"Minecraft" family movie review...

 

Last weekend, my beloved shouted our family to the movies to watch "Minecraft," as about seven of them in my family were Minecrafters. I would just watch their creations on screen and marvel at how amazing their created worlds were.

I found the movie quite entertaining and Jack Black is one of my fave comedians and have enjoyed his acting on movies such as Jumanji and Gullivers Travels etc. Jason Mamoa was funny in his pink outfit and brought back the 80s-90s vibe too.

It was interesting to find out that it was filmed in NZ as my children had identified Ōtāhuhu College as one of the venues with the high school scenes and other scenic landscapes. I also found it interesting that the corner store and suburb looked very much like a rural scene outside of Auckland and other city centres.

All in all, I highly recommend it if you're not looking for a serious plot twist and Rachel House's voice packs a punch as the villain. I still remember when I first saw her in travelling theatre productions where they performed at schools (when I was a high school teacher) and her voice was stand out then!

Neurographic art therapy...

 

Yesterday in my combined noho or overnight weekend stay with two classes, I was given the opportunity by my colleague to deliver an art workshop with half of the class.

As last year, she had taken a neurograpic art therapy workshop that I had attended and I decided to do the same.

The beauty about the workshop was that one has the freedom to be able to make it something special for each of the attendees.

As an artist (which I didn't tell), I allowed each to consider an issue that they were going through and then to leave on the page by making large scribbles on a blank paper using a marker without lifting the marker off the page.

After that, I encouraged each attendee to flatten out all of the sharp edges with curved lines. You can see some examples on the pic above. In smoothing out the edges, I asked each attendee to consider what kaitiaki (guardian) solutions might make it less stressful i.e. would smooth out the edges.

The next step was to use water colour paints to paint each area with either warm, colour or families of colours. As you can see above, I used an array of colours and especially contrasting colours. In doing so, I asked them to consider what kind words could be spoken into the situations.

I gave it some time to dry and then began to encourage each to add embellishments. That sometimes in life things happen and that there're not always understandable but that it was worth it to be together and share in this activity.

I also encouraged each to consider a title for their masterpiece and also a story to explain the reasons behind that composition of the picture and what the different parts stood for. This was certainly an interesting exercise as some shared in tears, happiness and joy...

Polyfest celebrating 50 years with Cook Islands drumming...

 

Yesterday, I was so proud of my youngest, who was a drummer in her school's Cook Islands group at the annual Polyfest (Polynesian Festival), which also happens to be the largest gathering of its kind in the world!

It was her first year, as she has been so interested in Cook Islands drumming. Like her, I enjoy listening to Cook Islands drumming and the drum dance. 

This was due to my being brought up in a church congregation with Cook Islanders, Samoans, and Niueans. I learnt to dance all of the dances, but the most difficult ones to learn were the Cook Islands drum dance and the Samoan sāsā (slap dance). 

My daughter's Cook Islands group had seven drummers; she was the tallest and second in line. I also liked the colouring of the girls' costumes, which the mothers and their helpers completed with headdresses, decorated bra tops, and skirts.

Her entering the competition also stopped the drought that had happened with my older two children, who were unable to compete in their school Tongan groups in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic isolations and in 2021 due to the mosque shootings. Interestingly enough, they did not try out for the Samoan groups because they wanted to learn other cultural dances.

Polyfest celebrates its 50th year since the first competition in 1976 (I don't know about the maths). The lady's painting pictured above the dancers pays tribute to Tupou Manapori, whom I met when I was also teaching in Otara, where she also taught at the time. 

She was a strong advocate for the Cook Islands languages to be taught in schools alongside other Pasifika languages, and this has come to fruition with Samoan, Cook Islands te re (languages), Tongan, Niuean, and others. Some languages, like Samoan, are now taught in university degrees.

I'm so thankful for those who first considered starting this festival 50 years ago, as the Polyfest has grown from strength to strength, and it has become a place where Māori, Pasifika and other indigenous languages, songs, dance, costumes, etc., are taught to students and these cultural legacies and treasures live on...

"Got to be starting something" choreography by Jerky Jessy...

