(UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) - Kia orana, malo ni, noa'ia, ni sa bula vinaka and welcome to Tangata Pasifika. Malo 'etau lava. It's great to be back for our first show this year. We've got a slightly different look as we will be bringing you stories from the Pacific region thanks to our broadcasting partners, Pasifika TV. So, coming up on the show ` the star of the hit New Zealand film Tina, Anapela Polataivao, joins us in studio. - Patia. Tolu-tolu-fa! OK. That's a work in progress. - From the Pacific region, Pacific nations mark International Women's Day. - It identifies a key areas where women are involved to highlight their achievements and to continue to push for inclusivity and gender equality. - And Niueans gather in Auckland for the inaugural Hologa Niue festival. - When they say Vagahau Niue is dying ` this is our fight to try and save it. - Fakaaue lahi. But first to our talanoa, and here with me now in the studio is the lovely Anapela Polataivao, who plays Mareta Percival in the hit film Tina. Taeao manuia, Anapela. - Taeao manuia, John. - Great to see you. Now, 'aiga, if you haven't seen the film, have a look at this. - Mum, please, can you help me warm up? - OK. Breathe. - # A o lenei... # e Ieova o lo taua leoleo mamoe. # (ALL VOCALISE) - If you disrespect the master, you exercise. - Girl power! - This is a teaching institution. Otherwise, you'd get the jandal. With love, of course. Focus on the breaths around you. The space between us connects us. - Fa'afetai, fa'afetai. Talofa, malo once again, Anapela, for joining us in the studio. - Thank you. - Now, in the story, you play Mareta, who's dealing with grief. Tell us a little bit more about the storyline. - So, yes, Mareta is dealing with grief ` um, tragic event that has happened in her life, and in the film, she is desperately trying to hold on. Um, and she goes through... quite a spiralling-under journey ` but at the same time uplifting, you know? Without wanting to give too much away. - Ko ia. Cos we do still want people to go and see the film... - Yeah, absolutely. - ...which is now screening across 128 locations in New Zealand, as well as Papua New Guinea, the Pacific, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa as well. You've even had to travel to some of these destinations. - Yeah. What's the reception been like? - Oh, it's been incredible. Uh, Fiji ` incredible. We went to Hawaii... - Io. - ...Samoa and of course` - You launched in Hawaii, yeah? - We did. We launched in Hawaii. It premiered in Hawaii... - Ko ia. - ...maybe about a couple of months ago now. - Ko ia. - But, um... it's just been such a humbling response. And if` You know, it's been a bit, um, overwhelming, to say the least. Yeah. - Ko ia. Well, thanks to you, I cried. - (LAUGHS) - I cried in the studio and in the cinemas. - You're a crier. - I know I am. - And there was a moment I had to keep looking at the ceiling just to hold the tears. - (CHUCKLES) Yes. - But what was the`? You know, what was it like speaking to some of the viewers when you got to speak to some at the cinemas after the movie? - Um, the same thing. And I think what I love about it is because it's Pacific, um, and also throughout it` woven throughout is, like, our values about, you know, respect and fa'aaloalo and sort of, like, moving together as a unit, um, there were lots of the people that were also responding in that way, by... in their own` sort of their lives, in whatever's going on, is` there's healing processes and also a cathartic response to the film. So... I know that a lot of them also were saying, 'Now that we've taken our family, 'I want to go back by myself so I can just have my own moment and cry by myself.' - (CHUCKLES) Ko ia. - So` You know what I mean? It's just like` It's been a beautiful response, John. - Well, you are a beautiful person yourself, cos you've done so well. - Thank you. - You've done acting since 2002 ` you've done theatre, television and now cinema. You've even won a Best Actress with your film the Night Shift. Congratulations. - Yes. Thank you. - You've done so well. - Thank you. - Who gave you permission to be so amazing? - (LAUGHS) - Goodness me. Fantastic. - My parents. