(UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) Captions by Sam Baker and Jessie Puru. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2025 - Malo le soifua maua ma le lagi e mama. Hafa adai, and welcome to Tagata Pasifika. On the show today ` our Pasifika women get a say at the UN's Global Commission for the Status of Women conference. - It was really important to gain some perspective and see how we can use it to apply it to our own communities. - In our Pacific Wrap, Canterbury University's Dr Steven Ratuva gives his take on Fiji's electoral law review. - The current electoral system has a number of shortcomings which needs to be addressed. - And to mark 50 years of Polyfest, Auckland Girls Grammar's Samoan group siva down memory lane. - It's like, wow ` 50 years. I thank God that we're still alive to do this performance, you know? - Halo olgeta, noa'ia e mauri and afio mai. To our talanoa now, and last week, Marama T-Pole spoke with Caren Rangi and her daughter, Kaiata Kaitao, who were among 15 Pasifika women representing Pacifica Inc at the United Nations in New York. They attended the Global Commission on the Status of Women conference, where they contributed to the discussions on equity and the empowerment of women in the Pacific. - MARAMA: Kia orana, pe'ea korua? - Kia orana, Marama. Meitaki` Meitaki korereka. Pe'ea koe? - Meitaki korereka. Women standing there on the United Nations world stage, repping proud for Pasifika. Tell us why it was so important for you to be there. It was important because it's important that Pacific women have a voice in global conversations, and that's what we were doing there. 15 of us from across our organisation, alongside 10,000 other women from all around the world, talking about issues to do with gender parity, empowerment for women. So it's important that we're there on that stage. - And, Kaiata, for yourself going over ` you weren't the only young person from the group as well going ` tell us how important it was for you to be there. - In a place like the United Nations, the issues that women face are so widespread, but they still apply to us here in New Zealand and in the Pacific. So I think it was really important to gain some perspective and see how we can use it to apply it to our own communities. - And you spoke there as well on a few sessions. Tell us what you shared at the United Nations. - Yes, so I spoke on a panel with women from the Maori Women's Welfare League and the Young Women's Christian Association of Aotearoa, and we discussed why Gen Z leadership is so important and why it has to continue to be developed so that we can see the seat` so that we can see a seat at the table for us. - I know there were some other really important issues that were discussed as well. Mele Wendt talked about family violence as well. Tell us, in terms of these issues that we're facing, where do you see our Pacific women right now? - So I think about the words of our national president, um, Repeka Lelaulu, um, who would have loved to have been here, but she's still travelling. Um, and saying to us as a delegation, we need to be there for our women, but we also need to be there to support Indigenous women, um, who still don't quite have a space in this world stage. And so, um, we need to be there, supporting them, amplifying those voices, and also thinking about the significance for our women and our communities here. - In terms of some of the big issues that we're facing, we're looking at, for example, the pay gap ` there's a gender pay gap in New Zealand of around 7%. For Pacific women, that pay gap is 17%. And issues like diversity as well. We've still got a long way to go, haven't we? - We do. And, you know, it's ironic. I mean, you know this, Marama, that, um, our Pacific women aren't backwards at coming forwards, but even on the New Zealand stage, our voice is still not really acknowledged. And 10 years ago, when I was national president and you interviewed me then, I said then I wanted to see Pacific voices, the voices of Pacific women, being recognised out there. And so hopefully Pasifika going to CSW69 is one of the ways of doing that. - Kaiata, in terms of young Pacific women, and I'm thinking also in terms of Pacifica Inc, where do you see the future of our` of the new generation? - Um, a lot of my older Pacific female role models have discussed with me that people have told them they are succeeding despite being Pacific women. I'm incredibly privileged to think that I'm succeeding because I'm a Pacific woman, so I'd like that mindset to continue forth with our new generation. - The thing I love about Pacifica Inc is that warm bond of sisterhood that's there, that intergenerational thing. How relevant and important is that going forward to the future? - You know, one of the exciting things about being in the delegation is that we were one of two mother-daughter combinations. So we sat alongside Gagau Annandale and her daughter, Amy. Gagau's mother, Elaine, was a founding member of Pacifica. My mother, Kaiata's grandmother, is there, so