 

Just love the energy and vibrancy of these dancers. When I first watched it, it definitely caught my attention not only because it's one of Michael Jackson's great dance songs but it also gives a lot of room for expression and interpretation.

This is definitely not a dance that I would recommend to those who haven't danced in a long time and isn't it a lot different from the waltzing styles, of the 60s, and ballroom dancing etc. It definitely has a neat vibe. Check it out!

Creative expression through embroidery...

 

I can't help it as I enjoy taking on new creative projects that challenge my artistry where I can enjoy the expressions of my love of colours.

It was actually my mum whom I watched embroider many years ago when she joined a group for engaging Pasifika elderly in embroidery and other crafts.

She was my inspiration as she gifted me with some of her pillow cases that I've just completed making up (that's another future blog) and also some of her cushion covers.

It was neat to see as she had been accompanied by her younger sister and they both enjoyed the time together and with the group. Sadly, the group was not able to continue as the leaders were unable to continue it but it was neat to see my mother enjoying herself in that space as at the end of the year they would have a group exhibition with other groups to share their handcrafts and celebrate with lunch.

Here is an example of a calico pencil case project that I bought and decided to experiment with stitches and colours. I especially love the blended colours of some embroidery thread that starts with a bright red then darkers and lightens. It definitely gives another dimension to any embroidery project...

Petition for cancelling School lunches contract...

 

It was sad to read about the debacle of free school lunches since the change of government. It involved cancelling local providers for a large contract to a company that couldn't provide high-quality lunches for local schools.

There is now a petition to stop such contracts and to hopefully return back to local contractors who can provide good meals for children in schools.

I've signed the petition and hope that many will, too, as these children are our future leaders and participants in society who need to be looked after well. However, in not providing nutritious value for money lunches for vulnerable children has become a joke compared to when it was first provided (in an earlier blog).

I'm glad that Tanya Waikato has initiated this petition as it brings to the public's attention to what a sorry mess this has become. With the present government trying to cut corners in providing health and well sourced lunches for children in schools perhaps we need to consider a new and better government that could do better for the future...

"Snow White" at the movies...

 

This weekend, I went to see "Snow White" the live action movie and was somewhat disappointed in the storyline and some of the scenes. I did read the reviews before watching as I have been a fan of Disney remakes from animated to live action movies but this one did fall short of expectations.

I don't need to repeat the negative reviews as there are so many of those views. I thought instead to consider a couple of the things that did seem to work for me as the opening storyline about a princess's happy family and kingdom and scene with dancing promised a lot.

The main character, Snow White's singing was on point with two familiar songs from the original movie but it was interesting to see that the dwarves they chose were animated. The nasty queen was okay in the portrayal but her dancing scene didn't come off as well.

If it is a movie that you're wanting to take your family to watch then it might be good to read the original story and see how different it is from the current movie's interpretation. It is so 21st century that even the original story doesn't make the cut...

Indie Book Publishing Opportunity with Pacific Hibiscus...

 

I've finally launched my Indie Book Publishing company under the banner of my parent business, Pacific Hibiscus, which I launched 10 years ago.

During COVID-19, I stopped and waited for that sacred time to pass. Now, I have begun again to write, but this time also to support others who want to get started and published.

Due to my workspace and other communities I'm involved with, I won't be able to take on any big projects, but I certainly would like to work on small projects for those starting out.

This is quite exciting, as I think I might really enjoy it. I have just put the 'feelers' out to see if any are interested in starting their projects with my support and guidance.

If anyone is interested, please contact me on Facebook and DM (direct message), or via email at helenftauau@gmail.com or on this blog. The rates are very reasonable and negotiable, starting out easy for the next couple of months before I set the prices. 

Sponsoring a local child through "Variety"...

 

Today, I pledged to sponsor a child locally through "Variety" (a children's charity), which provides opportunities for children to be financially supported through monthly donations.

I started doing it as encouraged through my local church and still do it through "World Vision", sponsoring a child in Sri Lanka.

I also sponsor the organisation of "Kids can" to support children locally as I saw how much is supported children when my children were in school and I wanted to make the same effort to support other children now that my two eldest children are in their 20s.

