Guest Editors: Victoria Faafia & Isabella Leitupo
Our theme for this issue of Wan Solwara is “Tides of Tomorrow” which speaks to the strength and resilience of Pacific youth. Like the ocean tides, young people are constantly reshaping the world around us with the knowledge that has been passed on from our ancestors. This theme acknowledges that young people are not just future leaders, we are active agents of change. With every step we take in our studies, our communities, our creative work, and our activism we are building a future that honours our past while responding to the complex realities of today. We continue to rise through poetry, digital storytelling or simply holding space for one another. Like waves, we come in many forms but all carry the power to shift and shape. This theme reminds us that we are not passive observers of the future. It’s a celebration of young Pacific voices who carry the echoes of our ancestors while daring to dream beyond what has been imagined. The waves are rising and we are the tide, guiding the world forward.
We invite you to embark on a journey through this special edition of Wan Solwara: Tides of Tomorrow. Within these pages, you’ll discover stories, poems, and reflections that will move you bringing laughter, tears, and inspiration. Our fellow Pacific students share their truths with courage and creativity, reminding us that we rise not alone, but together, like the tides that shape our future. From preparing for the challenges ahead, to navigating identity in diaspora, to honouring tradition while adapting to change, this issue captures the strength, complexity, and spirit of Pacific youth.
As the tides of tomorrow, we carry the power to shape the world we are inheriting. This is not a burden, but a source of strength and a call to act with purpose and compassion. Challenges like climate change weigh heavily on our Pacific homelands, but our voices are far from powerless. Though we may be few in number, we are vast in spirit, guided by ancestral wisdom and the unwavering belief that our generation can and will create change.
No two stories are the same, and that is our strength. Living in the diaspora means navigating layers of culture, memory, and belonging. Our diverse experiences marked by struggle, joy, migration, and resilience have shaped us into who we are today. Tides of Tomorrow is a celebration of that journey, a space where we recognize ourselves in each other’s journeys, where the ocean of our identities connects us across distance, and where every voice is part of the rising tide.
In a world that is constantly shifting, holding on to tradition becomes both a challenge and a gift. The wisdom passed down from our elders carries deep value, even as we live in times vastly different from theirs. We honour the past not by preserving it unchanged, but by adapting it and translating ancestral knowledge to meet today’s realities. By doing so, we keep our culture alive, resilient, and thriving in the rhythm of change.
Wan Solwara: Tides of Tomorrow is a testament to the persistence and excellence of our generation. As we face the future, we do so grounded in who we are, connected by shared roots and stories that span oceans. These contributions reflect not only where we come from, but where we’re going. To our incredible contributors, thank you for your honesty, creativity, and hard work. This issue would not exist without your voices. To our readers, we hope this issue leaves you feeling seen, inspired, and part of something greater because the tide is rising, and we are it.
Monday 21 July 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Pasifika Cultural Night & Launch
Pasifika Quiz Night Battle of the Tribes –Pasifika Sports Tournament
Join us as we open Pasifika Week with vibrant performances and kai to celebrate our cultures and communities.
Get your facts ready! Prizes, laughs, and good vibes guaranteed!
24 July 6:00pm – 8:00pm Friday 25 July 10:00am – 2:00pm
Pasifika & Climate Action
A talanoa space on climate change, Indigenous leadership, and protecting our homelands.
There’ll be games, sausage sizzle, snacks, and awesome prizes! Friend group teams are welcome too!
26 July 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Pasifika Market Pasifika Ball
Come through and support Pasifika student businesses, creatives, and food stalls!
Celebrate the end of Pasifika Week in style. Tickets available now!
The Hub, Kelburn Campus
AM102/104, Kelburn Campus
The Atrium, Te Aro Campus
The Hub, Kelburn Campus Sky Stadium
Rec Centre, Kelburn Campus
By Darcy Lawrey
Ray Chung’s Roadshow Ends in Disaster
Last Tuesday, Independent Together brought its roadshow to a dramatic close — just not in the way the organisers might have hoped. What began as a standard campaign event ended in scenes of near-anarchy, featuring screaming retirees, a thrown glass of water, and a visibly shaken mayoral candidate Ray Chung.
“Is this how these always go?” asked a wide-eyed American political tourist sitting next to me.
Tension was already in the air at The Grand on Courtenay Place when I arrived, stemming from what had been a disastrous few days for Chung. Over the weekend it emerged that early in his term, Chung had circulated an email to three councillors sharing an unverified rumour about Mayor Tory Whanau, describing her as having “pendulous soft breasts”. He claimed he had heard the rumour from his neighbour, who had been told it by his son.
Despite the controversy, the event started smoothly, as the nine hopeful candidates each gave their speech to the crowd. The first sign of trouble came the second Chung got up to deliver his speech.
A man sitting near the front of the room interrupted Chung’s meandering monologue about his business experience, yelling “Where’s the apology?” Attendees from all corners of the room shouted back: “Silence, silence!” and “He’s apologised to the drunk lady already!”.
Judy Rohloff, the leader of a group refusing to pay their rates rises, got up and led the room in chanting: “Out, out, out!” Security from the venue approached the man, but just as things were beginning to calm down, a woman galloped to the front of the room. “Vote for me, I’ll…” was all I could make out before the crowd began hurling abuse at her and Rohloff marched her out of the room.
After a return to a shaky state of normalcy, Chung successfully took a few questions from the crowd, with his campaign manager, Alistair Boyce, occasionally interjecting to steer the candidate: “Don’t answer that one Ray […] just sit down, Ray.” “Can we have questions relating to our policy pillars please?” he asked the crowd.
Suddenly, “he assaulted me” came from the back of the room.
A woman stood up, holding a wet black folding chair, and pointed at a man who she claimed had tipped his drink on her. As the venue’s confused security guards tried to deal with the situation, another woman seized the opportunity to get up and scream something about Tory Whanau “thinking men can be women”, while waving her fist in the air.
Rohloff, who had been patrolling the room, with her hands clenched behind her back, made for the podium. “All you people who are here, have you never, ever made a mistake? Because if you haven’t you must be a bloody saint, and that’s all I’ve got to say,” she told the crowd, before giving Chung a big hug.
“Thank you for attending, please vote Independent Together, please vote Ray Chung for mayor,” an exasperated Boyce pleaded, having finally regained control of the microphone. Half the attendees leapt to their feet in applause; the other half continued screaming at each other.
VUWSA’s Where’s The Work? campaign, covered last week by Salient reporter Darcy Lawrey, highlights a growing concern among students: the lack of clear employment pathways after graduation. The issue gained national visibility when MP Chlöe Swarbrick held up a campaign poster in Parliament last week.
