even American Samoa. It was also interesting to see the gifts that they gave at the opening ceremony to the Hawaii dignitaries as a siapo (or tapa cloth), a to'oto'o or talking staff, a tuiga or special headress for ceremonial occasions in it's different parts and an ula fale or a special red necklace. It was also neat to see the dances and singing of Samoa.

The other neat part of the opening ceremony that I enjoyed watching was the double hulled canoes from different nations arriving on the opening day to Hawaii as they had sailed from different parts of the Pacific ocean representing their nations and the wayfinding for large canoeing tradition still being kept alive.

So why not check out the website which can be found on: https://www.festpachawaii.org 

Virtual walking challenges...

Here's another 'Conqueror' poster that illustrates the medal that is being sent out of the 'Jesus Trail' that I recently completed as a virtual walk of 62.74km. It took me around 10 days to reach the finishing line and so glad to have walked it.

The Mobile App opens up postcards of certain features such as the town of Capernaum, Nazareth, a national park and mountain along the way which are also so interesting to see having read of them in the bible.

The App also tracks your milestones of completing 20% in increments of 20 until reaching 100%. One is also able to choose between your challenge aiding towards supporting the planting of trees or keeping water bottles from reaching the sea. For this particular challenge I chose rescuing water bottles from the sea.

I'm now considering my next challenge that I'm hoping to start next week of a 2024 medal with a 1000km set finish line to complete by the end of the year.

I'm also completing a 'Silk Road' challenge with another group that I've earlier blogged about as the 'Pacer' virtual challenges. I've been on this challenge since 2021 in a 3000+km following the Silk road of early merchants and should be finished in the next 90+ days.

So if you're interested and able, why not give these challenges are go as they can keep you motivated as they certainly have for me...

 

Shock and sadness in Samoa...

 

To keep me motivated in my walking I joined another virtual online challenge by 'Conqueror'. My first walk was the Te Araroa challenge which was a virtual 161km walk in the South Island and now awaiting for my medal to arrive (of course you have to pay for it :).

So whilst I was away in Australia visiting Melbourne and Sydney with family (I have since returned) I read some shocking news that was so very sad and unbelievable.

Some years ago, pre-COVID, I remember going to a talk by an award winning Samoan novelist and poet Sia Figel. I had read her novels and poetry and found them to be quite controversial in some ways and challenging in others.

In the literary landscape of Samoa, there are few renown Samoan writers with more renown non-Samoan writers writing about Samoa than Samoans. 

Sia Figel made waves with her writings and they were translated into many languages globally. She was known to have had the opportunities to live in many places around the world over the years and I remember reading some of her articles whilst she was living in the USA.

Whilst I was in Australia, I read that the renown writer had handed herself into a Police Station in Samoa due to an incident between her and another literary renown Samoan academic who had worked at the University of Hawaii, as a literary Professor, in Manoa where I had once visited with my elder children some years ago. 

I read that the Samoan Police initially pressed chargers of manslaughter but that it was elevated to murder with their current ongoing investigation. Samoa is such a small group of islands that I know tha the news would have travelled very fast around the islands. 

I think the very sad news was that had she been quite public (in remembering of reading her articles) about mental illness and other challenges that she had been facing. However, I wasn't aware that she had been living in Samoa when I visited with family frequently last year.

It is so sad to think about two prominent Samoan literary figures' families whose lives have been deeply impacted by this act. My heart and mind go directly to the ifoga (deliberate act of humility) process for the families involved as it is such a heinous crime in Samoa that reminds us of the fragility of life.

Today I read Selina Tusitala Marsh's poem and response to the death of her friend. Selina was also in the Samoan literary circles and knew of both women. Her poem contained a cautioning to her friend but didn't realize the ramifications of that request at the time.

For those of us who are Samoan writers (cautiously outside of the literary circles), I feel for the grieving families and all those who have been impacted by this news. I don't know how her writings will now fare in the aftermath as only time will tell but I offer a prayer for such a time as this that there will somehow be a peaceable solution in the circumstances that have happened.