As a parent of two children growing up fast, I remember that it wasn't easy paying for uniforms, stationery, transport to school and back, lunches, toiletries, general groceries, and the list goes on. That was with two parents working.

Now, I also have the opportunity, through "Variety", to sponsor a local child monthly to assist where I can. I'd also like to send out a challenge to any who read this blog to consider sponsoring a child or giving a donation to help out a family.

I know that it has been a blessing for me to support not only my family and extended family but also be in a position to support the wider community. I'd encourage this especially for those who are on salary and have discretionary money to spend i.e. those to like to travel overseas, or eat out at restaurants regularly, or like to buy expensive toys (you know what I mean).

For me, it's a blessing as it gives me the opportunity to bless another as I have been blessed and what's especially important is that they don't even need to know who the giver is. So that to be anonymous is also special as I think it can build faith and hope in believing that someone cares beyond that or family and one's immediate community.

So why not give it a go and give a child hope for a better future in believing that someone cares beyond what they can see in front of them and that miracles can happen sometimes when you least expect it i.e. in making someone's dream come true (through child sponsoring)...

Pasifika Farewell for TWOA CEO...

Source: TWOA Mangere campus Samoan gifts

Last week at work, we had two celebrations. The first was a welcome to our new CEO who is also the first Māori woman to be CEO of our organization. 

We then farewelled our current CEO as he retires to a more relaxing lifestyle with his family. Both worked at the campus that I'm at until they journeyed to other opportunities.

It was so interesting to see them again in different capacities. The pic shows some of the gifts that were gifted to our outgoing CEO.

He was a gracious leader and much respected. The gifts were from the Pasifika staff including the islands of: Tonga, Samoa, Tokelau, Cook Islands and also Niue.

The gifts that are shown are from our Samoan staff which includes: carvings of old Samoan weaponry, the ula fala (necklace often worn by chiefs), a modern bag, a cup, an aloha shirt (blued), earrings for his loved ones, and malu designs (mainly for women) on lavalava.

The farewell was a beautiful occasion with each group represented wearing their customary dress, each Pasifika group had a representative who gave a speech and then their gifts flowed with dance and music. I liked the Cook Islands group as they ended with a drum dance that's called "Around the world". 

This is where any unsuspecting visitor is asked to dance by one of the accomplished dancers to Cook Islands drumming. It is always funny to see the men trying to dance to the beat and women as well. I was asked but then gave the opportunity to one of our unsuspecting senior leaders who was surprised. All in all we had a great time.

I was also given the privilege of sitting next to our outgoing CEO and to explain to him what the gifts were and any questions that he might have as it can be quite daunting to be seated by yourself and having so many gifts being landed on your lap, in front and surrounding him. 

As he had so many lei on from the different groups that it was quite difficult for him to move too. At the end a photo was taken of him with the Pasifika staff and all the gifts gathered in front. It was definitely a farewell with a lot of sentiment and honouring...

Weaving mats in safeguarding measina a Samoa...

 

It's been a crazy busy fortnight with so much going on. During that time, my mum and I were able to weave another fala or mat as I had started weaving in Samoa during our last holiday and thought to continue it in Auckland as I had already brought some pandanus over for weaving.

Unfortunately, some of the pandanus fronds were a bit too dry but on the whole we were able to complete a mat with the pandanus that was weaveable.

As you can see in the pick on the left, the first recipient to sleep on the mat was one of our four cats. As it was a particularly hot day and he was very happy to lie down and fall asleep on the cool matting.

My mum has since started another one and I'll be helping to keep up with the weaving as she is looking at showing me how to weave a baby's mat.

Sadly, a baby's mat was something that was given to new born babies by a weaving relative or withing the village but this is a practice that is no longer happening and something that I'm so glad my mother is teaching me about so that I can share with my community in time.

I see this as a measina a Samoa or cultural treasure that needs to be revived as it continues the cultural heritage practices from whence we came and is something very special that I hope to be able to speak about in time to come...

Cultivating Gratitude...