Pacifica provides that space for that kind of multi-generational leadership to really, really foster. And the sisterhood thing is really huge cos I think more` even more in the kind of uncertain times that we're in, being able to have that sisterhood for support is huge. - It's such a natural thing, isn't it, for our culture in terms of the way we are so close to our sisters, our cousins, our... those female bonds are so important, and Pacifica really does that. - It does. Um, you know, at the same time ` and we laugh about this ` to say you're also hardest on your own. So we have some really good arguments about things too. - And that's only natural. (LAUGHS) - That's only natural. But that's why the space is so important, right? There are important things we need to be thrashing out together. So our time together as a delegation ` 15 of us let loose in New York ` uh, was huge, um, for our own growth as an organisation. And we came from branches from Whangarei, from Wellington, from Napier, from Auckland ` um, came together in this space to really fly the flag for Pacific women. - Love it. Um, Pacifica Inc has really been... a foundation, part of the fabric of our Pacific story in New Zealand. Going forward, do you still see it as being strongly part of that? - I do. But what do you think? - Kaiata? - I think that Pasifika has done a great job, um, moving forward through history. But at this point, we've got to develop further and create something new that will fit our young Pacific women as well, working together intergenerationally to move forward in Aotearoa's history. - Kaiata, all the best to you for the future. I know our future is in good hands with you holding it, and Caren Rangi as well, thank you for joining us on the show. - Thank you. - Thank you for having us. - Meitaki ma'ata. - Meitaki. - Oh, very inspiring. Malo 'aupito ` stay with us. When we come back, we have our Pacific News Wrap, including a visit home for Samoan boxing champion Jai Opetaia. - We're all very grateful to be able to do these things for the kids, so it's one of our goals to, sort of, create these pathways and just build these better relationships and stuff like this. (UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) - Ni sa bula vinaka, and welcome back to Tagata Pasifika. Time now for our Pacific News Wrap thanks to our partners at Pasifika TV, PCBL. Now, in the news this week, a new report on the state of the media in the Solomon Islands is cause for concern, while Fiji is set to host a convention for the eradication of all forms of discrimination against women. Gladys Hartson has the details. - To Fiji first, where a summit to discuss women's rights and equality will be held in Suva next week. Sainimili Magimagi has more. - As the first ever CEDAW convention in the Pacific region takes shape, key gaps have been identified and will be on the agenda next week, ensuring grassroots communities are aware of this framework, designed to protect and support women, remains a priority. - We also have gaps in terms of limited awareness and public engagement. Very few media representatives perhaps know, very few women may know about the actual provisions of the convention. Many will know that they have rights, but what the exact rights contain is something that we're hoping this session will also help us to provide. - Pacific communities' Principle Strategic Lead for Women and Girls Mereseini Rakuita emphasises that addressing the unique challenges faced by women requires a collective effort. - Achieving gender equality is not the business of governments alone. It is something that needs to be addressed by all sectors of our Pacific economies. - As preparations unfold, all eyes are on this year's session. With the Pacific region taking centre stage in these discussions, the question remains, how will this impact women across the region? - To the Solomon Islands, and the state of local media is the subject of a newly released report. Georgina Kekea has more. - A recent report titled 'The State of the Media: Solomon Islands' sheds light on these ongoing struggles despite the growing role of digital and social media platforms. This study, led by ABC International Development, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide's Stretton Institute, reveals dramatic changes in the local media landscape. Traditional print and broadcast media are increasingly moving online, but competition for advertising dollars remains tough. Only a few mainstream media organisations manage to secure advertising deals, with the government being the primary buyer. To adapt, some media outlets have turned to commercial printing services. Still, the heavy reliance on limited advertising and international funding highlights the ongoing financial struggles. International support has been crucial, providing everything from equipment to special project funding. However, many journalists continue to face challenges, including outdated gear and the high cost of travelling to rural areas to cover issues. - During a visit to Fiji last