In lighter news, VUWSA’s After Dark gig was a hit, celebrating Wellington City Council’s commitment to guarantee musicians a living wage. The lineup—Frograts, Mia-Nina, Debt Club, and Skram—drew a strong student turnout. VUWSA exec members, easily spotted in their bright green hoodies, were out in force, with president Liban Ali showing off his dance moves to the posse’s delight. Campaigns officer Mia-Nina also took the stage as vocalist for the second act, which pulled the biggest crowd of the event. When asked for comment, VUWSA CEO Matthew Tucker stated that “The gig was great, it made me hate going to town at night a little bit less, Mia Nina for O-Week 2026.”
Looking ahead, the Victoria University of Wellington International Students Association (V-ISA) will host its annual Cultural Week beginning 21 July. Events kick off with a Meet and Greet on Tuesday evening, 6–8pm in the Hub. On Wednesday, the International Food Bazaar will run from 11am to 3pm in the same space, serving up dishes from around the world. The week wraps up with Cultural Night on Saturday evening—a collaborative event with VUWSA featuring student performances and cultural dress. Students keen to participate or perform can head to Instagram @vuwvisa or email clubs@vuwsa. org.nz for more info.
By Salient Team
From Kath to Chris: Jojo’s Big Brother Mess.
Love Island’s Chris Hughes has said he’d “love to marry” Dance Moms alum Jojo Siwa, in a recent interview with Fabulous Magazine.
The pair began dating earlier this year after meeting on Celebrity Big Brother UK, and their relationship has been complicated from the start. When filming began, Jojo was still publicly in a relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs. The two had only confirmed they were dating in June—despite the show wrapping in April.
According to multiple reports, Siwa ended things with Ebbs at the Celebrity Big Brother afterparty— while Ebbs was in the room next door. Since then, Jojo has faced backlash online, with fans accusing her of being emotionally reckless and dismissive of her former partner.
Meanwhile, her relationship with Hughes has been moving fast, with the two frequently appearing in each other’s social media posts. Whether this is true love or a publicity spiral is still up for debate.
Love or Money? Bryan Picks
Both.
Love Island USA Season 7 has officially wrapped, crowning bombshell Amaya “Papaya” Espinal and Casa boy Bryan Arenales as this year’s winners.
In a classic finale twist, Arenales pulled the “love or money” envelope and chose to split the $100,000 prize with Espinal.
In a follow-up interview with host Ariana Madix, Espinal was asked what she planned to do with her share of the winnings. “I actually do wanna donate to a charity,” she said. “I wanna give back to a community, that’s one of my biggest passions…” Arenales echoed the sentiment. While he mentioned wanting to invest a portion, he also expressed a desire to put money towards mental health awareness.
All hail the people’s prince and princess.
Justin Drops Swag—Critics Aren’t Sold.
On July 11th, 2025, Justin Bieber released his seventh studio album, Swag, as a surprise drop through ILH Productions and Def Jam Recordings.
The album has received mixed reviews. Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield gave it four stars, The Guardian’s Rachel Aroesti settled on three, and The Telegraph was much less forgiving—calling it “an uncomfortable and unfiltered cry for help” and giving it just two stars.
The release comes at a tense moment in Bieber’s personal life. He and Hailey Bieber have been the subject of ongoing speculation, with reports of separation, public distancing, and growing rumours of divorce. Hailey has been seen attending events alone and noticeably absent from promotional posts. Against that backdrop, Swag—which veers between self-aware and erratic—reads less like a polished pop album and more like a personal reckoning.
Unreleased Beyoncé Tracks Go Missing.
Unreleased music from Beyoncé has reportedly been stolen after one of her team’s rental cars was broken into in Atlanta during her Cowboy Carter tour.
According to a police report, hard drives containing unreleased songs, show plans, and both past and upcoming set lists were taken from a vehicle used by her choreographer and one of her dancers. The theft took place while the tour was in town, raising concerns over security and the risk of leaks.
Results
Netball - Team Vic Netball
Saturday July 12th
VUW 1 47-42 WGTN UNITED 1
VUW 2 38-23 ST MARYS 2
VUW 3 26-38 WGTN EAST 7
VUW 4 20-32 WGTN GIRLS 5
VUW 5 30-31 MSP 1
Football - VUWAFC
Tuesday July 15th
Womens
VUW Firsts 0-6 WPX U18
VUW Reserves 0-3 North Wellington FC Mens
VUW Firsts 0-5 Wellington Olympic VUW Reserves 2-2 Naenae FC
Hockey - VIC
Saturday July 5th
Women
VIC 3 7-0 YW Petone 1W
VIC 4 1-3 Toa 3W
VIC 5 0-8 Island Bay Hockey
Men
VIC 1 2-5 Hutt Untd 1M
VIC 3 2-1 Harbour City 2M
VIC 4 1-4 WISC Rambo
Sunday July 6th
Women
VIC 2 1-3 Karori 2W
VIC 6 7-1 Tawa Titans RW
Men
VIC 2 2-3 Tawa Titans 1M
VIC 5 2-1 Naenae 2M
VIC 6 2-5 YW Petone 2m
Other Sporting News
As the Premier League preseason begins, Liverpool’s opening win against Preston has honoured the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. At just 28, and only a week after marrying his high school sweetheart, Jota’s sudden death stunned the footballing world. A relentless forward with a sharp eye for a goal, he wore the number 20 with pride and passion.
In a powerful tribute, Liverpool FC has announced that they will be permanently retiring the No. 20 shirt; a gesture which honours Jota’s legacy. The Reds won their first preseason match, and both players and fans together celebrated their win and the spirit of Diogo Jota.
He will be remembered not only for his excellence on the pitch, but for his kindness and the dedication that he brought to the club he brought home.
Ngā Iwi E: A call for unity in Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa whenua
“The tīpuna never forgot that, as much as whakapapa tied us to this land, it also tied us to the Pacific Ocean that we call Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa”
These were the words spoken by Dr. Moana Jackson, renowned Māori rights advocate and lawyer, who reminds us that the ancestors of Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa navigated, explored, and settled all over this great ocean. He reminds us that the box that separates Māori from the rest of Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa is a fictitious box created by Pākeha to encourage division in Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa. Before my ancestors settled in the Far North of Te Ika-a-Māui (The North Island), they travelled from our ancestral, spiritual homeland of Hawaiki throughout Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, stopping at various islands along the way. I may be tangata whenua, but the connections and origins of my people and the rest of Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa are as deep as the ocean itself.