I came across this infographic last year when I was going about my business. It had some really interesting ideas to consider regarding cultivating an attitude of gratitude. 

I'd also heard that this could be particularly important for those going through depression in cultivating a mindset that was actively looking at changing negative and often debilitating mindsets.

One of the aspects that it speaks to is keeping a gratitude journal. This is a great idea as it can also support considering important things one can be grateful for.

At present, I keep a daily journal that's helpful as a devotional. It's something that had been my goal last year and I'm happy to report that it works well for me and keeps my thoughts focused on the positive.

So if you haven't already tried these exercises for this new year, it might be something to consider doing as can often be the thing that refreshes your mindset and soul and takes you on a new journey towards positive goals that you are already working towards...

 

20th Birthday celebration with buffet...

 

Yesterday, my family went out for a 20th birthday celebration for our middle child. It was held near the city, and there was a buffet with many varieties of meats and dishes.

There were many cuts of meat, including pork, beef, chicken, and seafood, i.e. prawns and calamari, and they were all delicious.

It was just under $40 per person, including slushy drinks, soft drinks and many sides. The alcohol and ice cream were extra.

It reminded me of Korean movies, where characters often go out to a restaurant and cook their meat with dishes to complement it. It was also so funny as they gave the birthday girl a pointed birthday hat, and we sang "Happy Birthday" to her, much to her embarrassment.

We enjoyed ourselves and continued the party at home by blowing out, serving the birthday cake, and opening her presents. I'm so glad that she had a neat birthday. Later, she invited me to go shopping with her to buy another large item to complement her presents. 

Again, we had a ball and enjoyed celebrating her birthday together, wishing her another special year with her 21st birthday just around the corner for next year. But that's another story waiting to happen with some special preparations and plans ahead...

Reminiscing 1970s - 1980s technologies....

 

Happy Auckland Anniversary! It's a great time to rest and relax before the academic year starts again with the rush for morning school drop-offs and pick-ups.

One of many things my family has enjoyed during the holidays is playing with Lego blocks and putting designs together from Lego packs.

This particular set featured some of the technological developments that were part of the 1970s - 1980s era.

From the back row: The stand-alone "Pac-Man" game that I remember playing at a supermarket in the USA in the 80s; one of the first computers that I remember using at Uni in the 80s; a radio and tape recorder.

In the front row: a polaroid-type camera, a television set from the 80s, and a red dial-up telephone. All of these were interesting for my youngest to learn about as a child born in 2011, and these were all remnants of an age passed.

We now have virtual games on smartphones and laptops that have replaced the old computers. In fact, tape recorders are obsolete, with phones replacing the need for telephones, television sets, and cameras. What technologies did you remember or like of the 1970s - 1980s?...

Work starting for 2025...

I started back at work today, and this is my workstation after I'd tidied it from being stored over the holidays. The funny thing was that I was so busy getting all of my gear ready for the gym I would attend before going to work, but when I arrived, I forgot to take my laptop!

But that wasn't a problem as I had a lot of paperwork that needed tidying, filing and throwing away (oops! I meant for recycling).

I am so ready for another year of teaching/learning with another cohort of 20 students in the Post Graduate Diploma of Kaitiakitanga Bicultural Professional Supervision.

Our two classes are already full with a waitlist for the end of the year for our 2026 cohort. It's a privilege to teach and share ideas with adult students.

It's also neat to bring in some former students who have continued their studies towards postgraduate qualifications. Some have returned as motivational guest speakers, markers, and supervisors.

This is neat in supporting and confirming indigenous and cultural ways of learning and teaching. It's also encouraging to see a more collaborative way of sharing pathways and in coaching and mentoring with a more holistic perspective rather than the individualistic ways that I experienced back in my Uni days...
 

Praying in the English church service....

 Today, I had the privilege of being asked by our Reverend minister to pray at our morning combined service. I was one of two invited to pray from our Prayer Breakfast group that meets every Monday morning at 6am at the church hall.

It's been years since I've prayed at the morning service, as there are so many in our church, and many take turns supporting our two ministers.

Our first service is a combined English-speaking service at 10am, which anyone can attend. The four hymns sung are in English, Niue, Cook Islands, and Samoan.