month, University of Canterbury Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific Steven Ratuva shared his views on the country's electoral law review. Kreetika Kumar has this report. - The current electoral system has a number of shortcomings which needs to be addressed. And it's timely that we start looking at that as well. - The electoral laws reform is a build-up towards the next election. - It's going to be a very interesting election with 14 political parties, as well as the new electoral laws and the consequences of that on the results of the election. It's quite interesting to see as well. - In the Cook Islands, the country's autism support group wants to raise awareness of their programs into the outer island Aitutaki. TeRiu Woonton has this report. - Since having Studio Blue, the autism hub, it has been a great space for Autism Cook Islands to run their programs in. Under the supervision of their Transition Program Coordinator, Raywin Papu, the students this week learnt to make impossible pie. - Part of that cooking program ` they're actually learning. It helps them with their literacy as well because` So they have their menu, which they have to read through. They have to do measurements; they have to measure the different products that goes into, obviously, the baking. So they've made muffins so far. They've made vegetable frittata. And then today is an impossible pie. And obviously the great thing about a cooking program is there's always food, so we always say they have a big` They, you know, get to eat after the program and then they get to take the food home as well. - Autism Cook Islands launched their Lego program in Aitutaki, with seven students already registered to take part. - In term two, we will launch a proper program. In Aitutaki it will be an eight-week program. So any, um, parents, teachers, anyone that's got children on the spectrum in Aitutaki, please contact Oa ` she's a teacher aide at Apii Vaitau. I'm pretty sure that everyone will be able to find her and enrol your children on to that program. - And finally, international boxer Jai Opetaia is giving back to his beloved country of Samoa, encouraging more people into the sport. Moeilefue Joachim Smith has more. - World champion Jai Opetaia has donated boxing equipment to the Marist Sports Club, aiming to support the development of young Samoan athletes in the sport. Lemalu John Lemisio, president of the Samoan Marist Sports Club, received the donation acknowledging its significance in giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation of boxers. - We're here to bring some boxing gear, and also my father and coach will be here for a week to, um, you know, teach some skills and help some trainers sort of teach some drills and sort of just help with a bit more development and trying to teach the right things in the sport. So, you know, this is um` again, this is just another stepping stone to where we want to go. - Oh, Fa'afetai, Jai. Gosh, I'm getting a bit homesick looking at all those beautiful stories from the region. All right. After the break, in honour of 50 years of Polyfest, Auckland Girls' Grammar alumni take a walk down memory lane. - Being back on the front lawn, I've got growled at, got screamed at. I think at one point got water thrown at us. (CHUCKLES) And this mu ga la practising in the sun. We did it all. (ENGINE REVS) Oh. OK, turn off the car. (PHONE RINGS) GIRL: Dad! Hey, man. Long time no talk. Yeah, just... I'm teaching Samara how to drive. (BRIGHT MUSIC) Hi! Could you do something for me? SONG: # Oh, baby, you... # Thanks. # You've got what I need # You got everything I need (UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) - Ni sa yadra vinaka and welcome back to Tagata Pasifika. Polyfest celebrates 50 years this week, and for the first time ever, former students from Auckland Girls' Grammar Samoan group will also take to the stage. The group's been taking part since 1977 and, with 30 won first-place wins, has been one of the most successful schools in their category. Ann-Tauilo Motuga went behind the scenes for this story. (GROUP SINGS IN SAMOAN) (GROUP SINGS IN SAMOAN) (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) - Behind every performance lies a rich story that extends far beyond the stage. (ALL SING IN SAMOAN) For Auckland Girls' Grammar Samoan group, this year's alumni performance celebrates a legacy built over four decades. - It started the year before I came on. In 1977 they were non-comp. '78 ` they went into competition. And Auckland Girls, we took it out. - And since their first victory, AGGS has cemented their place as one of the top schools in their category. They placed in the top three 43 times with 31 of those in first place. Polyfest was founded in Otara in 1976, and for the first time in history, an alumni group takes to the stage to celebrate 50 years. - It's like, wow, 50 years. I thank God I'm still alive to do this performance, you know. - I'm proud to be back. Being back on the front lawn, I've got growled at, got screamed at. I think at one