Carrying on the Ancient Pacific Art of Storytelling
Over the centuries, Pacific people have passed down a wealth of knowledge through storytelling. Many of us cherish memories of people sharing these same stories around the kava bowl, in our churches, in our communities and in our homes. We can remember listening intently to...
Danitta Nio-Fretton and JO’LI Elei
Ever arrived at a function in your best outfit, only to spot someone wearing exactly the same thing? Even in today’s ever evolving fashion scene, it can still be hard to stand out from the crowd. Owners of JO’LI, Danitta-Lilly Nio-Fretton and Inez Nio-Goschehave have...
So What’s a Pacific Person Meant to Look Like, Anyway?
When we released “Challenging Pacific Stereotypes” it was less than an hour before my inbox lit up with feedback from a reader. “Great intent to this article but there’s a big hole – what about Pacific Islanders with white skin? Have you considered the things...
Melevaka Vete and Answering the Call to Serve
With an impressive career in the Airline industry, a supportive family within her reach and admiration and love from all who know her, Melevaka Vete seems to have the perfect life. On the outside, everything is thriving, but inside, Mele quietly hears a calling, and feels it...
Giving Yourself Permission to Succeed
As Pacific people, we can feel obliged to gain permission to do things. It’s part of our culture – before entering a new place, new family, even a new job, we’re constantly required to gain permission to arrive, leave and return. Throughout our time at Talanoa, we’ve...
Eremasi Rova and Music Production
So many of our dreams are born when we least expect it. One day we’re going about our normal way and the next we’re totally consumed with an idea, a dream and a goal that takes over our whole life. This is what happened to...
Steven Sisifa and Medical School
After reading our story on Dr Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino, Steven (Veni) Sisifa wrote to us in the hope of encouraging more people to pursue a career in medicine. As young Pacific people, many of us dream of growing up to become a doctor, only to be let down by...
Taking Care of Your Mental Health… and Your Career
Growing up in the Pacific, I never quite grasped the meaning of mental health. It wasn’t until I moved to Australia and began studying and working, did I realise just how serious and devastating it can be to ignore the immense care your mental health...
Dr Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti
After many of our interviews, we walk away having learnt something about young Pacific people who are doing amazing work in their communities and with their lives. After this interview with Dr Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti, I learnt something about myself. I realised just how much I...
David Ware and Madekings Music Group
To survive a difficult childhood and grow into an amazingly creative person is one thing, but to use your talents to help people who come from similar circumstances is a completely different thing altogether. It takes hard work, determination, humility and a willingness to continually learn, collaborate...
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