Following the English service is the Niue service at 12 noon. Followed by the Samoa service at 2pm and then the Cook Islands service at 4pm.

The picture is of the paraphernalia that I usually take to each service, i.e. a bible, my purse with my offering, and, interesting enough, a hat. What I did forget to take with me, however, was a fan, as it can sometimes get pretty hot up on the stage.

Many women in our church no longer use hats, especially in my generation, but for me, it's in keeping with the protocol that was expected of women wearing hats. Some think it old fashioned but I actually enjoy wearing hats and I have a whole ensemble of them in different shapes and colours.

I have even included cowboy styled hats as well as ribbons and flowers in hats and I'm really looking forward to making my own as in learning to weave a hat as in my church only the Cook Island women and the Niue women wear woven hats as we Samoans have lost the art of weaving and none wear woven hats unless it's been gifted to them by others. But that's another blog away...

Fruit flies in the local community....

I had brunch today at a local diner with my middle child as we prepare for the year ahead. There is so much to do, and the year goes by quickly.

On my walks and while driving through our local suburb since returning from Samoa, I noticed some notices regarding fruit flies in our local area.

This has been a concern with signboards all around, with bins left for the locals to throw any local fruit or vegetables that are not to be taken out for the suburb.

Here we go with another year already started and now becoming aware of...
 

Disney's "Mufasa" movie...

 

Yesterday, I went with my youngest to watch the movie "Mufasa", which is Disney's latest live-action remake. I enjoyed it with some new music and songs but still with excerpts from the old animated movie first launched in 1994.

At the time, I remember how it was hyped as being the first of its kind with music scores that included Elton John and the famous voice of the late James Earl Jones (who was also the voice behind Darth Vader since the 1970s).

They also dedicated the movie to the late James Earl Jones, who passed away last year in his 80s after voicing his part in the movie and was remembered as the stirring voice of the character Mufasa, who was the Lion King who passed away with his mantle passed on to his son.

This particular film was interesting in that it told of the backstory of the character of Mufasa and his 'adopted' brother Scar. The movie took us on an interesting journey that was incredible to watch as a live-action film with action scenes that would have been impossible to view back when it was first filmed as an animated film.

I recommend this film as a movie that the whole family can watch. It gives an interesting perspective of the family relationships and dynamics that gives one a better picture of why the story plays out as it does.

However, there are no spoiler alerts except to say that you must watch the movie yourself to understand the storyline. I will watch it again when it comes out on Disney+ as it was also a reminder of how far we have come in animation and live-action type films...

Rainbow's End Night rides....

 

One of the neat things these holidays has been going to our only NZ amusement theme park called "Rainbow's End" for night rides with some family members and friends.

But this time, I was joined by my youngest and eldest (as my middle child was working), and we had a ball! Not to mention the long lines that we had to line up in.

So we decided to split up, and my youngest went with her friends on all the extreme rides. Rides that defied height and were not for the faint-hearted.

I decided with my eldest to go to the rides that were not so thrill-seeking and adrenaline-pumped, and we started at 6pm and finished at 11pm with a break in between for a snack of a hotdog combo and then back onto it!

My favourite ride has to be the log flume, with its neat log-like boat that floats in and out of interesting scenery, especially with the large splash at the end. The neat thing was that we had two rides, with our last ride being the final two before they closed the park.

The other rides I enjoyed were the dodgems, the family carts and the scorpion carts, the water drive was neat too, in fact any rides where I'm in the drivers seat was neat to go on. We also went on the Gold Rush ride, which was quite jarring with the fast pace and erratic corners. 

We also went on a simulated ride, where we had to wear 3D glasses and be featured in the final tally of marks (shooting range), where we had to shoot at the monster robots. That was unexpected fun, as I thought we would just watch a movie.

All in all, it was a fun time, and although we didn't want to go on all the rides, we still had lots of fun. I especially enjoyed it with good company. I would definitely recommend it to those who are thrill-seekers who and even those who just want to get out for a night, the rides are worth it...

Beach picnic and safe swimming...