point got water thrown at us. (CHUCKLES) And this mu ga la practising in the sun. We did it all. (ALL SING IN SAMOAN) - And they're doing it all once more. The group of 82 have had months of preparations, but with 14 overseas members, it's clear a leader with experience was needed. - I first joined the Auckland Girls' Samoan group in my third form year, which would be year nine, in 1989. (CHUCKLES) So I was in the group from 1989 up until 1993, and then I left school. (SINGS IN SAMOAN) Auckland Girls' had a reputation of coming first throughout the '70s and '80s, so it was, you know, obviously the standard of excellence we had to uphold. So it was very competitive back in the early '90s when I was a part of the AGGS Samoan group. And I think it's carried through right up until today. - Auckland Girls' Grammar! (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) - It's this competitive spirit that kept AGGS at the top of their game every year, and is quite prevalent through the generations, with each one upholding their standard of excellence and pride. - There's a difference in the physicality. I'm not as limber as I used to be, not as quick as I used to be. But in saying that, I don't compromise when it comes to standard of performance. (ALL SING IN SAMOAN) - And maintaining their standard is no easy feat. Creating a historic performance that spans over four decades requires blending tradition with innovation. - It's been a really good challenge because it highlights how things have changed. I can see that a lot of our siva Samoa has added elements of other Polynesian cultures, you know, in their dance. I know siva Samoa can evolve, but it's really important for our younger ones to always look back to their ancestors, to their roots, to ensure that they're staying true to the basic foundation of fa'a Samoa and aganu'u. - It's just great to see our culture carrying on, carrying on in our traditions, and it makes you proud to be Samoan and who we are in our fa'asinomaga to know where we come from. (ALL SING IN SAMOAN) - This performance may highlight the legacy of AGGS, but it also provides a unique moment for mothers and daughters to perform on the same stage. - She's always loved Samoan group and really encouraged us to always be close to our culture, and actually seeing her and being able to perform with her is a privilege more than anything. - They get to see their mum perform with all her sisters. And yeah, there's just no words to really explain the emotion of it. My girls are so proud of me, but I'm proud of them. And so it's going to be a very an emotional day for everybody. There's going to be lots of tears. Today was really beautiful to come together as alumni and as the current students and share that sisterhood, but also that empowerment and uplift each other and encourage each other. - I think it's really special, especially for the younger generation, to learn a lot more of the traditional views that I think, as time went by with Polyfest, people have lost that. And with the alumni group, it's to remind us where we came from and our heritage. - And to help keep that reminder alive was AGGS' former educator, Toesulu Brown. - Don't forget you are here representing your mum, your dad, your families and your village and, of course, your country. Which is..? - ALL: Samoa! - Exactly! - Toesulu Brown has always been like the matriarch of our Samoan group. She was able to understand our struggles as New Zealand-born Samoan trying to balance culture and our, you know, academic, uh, work. (GROUP SINGS IN SAMOAN) - For many, Polyfest is more than just a festival. It's a safe space to celebrate their culture and their identity as Aucklanders. - When we're at home in Samoa, you are labelled a Palagi. And then when you're in school and you're at work, you're labelled a coconut. So the festival is hugely important because you can go there and be all right. (LAUGHS) That's where we belong. (ALL SING IN SAMOAN) - As the day of the performance draws near, their journey together comes to an end. But what will remain forever is their cultural pride and their sisterhood. - You know, once they're AGGS, they're always the AGGS, you know, and you just want to come back and give back. - It doesn't matter how old you are, how young you are. The same theme throughout the generations is our pride to show our Samoan culture, especially for us New Zealand-born or those born outside of Samoa. (ALL EXCLAIM) - Malo aupito, our beautiful sisters. Goodness me. It's reminded me of my Polyfest days ` mostly growlings from my mother. But good luck to the Teine o le Kalama alumni. They will perform later today. And also good luck and congratulations to everyone taking part as well. Mauruuru roa and ko batin rabwa. That's the end of our show. If you want to see any of our stories again or the latest Pacific news, go to tpplus.co.nz or TVNZ+. Have a great weekend, you beautiful people. 'Ofa lahi atu. Nana. Kia orana e kia manuia. Captions by Sam Baker and Jessie Puru. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.