Pacific Storytelling: confidence, courage and connection
Storytelling isn’t just about speaking. It’s also about showing. We don’t always tell our stories through our words. We show them through our actions, our work, and most importantly, in the way we treat people. For centuries, Pacific people across Oceania have been telling their stories....
Chelsea Jessie-Rae Costello
When I first met Chelsea, I was instantly drawn to her. There’s a likeness in her spirit that’s articulated beautifully even before she speaks. This is a story of her life’s journey – her love for art and the driving force behind her happiness. I...
Peter Sipeli: Advocacy Through the Art of Storytelling
For over 20 years, Peter Sipeli has been telling his story. His concept is simple. Stories humanise people. They show that we all face the same choices, struggles and triumphs. His hope is also simple. That through his story, people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender...
Shiva Gounden, Making a Meaningful Difference through Humanitarian Aid
What I love most about Talanoa is the amazing people I meet. People like Shiva, a true humanitarian who’s dedicated his life to the service of others, and to making this planet a little bit better than it was before. His story begins on the...
Julia Arnott-Neenee
Julia Arnott-Neenee is one of a kind. A recent graduate from the University of Canterbury, she’s landed scholarships across the globe, won finalist awards in competitions, led major research projects and secured positions at international award-winning advertising agencies. She gives back to her community through volunteering,...
Amy Maslen-Miller, a Samoan Scientist
We love how passionate Amy is about challenging and redefining Pacific stereotypes. She understands these stereotypes through experience, and says that she’s often on the receiving end of confused looks as she defies the typical definition of a Pacific person in her community. Her diversity...
Varanisese Nalewadamu Rogoimuri
With a law degree under her belt, Varanisese Rogoimuri is young, ambitious and ready to make a difference. In the last 12 months, she’s graduated from university, established a nonprofit organisation, been an advocate for domestic violence victims and young Fijians, and most recently, founded...
Does my Gender Define Who I am as a Pacific Person?
Every culture has something to be ashamed of, but every culture also has the right to change, to challenge negative traditions, and create to new ones. – Ralph Nader Pacific culture is not exempt from shame. We have much to be proud of, but we also...
Joseph Vuicakau: Music, Fijian Meke and a Connection with Community
Why is music and dance so important to Pacific people? Joseph Vuicakau says it connects community with culture, and that there’s much more to our beloved Fijian meke than a show for entertainment. A talented musician and dancer, you’d think we’d run into Joseph at...
Clarence Dass: Punk Rocker, Filmmaker, Artist and Comic Explorer
“Their work is pretty good for someone from the Pacific.” No artist wants to hear those words, particularly Clarence Dass, a Pacific writer, musician, filmmaker, artist and comic explorer. With a natural love for storytelling, his story begins in Fiji, saving lunch money to buy...
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