 

It's been a restful weekend, and I even got time to take my family out to a local beach, which was fun as we decided to go in the afternoon rather than the morning.

As you can see from the pick, we managed to snag a granite table to stack our gear. I love this blue bag, complete with sticker-like gibbets that match my shoes, too!

We even got to have a neat swim, although I went out with my hat as I didn't want to get my hair too wet and to ensure I didn't get sunburnt.

The neat thing was that the beach was only metres away, and our car was parked closely behind. This beats going to the city beaches with cramped parking and waiting for ages.

The other thing about some of the Auckland beaches is that it's best to check the safety of your local beach, as I've seen social media posts about beaches with sea lice on them. You can check it out at: safeswim.org.nz

This definitely beats some of the swimming out in Samoa as at some local beaches, you have to pay $50 SAT Samoa Tala (currency) to swim there, or at some local rock pools, it's $20, although free if you know someone. We have our beach beside our home but it needs a little TLC (tender love and care) to bring it up to scratch with some who have dumped their rubbish nearby but that's another story...

5 Things Women should never do with a man!...

I came across a very interesting discussion by Denzel Washington that every woman needs to consider in her relationship with herself and her spouse, partner, boyfriend, or any other male/female relationship.

He speaks with confidence, and it's important for every woman who has gone through difficult relationships with a man or men, in general, to listen to this as it helps to centre oneself on the understanding that living authentically on who you are is important in not compromising your beliefs for others.

I hope this speaks to someone out there who really needs to hear these words: You are worthy, you have a purpose, and you are beautiful inside and outside in your own skin. No one has the right to say that you are not worthy perhaps they are not worthy of you...

R&R in Auckland, N.Z...

 

It's great to be back in Aotearoa, New Zealand and especially back home for some rest & relaxation after a very busy summer in Samoa.

Also, think of those in Samoa and other Pacific Islands who have been hit by the torrential rain that's caused flooding in low-lying areas. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult hurricane season.

Meanwhile, back at home, my eldest reminded me of a gift I was given for my birthday late last year, as a 3D (dimensional) work of art that has kept me busy for a couple of days.

It's a chocolate cafe/store scene with all the paraphernalia on a very small scale. So, I have been busy in the last couple of days working out the frame and then, with scissors, glue and tweezers, assembling the whole scene.

It also comes with lil' light fixtures and printed chocolates, which are parts that are pretty finicky and that I've left for the part of the scene to assemble. It's definitely kept me busy and working slowly through the various steps as there is so much to do, and I want to finish it before starting on the second one that they got me also for my birthday.

I've also got a couple of new year's resolutions that I'm working on and that's going to take some time to work through as well. All the best to you, the reader, in what you have in store for the rest of the year and looking forward to what 2025 holds....

Happy New Year for 2025...

 

Happy New Year for 2025! We're finally back from Samoa and in 'Home Sweet Home' in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Since returning last week, we've had time to catch up with family and friends, share New Year's well-wishes, and enjoy the relaxing holiday and temperate weather.

It definitely was a whirl-wind trip to Samoa with the second of four Ah Siu Family Reunions I've attended. 

It's also neat to know that the next proposed Ah Siu Reunion has been confirmed to be hosted by our Brisbane family reunion komiti in Australia in 2027.

Launching a book in Samoa at the Reunion was also great as my 21st book contribution, with free copies given away to each of our five family clans. It was neat to sign books and receive positive comments as it was intended as a bilingual picture book for diaspora Samoans living in different parts of the world, as demonstrated at our reunion with families living in Australia, N.Z., U.S.A., American Samoa and Samoa.

I was also able to leave some copies to be sold at 'Return to Paradise Resort & Spa' in Lefaga and also at 'SSAB Samoa Stationery and Books' at their Apia Superstore, which long-serving manager Sina (of Education Resources) expressed that the books would then be distributed to their other SSAB stores throughout Samoa. A real blessing.

Now for more writing to continue as there are plans for further books to be completed and launched throughout the year since having a very long hiatus since I last published a book in late 2022. It feels like a catch-up with New Year's resolutions to consider, too...