Despite the rich diversity in Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, we share many similarities. We are not just neighbours, we are whanaunga (kin), as our whakapapa is intertwined. Our tūpuna read the same stars, spoke similar languages, carried similar values, observed similar gods, and most importantly navigated the same ocean. Anthropologist Dr. ‘Epeli Hau’ofa from Tonga and Fiji powerfully said,
“We should not be defined by the smallness of our islands, but by the greatness of our oceans.
We are the sea, we are the ocean. the ocean does not separate us, it connects us. is all about.
This song was composed by the legendary musician, an academic, and an activist, Dr. Hirini Melboune, ONZM. Hirini is known for his significant contribution to the revitalisation of Māori music and culture, especially in the area of traditional Māori instruments. He’s also known for composing some of the most well known Māori songs, including the song that this piece is about. Much like Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, this song
In 1984, the Festival of Pacific Arts was set to be held in Kanaky New Caledonia and the organisers sent a Kanak song to the participating countries, inviting them to add lyrics from their own languages. Although the festival ended up being cancelled, the immense influence and impact of this song lives on. Its message is simple, yet powerful – it’s a call for kotahitanga in the Pacific. It’s a call for all whanaunga across Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa to rise up, to be strong, and to hold onto our self determination in the face of adversity. It’s a call for us in Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa to support and listen to each other. It’s a reminder that despite what our colonisers try to force between us, we are connected by the ocean, not separated by it. Nā reira, kia tū tātou me he toka tūmoana, he ākina nā ngā tai. And so, let us be like a rock that stands in the ocean –steadfast, unwavering, and unyielding in the adversity of the tide.
Ngā iwi e, ngā iwi e
Kia kotahi rā
Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa
E - I - A - I - E!
Whakarongo, Tautoko
E - I - A - I - E!
Kia mau rā, kia mau rā
Ki te mana motuhake
Me te aroha
E - I - A - I - E!
Whakarongo, Tautoko
E - I - A - I - E!
Wāhine mā, wahine mā
Maranga mai, maranga mai
Kia kaha
E - I - A - I - E!
Whakarongo, Tautoko
E - I - A - I - E!
E tama mā, e tama mā
Tama tū, tama toa Tama ora!
E - I - A - I - E!
Whakarongo, Tautoko
E - I - A - I - E!
Listen, Support E - I - A - I - E!
A new room for the Pasifika Law Students’ Society opened on Friday 18, July. The room is located at GBG10 at the Old Government Buildings at Pipitea Campus. In a statement made on social media, the Pasifika Law Students Society said, “We have seen great success with the Tautua room, gifted to us at the beginning of last year, which has served as a welcoming space for our Pasifika students to connect socially and academically. Now, we are proud to open a larger room that reflects both the growth of our Pasifika law student cohort and the continued commitment of the Faculty and Pasifika Student Success to supporting our students’ success throughout their law school journey.”
Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Fabiefara Filo Masoa and Dean of Law Geoff McLay had speeches before a blessing of the space by Pasifika Chaplain, Tapu Vea.
Pacific Connection Wins Bronze at International Competition
The Pacific Connection chorus have placed 3rd overall at the International Barbershop Chorus Competition, a first for any group from Aotearoa. The team of 65, directed by Henrietta HunkinTagaloa and Chad Va, took the stage in Denver, Colorado in the United States and sang their rendition of Lo Ta Nu’u by David Wright and a very special “I Am Moana” Medley by Aaron Dale.
Pacific Connection was founded in 2019, with the goal of “providing a space for Pacific people within the local area to sing and perform,” according to a statement from their website. They performed in their first Barbershop competition in 2022 and won the highest score in the history of the competition in Aotearoa. This led Pacific connection to the International Barbershop Chorus Competition in Louisville, Kentucky, where they placed 8th. They won the last National Barbershop competition last year, which led them to their bronze medal in Denver.
Torutoru nahe ngā mārama e toe ana kia tū ai te pōti pāerotanga ki Tāmaki Makaurau. Ko tēnei pōti pāerotanga i tū ai nā te hinga o te tōtara rā, a Takutai Kemp. Ko te rā timata mō te pōti wawe mā rātou e noho ana ki tāwāhi ko te 20 o Hereturikōkā, ko te rā timata pōti wawe mā te toenga ko te 25 o Hereturikōkā, ā, ko te rā pōti matua ko te 6 o Mahuru. Ko wai ngā kaitono i tēnei pōti pāerotanga? Ko te māngai mō Te Pāti Māori, ko te kaipāpāho rongonui rā, ko Oriini Kaipara. Ko te māngai mō te Pāti Reipa, ko te mema pāremata kua mōhiotia kē e te rohe, kua hoki mai kia whai i tēnei tūranga mō te wā tuawhā, ko Peeni Henare. Mēnā ka toa a Peeni, ka hua mai he mema pāremata Māori mā runga i te rārangi o te Pāti Reipa, ko Georgie Dansey. Ko te kaitono whakamutunga ko te kaiarahi o te pāti Vision New Zealand, o te hāhi o Destiny, ko te hoa wahine hoki o Brian Tamaki, ā, ko Hannah Tamaki. Kāore he kaitono nō ngā pāti ki Pāremata, haunga ko Reipa, ko TPM.
The tragic death of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Kemp on the 26 of June triggered a by-election in the Tāmaki Makaurau Māori electorate seat. Voting opens for overseas voters on the 20th of August, advance voting opens here in Aotearoa on the 25 of August, with Election day locked in at September 6. According to an article by Te Ao Māori News, the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate is the smallest by size, yet, the second largest by population, missing the top spot to the Waiariki electorate by 39 voters.
Three candidates have been nominated so far. Te Pāti Māori’s candidate, well known broadcaster and journalist Oriini Kaipara, says her role now is to “move from covering the story to changing it.” Labour’s candidate, Peeni Henare, is no stranger to this seat – a seat he’s already won three times, holding the electorate from 2014 to 2023. Finally, the third candidate is Hannah Tamaki, leader of the far-right nationalist Vision New Zealand Party and the co-leader of the infamous Destiny Church alongside her husband Brian Tamaki. We have yet to confirm the full list of candidates as nominations close on August 5, however, with two strong candidates from Te Pāti Māori and Labour, no doubt it’ll be a tight race.
Taipari Taua (she/they, Muriwhenua & Ngāpuhi)
New Pasifika Room at Law Campus Waikato to host Te Matatini 2027
As a child, I teased that my mother’s, grandmother’s, and aunties’ hands were rough and calloused. I’d wince through a fōfō during sickness— a healing Sāmoan massage—only to feel warmth return as soon as my appetite did and a warm meal was set before me.