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Tell us about life now, since, you know, this recent success of Tina. - Um, it doesn't stop. You know, I've still got stuff coming up in the pipeline. I still have my own personal works in the theatre as well as some... some stuff cooking on the sideline for... hopefully in this genre ` um, in film. So... it doesn't stop, eh? You just continue. And then, of course, I've got my children; you know, I` my parents live with me. So it's always` So, like, this is amazing, and then you go home to what's really keeping you grounded, and that's my family. And also never forgetting those that have also supported me throughout. This is really not an individual journey. - Yeah. - People say, 'Oh, you've done da-da...' And it's like, yes, absolutely ` I may be the face of it, but behind me and, you know, on my side ` um, by my side ` has been so many people supporting all throughout. I mean, you know. All of our... our colleagues and our peers, our family and friends that also support and help to make the vision come true. - And you've done it` Well, this` Will you be looking at other roles, maybe directing or going behind the camera? - Oh, I would love to, absolutely. I'd love to go behind the scenes. Because it's just... We're telling a story, right? It's like` In my whole theatre world and my life in the theatre, it's me being a storyteller and me telling the story of what the writer wants. - Yeah. - So I'd love to. - Yeah. - Debut. - Ko ia. Ko ia. Well, you've got the` You've had the chance to work with the director/writer/producer Miki Magasiva. - Yes. Yes. - And a beautiful tribute for his late brother as well. - Yes. - But you're starring alongside Beulah Koale, Nicole Whippy as well ` a great thing for Pasifika, Pasifika people telling our own stories. - Yeah, absolutely. But it's also wonderful having people... And you're watching them go` And... They're not newbies to the game. You know what I mean? They deserve every moment of the spotlight. You know what I mean? Because you've worked so hard for it. And it's not to say that as an artist, you know, this is 'it' ` when you make it on screen, this is 'it'. It's not. As a working actor and artist, there is no end game. You know, this is something that you're gonna grow old with, you know? So the whole way through, you're... everything about sharpening the tools, sharpening your eye ` you're becoming more defined in what you do and in your work. So, yes, big... a massive salute to my, um` my coworkers and co-stars. - Ko ia. Any final message? We're just` I've been told we're wrapping up, unfortunately, but, uh, your final message for our community? Cos may I just add ` congratulations; Tina has spent three weeks at number one in the box office... - Yes. - ...and you've earned over $3 million. Congratulations to you and the team. - Well, I haven't` I know you` (LAUGHS) - Well, no, I was gonna say ` if you could loan me some, if` - Absolutely (!) (BOTH LAUGH) We'll just go talk to Miki and Mario. - (LAUGHS) And just your final message to our community. - Um... just a big, massive thank you. A big, massive, um, fa'afetai tele lava for the love and support. It really is a community... as an 'aiga, this is what we do, and together ` like the movie, funnily enough ` we'll get there. - Yeah. - Yeah. But thank you so much. - Congratulations. - Thank you. - Malo 'aupito, Anapela. All right. Maururu. Well, stay with us; when we come back ` a Pacific News Wrap connecting us to the region ` Tonga launches the Election Commission's Disability Access Working Group. - The signing of these key documents signal our shared commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ability, have the opportunity ` and, indeed, have the right ` to fully participate in the democratic process. (PHONE CHIMES) SONG: # You # You've got what I need... # Thank you, Sam! You're welcome, Wendy. # You're like medicine to me... # VOICEOVER: Wonderful stories enter our stores every day. Find your wonderful. New World. SONG: # You're as cold as ice... # What's your address? Not telling. What's your bank account number? 123... Nah! Would you be interested in... Nope. How about a deal... Nah! Pay here! (*Pfffft SOUND*) Negative. Not. Telling. (PHONE RINGS) # Cold # As # Ice... # Hello? My card number? It's, um... Ooh, yeah! # You're as cold as ice... # (UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) - Fa'atalofa atu i le mamalu ole tatou atunu'u. Welcome back to Tagata Pasifika. Now, this year, through our partner at Pasifika TV and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited, PCBL, we will be including news and stories of interest from Pacific broadcasters in the region. Here's this week's wrap with Gladys Hartson. - To the Solomon Islands. Members of Parliament gathered this week to farewell former Prime Minister Sir Francis Hilly, who passed away aged 77. SIBC reporter Simon Tavake has more. - A state funeral for the late Sir Francis Billy Hilly was held today in Honiara. The body of the late statesman was transported from his home to the National Parliament. In Parliament, the body laid in state where Members of Parliament, senior government officials and other dignitaries paid their respect. A funeral service was held at the Wesley United Church. Honourable Manasseh Sogavare, in his eulogy, reflected on Sir Hilly's life. - Here is a man who took his leadership role as head of government and steward of government policy seriously. He believed in the policy of his government and get it implemented ` I guess, a trait worthy of emulation. Ladies and