Samoa is a small nation but we have diaspora Samoans living globally around the world. It is something for us to ponder on how we support those around us in need of assistance in their mental well-being (my assumption). A sad day for Samoa and even sadder for the families involved...

"The Gruffalo" & "The Snail and the Whale" movies...

 

Today, I took my youngest out to watch a couple of movies that I had been looking forward to watching for a couple of months now. The first is a movie of the book called "The Gruffalo". Interestingly enough, I don't recall reading it to my youngest but upon watching the movie today, I now understand its appeal.

It's a picture by Julia Donaldson, who is the author, and Axel Scheffler, the illustrator. The book featured on the critically acclaimed movie "The Blind side" (2009) starring Sandra Bullock as the main female character. I think it even won her three awards i.e. an Academy Award, A Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild award.

I think the metaphor was that the main character of the movie "The Blind side" was seen as being similar to the Gruffalo in that he was expected to have been mean as a football player but instead he was more of a gentle giant.

The second movie that we watched directly after the first was called "The Snail and the Whale" by the same author and illustrator. Both films had beautiful animation and the storylines were neat for kids too. 

As for me, it was neat watching it as an adult who also likes to produce children's picture books. I think the animation of story books like both are neat in bringing the book to life in ways that elevate it from being on the page.

Both films are highly recommended and especially for young children or those who appreciate good storylines, a bit of adventure and neat animation...

Melbourne prospects...

New Melbourne developing estates popping up. 

Driving around Melbourne has given me a better appreciation for Auckland traffic especially with the peak hour traffic in all directions in Melbourne.

Our 'spaghetti junction' in the Auckland CBD (Central business district) is nothing compared to their multiple highways that snake around different corners I've gotten caught in not getting on the right lane.

And then not to mention (but I do) the tolls that if you're not in such a rush, you can programme your GPS in car map to take you on the scenic route to avoid the 'beep, beep' of the toll roads as you cross their sensors.

My sister-in-law says that if you can safely drive around Melbourne, then you can drive anywhere. I guess I pass the test but I definitely wouldn't encourage a new driver to take on the roads because with cars going in every direction you just gotta keep your wits about you.

I gotta say that driving around in a family-sized van for a family of 5 with all our luggage was fun with the music turned up loud with so many different jams. I've also gotta thank my middle child for being my 'nav' or navigator 'cos that traffic was crazy sometimes.

We also got to go to the Queen Victoria markets in town with the free tram that can take you around the city perimeter on a quick scenic tour. We didn't do the full run as having done it before but great to see that the tram rides in the city are still free.

I've gotta say that the 'hook turns' in town are crazy too! with cars going in different directions. My local living younger brother reminded me to check out the road markings and then to turn on the orange light. I definitely kept that in mind running around. 

I also had to be extra careful with our 2.0 metre height van in town parking. Now that was amazing that we were able to maneuver in close parking underground or at the airport. Definitely not driving or parking for the faint-hearted!

 

Visiting Melbourne & Sydney, Australia...

My family and I have been holidaying in Melbourne since last week and enjoying our time here whilst visiting my two brothers.

This is a pic of me and my middle daughter returning back from a flight to Sydney to visit my elder brother and his family.

Now back in Melbourne to visit with my younger brother and his family after celebrating her significant birthday last week with our families together.

This is one thing that we've really enjoyed over the years is travelling to Australia and Samoa or other overseas destinations to catch up and check in on how our families have grown over time.

It's been especially heartening in keeping in close contact with my brothers since losing my father in that they are a lot like him as we spend time laughing together and reminiscing on memories and things we did growing up. I'm really blessed to have such caring brothers who are a lot like our father in being caring and loving to their wives and children.

So refreshing to also be in another country and seeing such a big difference to NZ life. Here in Melbourne the highways go for miles with so many places to visit and see. Sydney is the same with its peak hour traffic and at a lot faster pace.

But still love NZ and Samoa in looking forward to visiting around Christmas with our Ah Siu Family Reunion which is set in Samoa for 19 - 22 December 2024. With tickets now booked and ready to go we're just relaxing and enjoying Melbourne before returning back to work, school and mid-year commitments....