I cried when my mother took her sandal in hand to deliver a loving lecture, both of us in tears hers soft with sorrow, mine with regret.
Her hands, weathered by hardship and devotion, cradled my comfort. While they warmed me, she worked from morning to afternoon at one job, then from evening to night at another. The peeling on her soles showed the strain of long hours standing, and the callouses on her palms came from cleaning and hauling heavy loads. The world gave her no rest, but her faith did: “It is the Lord who keeps me standing,” she would say.
I used to joke about the roughness of her hands, but she had given up so much of her own life to give me mine, clothes, food, shelter, education. Her dreams lay dormant, planted in the soil so mine could blossom.
Now, as I journey through university, I think often of her life at my age in Samoa, waking before the sun to work, returning home to clean and cook for
her parents and siblings, while I grumble about early classes and deadlines. She never had those luxuries.
I carry her hands with me, not as burdens, but as wind beneath my wings. I am her whispered prayers, her postponed dreams, her steadfast hope. Every door opened by tired hands, every silent tear of love.
I am the product of her hard work, her unwavering faith in the lord, and the life she forged with calloused hands.
By Urzler Fau -Talimatau, Alafua, Papa Sataua: Samoa
Eldest daughter of immigrant parents
Ask me my biggest fear and with no hesitation I think of not being able to repay my parents in time. The debt of love, their sacrifice, paid in long shifts and aching bones.
Afraid to say the truth, so instead I’ll say the dark.
But in the dark I allow myself to feel this growing weight on my chest
In the dark I can pour myself into the emptiness of space, where I can finally breathe and not feel guilty for it.
Time ticks. Two growing bodies withering away with time, yet my feet still stuck in the same place. Late.
Am I falling behind,
I sit on the fence between my parents and siblings a translator of culture, of my parents unspoken pain.
Bestowed the role of explaining one side to the other, but always needing help to explain mine.
The median. The in-between.
I lay the mat, normalize talanoa.
Pour from within and lower the barriers set by culture and silence. Speak up.
Not me
I don’t know how.
I'd rather listen.
It’s what I do best.
I am my family’s counselor.
Their safe space, trauma-dumped and overflowing.
But I'll sit happy knowing the space between us is safe.
It weighs heavy on my heart,but I carry it silently happy you no longer have to.
I am an extension of my parents , not always by love, but by expectation.
I am the parentified daughter.
I am the eldest daughter of immigrant parents. Navigating life with the fear of failure at every step.
I can’t afford to, not while knowing the cost it took to stand here.I know the cost because I grew up with my parents. I saw the missed milestones, the swallowed dreams and closed doors. The constant prayer for success, not forgetting the eyes of my siblings, looking up for inspiration
So many, from every corner of the wall, ready to criticize my every move. The eldest son to my father.
The big sister to the youngest.
I am the eldest daughter of immigrant parents.
The one who will live out the dreams of my parents, and theirs, and theirs too
The dreams they think of in their factory shifts and vineyard lanes. The dreams thought of In their maumaga or out in the ocean. I am the eldest daughter of immigrant parents
Anonymous
I AM
I am a child of the diaspora. Swept from the land of my ancestors, where the ocean calls out to the sky and the winds whisper secrets in a language I was born to understand. I built this new home brick by brick, stone by stone — an unfamiliar place that I learned to call mine, even though it was never meant to be my true home. This place, this home, is built from the sacrifices of my parents. A home where my roots are stretched thin between two worlds — one that is no longer mine, and one I can never fully claim.
I began to realize this when I saw the curious eyes of others, trying to guess what I am. Not who I am — but what. A thing they could label, categorise. I’m only human, but to them this human doesn’t belong here. I struggle to immerse myself in the language of ancestors while maintaining an image fitting for a child who belongs. Still my grasp on this reality wavers.
I am my father’s daughter, opinionated and strong. My walls are built on my father’s words and actions. He taught me to be strong, hold on to my beliefs. My father is the greatest example of a leader, my role model.
I am my mother’s daughter, strong-headed and stubborn. My thoughts are made up of what she once challenged me to. She taught me that my voice is my own and none can take that away from me. My mother is the epitome of graciousness.
I am my sister’s keeper. Through thick and thin, through the good and the bad they are my forever friends. My sisters have taught me that relationships are important to maintain but not all are necessary to keep. My sisters built my tough skin, my biggest critics and even bigger supporters.
I am my grandmother’s granddaughter. I am her namesake. I am the keeper of all that she is. She embodied love and faith to perfection. A mother who stayed strong to raise her children. A mother in law who accepted the in loves with humility and kindness. A grandmother whose soft spot was her grandkids. My grandmother is a woman whose love I sought most. Now I seek to be her child, to be the embodiment of all that she could’ve been.
I am a child of the diaspora, a stubborn and opinionated young woman. I am a child of God. I am a proud tama’ita’i Sāmoa. I am not just one thing. I am not defined by the limits others place on me. I am a bridge between worlds, a living testament to the resilience of those who came before me. As I walk this path, I carry their lessons with me—bold, unyielding, and full of love. I will continue to build my home, brick by brick, stone by stone. It may not be where I came from, but it will always carry the essence of who I am. And in this home, I belong.
I am one of many
And many of one
A seed grown fertilized in the ground
Slowly nurtured, blooming from its earthly mound
Outstretched branch palms; reach the sky
Entwined with branches form new lives
I am one of many
And many of one
Untamed roots far as the eye can see
New branches grow and attach to the tree
Grandfather, Grandmother, mothers and sons
Shade and shelter nurture each one
I am one of many
And many of one
The mighty trunk binds limbs together
The family steadfast through all kinds of weather
The sun and air nourish the tree
Like a mother feeding her child lovingly
I am one of many
And many of one
Passing on the baton of life stories
Each branch, trunk and leaf holds legacies
A crisscross pattern of arterial bloodlines
Sustained through memories and cultural vines
We each have a family tree
With stories passed on through history
Our tree creating legacies grand and vast
Linking our family heritage from present to past
I am one of many,
And many of one
Reuben Fautua
MY WHYS
Navigating university life comes with many challenges and obstacles. As a Samoan boy coming from Cannons Creek, I felt extremely out of place entering this new environment. Throughout my university journey, I’ve experienced both extremely high highs and extremely low lows. When I find myself at these low points, I fall back on my “whys” that keep me going on.