gentlemen, my admiration for his convictions about his vision for a better Solomon Islands continues. - And in more political news, two Pacific nations are working behind the scenes in preparation for the upcoming elections. The Kingdom of Tonga Electoral Commission has signed an MOU allowing for a more inclusive election. Tonga News reporter Betty Blake Ilolahia explains. - During the programme, the Governance Advisor of SPC, 'Alifeleti Soakai, emphasised that the objective of the proposed plan is to ensure that people with disabilities are able to access the same opportunities and facilities as others who are fully able. - An important milestone in Tonga's journey towards more inclusive and participatory elections. The launch of the commission's Election Disability Access Working Group and the signing of these key documents signal our shared commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ability, uh, have the opportunity and indeed have the right to fully participate in the democratic process. - Meanwhile, the ongoing political turmoil in Samoa continues, while the Electoral Commissioner is encouraging voters to register for the 2026 election. TV1 Samoa reporter Jack Seumanutafa has more. - Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party is planning another move to oust Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and her minority government. Party leader La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt told the media that this is a serious matter and they cannot wait until the next parliamentary session to table another motion. - The second phase of our registration started this week, on Monday. We have completed Anoama'a. Uh, today, they are at Va'a-o-Fonoti. Tomorrow, they'll be moving to Aleipata. And they'll be circulating the whole island of Upolu, completing in Faleata and Vaimauga. Once we completed, um... the whole of Upolu, then our team will move to Savai'i. - Voters are encouraged to register before September 30 to avoid the hefty fine of 2000 tala. - Please make use of the opportunity that we've given. Um, we've spent a lot of money. - Pacific women marked International Women's Day, celebrating this year's themes for rights, equality and empowerment. CEO of Niue Chamber of Commerce says it's important to mark the occasion. - It identifies key areas where women are involved to highlight their achievements and to continue to push for inclusivity and gender equality not only in Niue, but also globally. - And in Papua New Guinea, women in the police force from the Western Province turned out to celebrate the day. - It's a milestone that we have it here ` it's our first steps here ` and I think that, every year, this could happen. - To the Cook Islands, and a five-day symposium to create a curriculum to highlight language, culture, traditions and history will bring guests from across the motu, New Zealand and Australia. - What became very clear to us was the big push by the community to look at language ` Maori language revitalisation. - And it has the support from government. - One of the things that the Ministry has done is to make it compulsory, from early childhood to grade six, to speak Maori. - The symposium takes place in April, and guest speakers include Sir Ian Taylor. And in preparation for the Hong Kong Sevens later this month, Fiji have their sights on reclaiming another title. While Fiji have 19 wins under their belt, the last one was back in 2019. Fiji captain says the team is ready. - TRANSLATOR: My message to the boys before every match is to look out for each other ` just that and teamwork. - We need to get better at learning when to go fast and when to go slow. - The tournament kicks off March 28th. - Yeah, some very good advice there. Vinaka vakalevu. And we'll have more from the region each week on Tagata Pasifika. Now, after the break, matavuvale, Niueans get together to keep their language and culture alive. - I'm so excited to perform today, and it just shows how proud I am to be from my village, as well as seeing my other villages. It's beautiful. SONG: # You're as cold as ice... # What's your address? Not telling. What's your bank account number? 123... Nah! Would you be interested in... Nope. How about a deal... Nah! Pay here! (*Pfffft SOUND*) Negative. Not. Telling. (PHONE RINGS) # Cold # As # Ice... # Hello? My card number? It's, um... Ooh, yeah! # You're as cold as ice... # (PHONE CHIMES) SONG: # You # You've got what I need... # Thank you, Sam! You're welcome, Wendy. # You're like medicine to me... # VOICEOVER: Wonderful stories enter our stores every day. Find your wonderful. New World. - Fakaalofa lahi atu ki a mutolu oti, and welcome back to Tagata Pasifika. Now, according to UNESCO, Vagahau, the Niue language, is among four Pacific languages ` including Tokelauan, Rotuman, Cook Islands Maori and Tuvaluan ` listed as endangered. But you would never know that with the