My first "why" is my mum
She is the strongest woman I know. Despite battling stage 4 cancer and enduring the continuing pain of chemotherapy, she worked multiple jobs to provide for us kids. Even in the midst of all that hardship, she managed to fulfil her duties in the church ministry. She’s been my prayer warrior, my teacher, my biggest fan, and the one who still puts me in my place when I need it.
My second "why" is my dad
He has been the greatest example of a man of God and a true family man. I remember how often he would sacrifice his own meals just to make sure we were fed. He showed me what a life of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to God's work truly looks like. There were times when our financial situation was bad and our church congregation had reduced to just our family. As a Pastor, my dad has dealt with both the best and the worst in people. Yet through it all, his faith never wavered, and he has always carried himself with humility.
Together, my two "whys" have taught me everything. They’ve raised me to know God and rely on Him no matter the circumstance. I thank God for the parents he gave me who showed me what a life of service is and always put others before themselves. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I always remember who raised me because they’re the ones I want to make the most proud through my university journey.
By Merroo Tofilau - Iva, Tanugamanono, Saanapu, Siumu: Samoa
Andre GaualofaFakaofo - Tokelau
Jasper Taito - Nofoalii and falealupo : Samoa
Salient
Wan Solwara
Jasper TaitoNofoalii and falealupo
Samoa
@creative_wezz)
The Creative_Wezz Brand focuses on Pasifika designs to bring people’s visions to life. Through different media from graphic designs, creating illustrations, logo making, t-shirt designs and photography.
Being a Pacific Islander means carrying with you the weight and beauty of generations. It’s not just about where we come from. It’s about how we move through the world with the values we were raised on: respect, humility, and connection. Our culture isn’t something we perform. It’s something we live every day, in how we care for our families, speak our languages, and protect our land and sea.
Aries
Slow down this week. Balance study with fun, rest with effort. Don’t go all in or burn out. Small steps, steady pace; you’ll get more done than you think.
Cancer
Overthinking at 2am? You’re not alone. Deadlines, drama, or regrets feel louder at night. Talk to someone, even if it’s just a mate. Sharing the stress softens it.
Libra
You’re juggling deadlines and a social life. It’s okay to set boundaries! Say no to that party or late-night text marathon. Vulnerability doesn’t mean weakness; it means you’re still standing strong.
Capricorn
You’ve got fast-paced weeks ahead, with deadlines and plans. Move quickly but stay grounded. Trust your discipline to keep everything on track without burning out.
Taurus
Motivation’s low, and Canvas is haunting you. That’s okay. Start small! One paragraph, one message, one plan. Don’t ditch your goals, just be real about where you’re at.
Leo
You’re feeling a bit off: dreamy, distracted, maybe over it all. Romance, study, plans, it’s all a bit meh. That’s okay. Don’t fake passion. Rest until it’s real again.
Scorpio
You’re mastering the art of keeping it together: switching between study, friendships, and late-night texts. Your focus helps you juggle chaos, but don’t lose yourself chasing balance. Trust your instincts this week, Scorpio.
Aquarius
Balance giving and receiving, whether lending notes, advice, or time. Sharing boosts friendships and study success. Remember to ask for help when you need it! Your friends love you, too.
Gemini
Stuck on an essay? Flip your thinking. Skip the library grind, walk around campus instead. Insight often comes when you surrender the rush.
Virgo
Momentum’s building: assignments, jobs, even that situationship. Stay focused, but don’t grip the wheel too tight. You don’t need to prove yourself to everyone. Choose your lane and commit.
Sagittarius
Tempted to cut corners or ghost plans? Shortcuts might cost you trust, whether with flatmates, friends, or professors. Be honest, even if it’s awkward.
Pisces
You’re the go-to for comfort and support; balancing study, friendships, and self-care. Stay organized, but don’t forget to treat yourself. Stability starts with kindness to yourself.
Right now, our communities face real challenges. Rising seas threaten our coastlines. Our traditional knowledge is at risk of being lost. Young people are growing up with one foot in the modern world and one in the world of our ancestors. That balance isn’t always easy. But it also pushes us to think seriously about the kind of legacy we’re leaving behind.
Legacy isn’t about being remembered. It’s about what we build that outlasts us. It’s like planting seeds in a garden we might never see bloom. We may not get to witness the long-term impact of our choices, but we still plant. We teach our children where they come from. We speak our languages. We fight for our environment. We tell our stories honestly, even when they’re complicated.
Our legacy should reflect who we really are. Not just images of paradise, but people with history, depth, and purpose. We want to leave behind something real: stronger communities, protected lands, and a culture that continues to evolve without losing its core. If we can pass that on, not perfectly but intentionally, then we’ve done something that matters.
By Charlize
Something sweet and milky -
Probably a hot chocolate
Long black or flat white
No Coffee - Just an energy drink, Probably a blue V
Any tea or anything with coconut milk
Iced latte with syrup
Sweet, warm, and comforting. You’re the heart of the family, soft-spoken at times, but the one everyone turns to when they need a little kindness. You enjoy being social, but you’re just as happy doing your own thing.
Helping in the kitchen
Telling off your little cousins for being too loud
Making a plate for home (before the food runs out)
Sitting with the aunties and uncles, soaking up the wisdom
Starting the karaoke or dance circle
Enjoy colouring, painting, or just trying to complete your arts and crafts
Are probably sleeping
Play social sports or activities to get moving and have fun
Catch up on your favourite podcast
Always finding new recom- mendations for cafés to try
The Breaker Upperers Boy
Hip hop or drill
Whale Rider Hunt for the Wilderpeople R&B
Sione’s Wedding
Rich in meaning, full of heart.
You carry your culture with pride, and somehow always end up being the wise one in the group, even when you’re not trying. You probably own too many flags, know all the lyrics to your church songs, but all the aunties and uncles wish their kids could be like you.
The dependable older sibling. You’re practical, grounded, and always ready to hit the ground running. People count on you and you show up, no questions asked. You might feel overwhelmed but you do find happiness when your loved ones are happy.
Fresh, bold, and full of flavour. Definition of you might not see them but you hear them. You’re confident, cheeky, and never afraid to be yourself, even if that means side-eyeing someone across the room. You bring life to every space, even if it’s not always smiles. Keep being you!
Fun, refreshing, and sweet. You’re everyone’s go-to for a good time. You love new experiences, trying new spots, and making people laugh. You might be a little indecisive, but you make up for it with a good vibe and the best one-liners. Everyone wants to sit next to you at dinner.
Unseen grief
Silence fills the room, while tears seem invisible. My thoughts still, unmoved by the echoes of nothingness. It hasn’t hit me yet, so I sit here, all sensible—
Moving bodies around me saying I’m courageous.
Still not processed, I smile and am gracious.
Eyes move where I move, uncomfortable waves of energy.
Is this the end of what I knew life to be?
My shadow follows, not too far behind, We’re singing, dancing, enjoying our life. Then, the sudden feeling of sorrow hits—
Yet I move on past tomorrow.
Tomorrow comes, and you’re still not here.
Tomorrow arrives, and I find my fear.
The clouds of grief and pain follow carefully, Stepping on the stones of my soul so painfully.
As I turn, I see my reflection.
You are no longer here, and now I’m neglected
By Anonymous
1. What are you doing at a family event?
Your study playlist is mostly...
You need to watch a classic NZ film, you pick:
Your drink for the morning is...
Ika Mata
In your spare time, you...
Knowing my way around a kitchen has always been more than just a skill. It's a reminder of who I am.
Not because I had to make ipu ti’s when visitors came around, or even just to learn how to feed myself but because it connects me to my roots.
Growing up, I watched my parents recreate classic Samoan dishes, each of them adding their own flair and secret touches. My mum’s sapasui, my dad’s curry, their own recipes that held stories of when they immigrated here to Aotearoa in the 90’s.
Knowing how to cook and bake the dishes that fed my parents, my grandparents, and their parents before them is a living reminder of my identity. As a New Zealandborn Samoan, I’ve faced my share of identity crises. I’m still on the journey of reclaiming my gagana and often, I feel ‘not enough’
But when I cook for my family, when I pull trays out of the oven or serve up something warm, it reminds me, gently and powerfully, of who I am. That I belong. That I carry my culture in my hands and in the food I make.
Sunday To'ona'i is more than just a meal. It’s a time to reflect on the week, to rest, to reconnect with the people who love you most. It’s a time to laugh, to share, and to feed your aiga not just with food, but with presence and love.
Panipopo is a dessert, sweet buns soaked in a coconut cream sauce. Warm and delicious! Please enjoy this panipopo recipe, from my kitchen to yours!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 24 buns
Instructions
Make the Dough
1. In a small non-plastic bowl, dissolve 3 tbsp sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Add the yeast and stir gently. Set aside until foamy (about 5–10 minutes).
2. In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of flour and the salt. Rub in the butter until the texture is soft and crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in the foamy yeast mixture.
Ingredients
Dough
• 6 cups plain flour (4 for batter, 2 for kneading)
• 1 tsp salt
• 50g butter (at room temperature)
• 3 tbsp white sugar (for dough)
• 3 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (for activating yeast)
• 2 cups warm water (for mixing dough)
Simple Syrup (for glaze)
• 5 tbsp white sugar
• 1 cup boiling water
Coconut Cream Sauce
• 1 can (450ml) coconut cream
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups warm water (to dissolve flour and thin cream)
Coconut Cream Sauce
1. Pour the coconut cream into a jug or bowl.
2. In a separate cup or the empty coconut can, dissolve 2 tbsp plain flour in 1 cup warm water. Stir well to avoid lumps.
3. Add this to the coconut cream along with another 1 cup of warm water and 1 cup sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add 2 cups of warm water, stirring until a thick, sticky batter forms.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly.
5. Tip the dough onto a floured surface with 2 cups extra flour. Knead for about 5 minutes until soft and only slightly sticky.
6. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise again for 1 hour. If the dough still smells strongly of yeast, let it rest a bit longer.
7. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly knead the dough again, then divide into 24 equal portions. Shape into balls or you can roll them out similarly to a cinnamon roll, and place into a greased baking dish.
Simple Syrup (Glaze)
1. In a cup, dissolve 5 tbsp sugar in 1 cup of boiling water to create a syrup. 2. Brush over the shaped buns before baking for a glossy, golden finish.
Bake
1. Pour most of the coconut sauce over the buns, saving about 1 cup for later. [I am a texture person, so I like to sometimes bake the buns by themselves in the oven for 5 minutes then continue to bake as usual.]
2. Bake for 20 minutes. Check that the sauce isn’t bubbling over.
3. Pour in the remaining sauce and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and the sauce is thick and bubbling around the edges.
4. Remove from the oven and cover the pan with foil while cooling to keep the buns soft and moist.
Enjoy!!!
By Tanumia Matega - Ti’avea, Lalovaea, Vailima: Samoa
An Armour for Strength
Even stones decay
Yet words endure
E pala le ma’a a e le pala upu.
“Go back to your sinking island” Yes, stones decay
Yet sink in water
Much like dreams and aspirations And diminished mana
E pala le ma’a a e le pala upu.
“Your a dull coconut”
Surrounded by fibrous husk
With a rough, hard exterior
And a sweet, soft interior
Like a coconut, there is more than meets the eye
E pala le ma’a a e le pala upu.
Rid the frown that invades your face absorb the taste of those salty tears And spews of mauahara
For the alofa that flows Through your very veins
Is expensive, like the pacific
Your luscious curls, they surge Through the river of tika
To the sea of pono
For Tangaloa has crafted you
To be heavenly as the cosmos
To dance like celestial bodies encircling the sun
With the gravity that holds us Connecting us evermore
Let your eyes continue to hold
Powers of the galaxies
Resembling the milky way, they contain masses
And the Mahina, It waxes and wanes
Waltzing with the laa
From day to night
For your light may dim, But the darkness is only temporary.
Let your lips part
As Moses separated the seas
The staff you hold unattainable to the eye
Your words travelling beyond to freedom and liberty
Let your tears turn into seas into the moana that ebbs and flows
Going against tides
Reverting to the shore lines
Clashing against the walls of amiotonu
Now the moon comes out again, as the tide comes in
Together we will navigate the stars and sea.
Traversing on our journey as wayfinders
For your history that is written on your firm, brown skin shows the marks of your ancestors shared to the lagi
And your voice: it echoes
Mãlohi, reverberating across land and sea
For though stones decay, words decay, And your power is stronger.
E pala le ma'a, e pala le upu, Ma malosi atu lou mana.
Glossary:
Mana (Mãori) - Power
Mauãhara (Mãori) - Hatred
Alofa (Samoan) - Love
Tika (Mãori) - Upright, fairness Pono (Mãori) Truth/Integrity
Tangaloa (Tongan) - God in the sky (Tongan creation story)
Mahina (Niuean) - Moon Laã (Niuean) - Sun Amiotonu (Tokelauan) - Justice
Lagi (Samoan) - sky/land
Mălohi (Tokelauan) - strong
By Marina Jones - Alesia, Faleula & Fogapoa -Samoa; Vaini & Niuafo’ou - Tonga
A sleek, modern building now dominates the land twice the size of the old home. Bigger. Better. That’s what they always say. But lately, I’m not so sure.