huge turnout at the very first Hologa Niue festival, held in Auckland recently, where thousands of tagata Niue hit the stage to not only showcase their pride but also to keep their culture alive. (BRIGHT NIUEAN MUSIC PLAYS) It's one of the smallest but proudest Pacific nations. - Chee-hoo-hoo! - It's never been done before. It's the first in history. We have nothing to lose but everything to gain. And as you can see here today, our people want this. Our people are excited. (TRADITIONAL MUSIC PLAYS, PERFORMERS SING) - Tangata Niue from all over Auckland showcasing their identity at the inaugural Hologa Niue arts and cultural festival. - Monu Tagaloa! I feel the spirit of the community. It brought the whole community together ` both the young right up to the... The most senior one in our group was 96, so there you go. The energy is there today. Yeah. - Each group had around six weeks to prepare, and for some, they've been longing for this day to come. - We've been waiting for something like this, and it is just a blessing that we're able to carry on, um, our culture and just keep it alive for the younger generation that are coming up. It's so exciting. I'm so excited to perform today, and, um, it just shows how proud I am to be from my village, as well as seeing my other villages. It's beautiful. (TRADITIONAL MUSIC PLAYS, PERFORMERS SING) - Today, the 13 villages of Niue have 15 minutes on stage. It's not a competition; it's more of a celebration. (ALL CHANT, CLAP, DRUM BEATS RHYTHM) (CHEERING) - For years, we have tried, you know, to bring people together. But this time, this is what we are after, you know, to revive the traditional songs, the dances of our tupuna. And, you know, it's great. It's great to see a lot of people here today. - And it's those traditions that are helping Niueans to reconnect with their tupuna. - Obviously, growing up in New Zealand and being part of the diaspora, I feel automatically closer to my Maori side. But having this Hologa Niue has been, I think ` not just for me, but for many of the New Zealand-born Niueans ` to reconnect to their villages. (CHOIR HARMONISE, RHYTHMIC TAPPING) - More than 30,000 Niue people live in Aotearoa ` way more than those living back in the homeland. And being away from home has its challenges. - When they say Vagahau Niue is dying, this is our fight to try and save it. So we have to do something. So, Holonga Niue stands for 'Descendants of Niue'. It's a celebration of bringing all 13 villages of Niue-fekai to come together as one. - Families from Niue's capital, Alofi ` which is made up of two villages ` have combined for their special performance. - We're here, and we're proud, and we're ready to go. And as you can see, the sea of red is, uh, definitely in full force. - Days before the show, the 250 performers in the group have become one big family. - This is one way to bring us all together and to also, uh... to have that multi-generational learning between our matuas and also our young ones, and it's just beautiful to revive some of our songs and also, as you see here, our hiapo, which is another art form of our Niue culture which needs a lot more exposure. (ROLLING DRUM BEAT, CHANT LEADER CALLS) - It's that exposure that's vital to the New Zealand-born so they're able to keep their mother tongue alive. - I was able to speak Niuean fluently as a kid, but over time, I've lost the ability. Can only, um, understand when people speak Niuean. I've, um... Slowly, I'm regaining my Vagahau Niue. - (SPEAKS NIUEAN) - Being Niuean in New Zealand, it's quite challenging to find opportunities like this. So to be able to be a part of the Holonga ` honestly, just immense amount of pride, get to rep our ancestors, our cultures and, of course, our village. - A great sense of pride Niue's young people are keen to uphold. - Growing up, I know some people don't really speak Niuean, but, yeah, after today's performance, you know, everyone's gonna go home and, like, sing the Niuean songs that they learned and be proud of their culture and everything. (GROUP SING A CAPELLA) - A good sign for the future ` there are plans to hold this festival every two years. - It looks very promising, because again, us tangata Niue, tama Niue, us New Zealand-born, we're... we're taking the fight. We'll say, 'Come, challenge us. We want to save it. 'We may be New Zealand-born, but we've got a lot to show, and we've got a lot to say.' (GROUP SING, PERCUSSION PLAYS) - Fakaaue lahi. And which is why I'm also wearing yellow as well, cos now I'm Niuean as well. That's the end of our show. If you want to see any of our stories again or the latest Pacific news, go to... or TVNZ+. Next week, Marama T-Pole will be in the studio, and we'll have more from the region. For now... (SPEAKS ISLAND LANGUAGE) Have a great weekend, Aotearoa. Malo 'aupito ho mou me'a mai, ka mou me'a aa. Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.