Tucked behind this architectural giant, the garden hides in the shadows. The spotlight now belongs to the house, leaving the oncebeloved greenhouse forgotten. Inside, bromeliads in vivid reds, pinks, and oranges spill from every corner. Spider orchids twist into delicate forms, their sweet perfume mixing with the earthy scent of soil.
Nature fades. Steel and stone rise. Beauty has a new definition.
The house’s grey exterior blends with the rolling green hills beyond, its charcoal bricks cold and strong. A single red door stands out like a warning. I open it, and silence greets me like a stranger.
Something's missing.
RACE THE W A K A ON JULY 18
The smell of fresh paint hits me sharp and sterile. The walls are drained of warmth, coated in endless shades of white and grey. The hallway stretches endlessly, the glossy tiles mirroring my reflection. It feels emptier the longer I look. Too clean. Too quiet.
And then a memory crashes in.
Cracks split the cement beneath my feet, scars of time and weather. Sweat trickled down my face, the tropical sun wrapping me in its heavy heat. Mosquitoes feasted on my arms and legs, leaving itchy pink welts in their wake.
The familiar clang of the wooden door echoed as I entered, the screen mesh slapping against the frame. The room exploded with colour. Reds, blues, and yellows lit up the walls like confetti. Mismatched picture frames captured frozen moments of joy, laughter, and childhood. The walls stood proudly, having witnessed a full house graduate from diapers to degrees.
Outside, behind a towering bottle palm, my grandmother knelt in the dirt, her pink shirt streaked with soil. She was planting bromeliads, her quiet ritual of care.
I sat beside her, and she said something I’ve never forgotten:
“Change
can feel like a loss at times, but it can also be the beginning of a new beautiful”
REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN - DONT MISS OUT!
Victoria Faafia - Moamoa, Aleisa - Samoa
3. Recently left Celebrity Big Brother UK, no longer a lesbian, dating a man 10+ years older than her.
8. Rebel Ship from clue 18
9. Father of all of the Robins
10. Block game
11. Game of the year 2023, Dungeons and Dragons but on your computer! (Or playstation or whatever)
17. Winter weather and song by Aitch
18. Cult classic film series - Is it fantasy or sci-fi or a space opera?
19. Te Reo Maori word for myths and legends
20. Fellow Wellington student mag publication whom we <3
21. You can't see him.
1. The Hedgehog (Not Sonic)
2. The main character of Warrior Cats, once he becomes the leader of Thunderclan.
4. Bad for lungs, good for when work is stressful (DO NOT SMOKE.)
5. Chris ___, whom left Celebrity Big Brother UK alongside our other clue.
6. Fictional humanoid race created by J. R. R. Tolkien, main character in LOTR and The ___.
7. Surname of current captain of Liverpool FC
12. Selling these kinds of vapes was just banned!
13. Wellington theatre on the waterfront
14. Recipe for this Samoan dish features in Salient this week!
15. December Christian Holiday
16. This boat is a palindrome
18. New superhero movie directed by James Gunn
Youth MP, Proud Pasifika: My Parliament
Tautalaleleia Sa'u
Stepping into Parliament as the Youth MP for Wainuiomata, I wasn’t just there to fill a seat – I was there to represent my hood, my culture, and my people with pride (and a whole lot of colour). I didn’t roll in quietly either. No plain black suit. No "trying to fit in" vibes. Nah – I came with outfits that shouted, “I’m Samoan, I’m proud, and I’m here!”
Day One: Making Them Look Twice
On the first day, I came in strong. I wore a white shirt with red and green patterns, a bold red ie faitaga, and the cherry on top – a big, beautiful white sei tucked behind my ear. If that didn’t say “proud Pasifika rep reporting for duty,” I don’t know what would. Heads were turning, and I was walking like I owned Parliament. Day One was about setting the tone: you can be professional and bring your full culture with you – even into Parliament.
Day Three: For Nana
Day Two: The Green Machine
Now let’s talk about Day Two – the day I became one with the colour green. I wore a bright green shirt, green ie, and yes, even green socks. From head to toe, I was glowing like a walking lau fī (banana leaf). Why? Because I wanted to stand out, and boy, did I succeed. This wasn’t just about making a fashion statement – it was about confidence. Representing the green from my hometown Wainuiomata 5014!! I showed that you don’t have to dim your light to be taken seriously. I was bold, loud, and full of mana – just like the message I brought to the House.
Day Three was the most emotional. I wore a special outfit made by my family in memory of my nana when she passed. It wasn’t just fabric – it was love, legacy, and everything she stood for stitched together. Wearing it in the debating chamber as I delivered my speech was powerful. I knew she was with me. I spoke on poverty, youth struggle, and how places like Wainuiomata are too often left behind. I delivered my speech with my heart on my sleeve and my nana’s strength wrapped around me. That moment wasn’t just for me – it was for her, for my family, and for every young Pasifika person watching.
What I learned from Youth Parliament is this: you don’t have to change who you are to lead. You don’t need to shrink to fit into spaces that weren’t built for us – you take up space. Be bold. Be colourful. Be loud in your ie faitaga. Be you. I didn’t just walk into Parliament. I walked in as a proud Samoan, from Wainuiomata, with my culture on full display – and I wouldn't have it any other way. I Gained of the attention of about half a million views across multiple different social media platforms – proving that my message has touched many hearts in Aotearoa, Niu Sila.
Fa’afetai tele lava, Wainui, Family and friends. We did this together.
By Tautalaleleia Sa’u - Vaimoso, apolima, vaimea, faiaai, satupaitea, letogo, fagalii, moata’a, vaiala, lufilufi, Lotofaga, Leulumoeaga, saleimoa: Samoa
Empowering the Waves: How Miss Pacific Islands Uplifts Pasifika
Women and Nations
By Bekah Sa’u
In a world where small nations often go unheard, the Miss Pacific Islands pageant stands as a powerful platform for Pasifika women to lead, represent, and uplift their communities. More than just a beauty contest, it celebrates cultural identity, amplifies indigenous voices, and fosters unity across the Pacific.
What sets Miss Pacific Islands apart is its deep cultural grounding. Contestants aren’t judged solely on appearance, but on their knowledge, leadership, and connection to heritage. They speak their native languages, wear traditional attire, and perform dances rooted in centuries-old customs. In doing so, they reclaim narratives and revive traditions that colonialism once tried to silence.
For smaller nations like the Solomon Islands or Kiribati, the pageant offers rare global visibility. It puts these countries, often absent from international headlines, on the map and affirms their identity on a regional stage. This visibility can be life changing, both for the women involved and for the communities they represent.
Former titleholders often go on to become leaders, educators, and advocates. They use the platform to address real issues like climate change, gender equity, cultural preservation and to inspire young girls across the Pacific to believe in their power. One standout example is Miss Pacific Islands 2023, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke of Sāmoa, who used her reign to spotlight climate resilience and indigenous knowledge systems.
The pageant also nurtures regional solidarity. Contestants from Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia gather not as competitors, but as sisters sharing stories, languages, and hopes for the future - truly one ocean, one people, Wansolwara. In an era of rising global tensions and external interference in the Pacific, such unity is vital.
Some critics argue pageants reinforce outdated gender norms, but to apply that lens without cultural context is to miss the point.
Miss Pacific Islands is not about objectification - it’s about cultural pride, visibility, and empowerment on our own terms.
Ultimately, this pageant is more than a crown. It's a vessel for Pacific voices, a launchpad for leadership, and a celebration of who we are as Pasifika people. When our women rise, grounded in tradition and purpose, our entire region rises with them.
Broken Promises
By Anonymous
Let’s be real, politics in Samoa isn’t just about policies. It’s about power. It’s about who gets what, and who stays silent to keep their position. It’s about loyalty over leadership. And the scariest part? This is becoming normalised.
When the FAST Party took power in 2021, many Samoans felt hopeful. The party campaigned on a platform of change, transparency, and empowerment especially for rural villages. Samoa was promised a revolution. A new dawn. A shift away from the so-called “old ways” of the old government. They sold the nation a vision wrapped in faith, reform, and prosperity headlined by their bold promise of one million tālā per constituency. Four years on, that vision lies in ruins, and it’s time we speak plainly.
The million-dollar promise has become the symbol of everything that’s gone wrong. What was supposed to be a game-changer for Samoa’s development has been plagued with confusion and complete silence. Where is the money they promised? Who received it? How is it being used? The answers remain foggy, and communities across Samoa are left scratching their heads, wondering if they’ve been duped. They have failed to deliver, not just on policies, but on the hopes of the people.
Since coming to power, FAST has struggled to maintain internal unity. Public fallouts between key cabinet members, the dismissal of ministers, and most recently, the expulsion of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa by her own party have only added to the instability.
Recently Samoa has been hit with major power outages across Upolu and parts of Savai‘i, leaving families without electricity for hours on end. The water supply was also disrupted, with many villages forced to wait while backup generators were rushing in. For a government that promised progress, this feels like we're moving backwards. They claimed to fix what HRPP had “broken.” And yet, many Samoans now quietly admit that things were more peaceful under HRPP. Sure, HRPP had its share of hiccups, but they delivered order, direction, and most importantly stability.
Our beloved nation deserves leadership that shows up, not just talks big. We deserve leaders who keep their promises, not ones who use their positions for personal gain. This government came in with bold speeches about transparency, fairness, and faith. But right now, all we see is failure, division, and broken trust. As another election approaches, our people are tired, tired of waiting, tired of broken promises. Samoa doesn’t need more promises. We need leaders who actually deliver.
By Bekah Ioane-Sa’uApolima, Vaimoso, Satupa’itea, Vaimea, Leulumoega, Faleula, Fagaloa: Sāmoa Wainuiomata: Aotearoa
Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao te Tabomoa
By Ronita
A very common phrase that almost all Kiribati people use is “Te Mauri, Te Raoi, ao Te Tabomoa" - meaning peace, health, and prosperity. It is a traditional Kiribati expression that has been passed down through many generations. From celebrations to normal day to-day life, this phrase is used constantly. However, this statement is more than just a cultural phrase; it is a way of life that values the importance of community and prosperity. This phrase connects us to our ancestors and our people; it is a testament to who we are as a community and the values we have for our culture and people.
In our current day and age as Kiribati faces the reality of climate change, the phrase “Te Mauri, Te Raoi, ao Te Tabomoa” connects to us at a deeper level, it can be seen as an expression of resilience and faith. As young people, who see the reality of climate change, we ask ourselves questions that almost always have no answers: Will I ever have the chance to raise my children on my homeland? What will happen to our communities and our culture if we’re forced to leave? What does it mean to be indigenous if there's no land to come from?
It is a constant mental battle to try and understand where we stand as a community in the height of these issues. But this is where “Te Mauri, Te Raoi, ao Te Tabomoa” becomes more than just a saying. It becomes a promise to hold each other up in good faith. Giving us the strength to adapt and to stand together during the uncertainties we face. So, to you, the person reading this: I wish you te mauri,te raoi ao te tabomoa.
May you carry peace, health, and prosperity with you always.
Contributor List
Pepetoga Tauiliili - Tapuleele, Sili Neifu & Saipipi: Samoa
Lava Tikeri - Satuimalufilufi , Auala : Samoa
Merroo Tofilau - Iva, Tanugamanono, Saanapu, Siumu: Samoa
Marina Jones - Alesia, Faleula & FogapoaSamoa; Vaini & Niuafo’ou - Tonga
Andre Gaualofa - Fakaofo - Tokelau
Tanumia Matega - Ti’avea, Lalovaea, Vailima: Samoa
Kuinianesa Fesili-Ng Lam Samoa - Tanugamanono, Siumu, Safotu, Fogāpoa
Victoria F Victoria Faafia - Moamoa, Aleisa - Samoa
Reuben Fautua - Afega, Fagaloa, Asau, Lano: Samoa
Urzler Fau -Talimatau, Alafua, Papa Sataua: Samoa
Tautalaleleia Sa’u - Vaimoso, apolima, vaimea, faiaai, satupaitea, letogo, fagalii, moata’a, vaiala, lufilufi, Lotofaga, Leulumoeaga, saleimoa: Samoa
Bekah Ioane-Sa’u Apolima, Vaimoso, Satupa’itea, Vaimea, Leulumoega, Faleula, Fagaloa: Sāmoa Wainuiomata: Aotearoa
Bella Seneuefa Leitupo Suimu, Auala Samoa
Ronita Kauoni Nonouti, Nikunau - Kiribati
Jasper Taito - Nofoalii and falealupo: Samoa
Ronita Kuaoni - Nonouti, Nikunau - Kiribati
