Stories by Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
News
Polyfest 2025: Meet the volunteers behind the scenes
"We've got all sorts of walks of life, but it's for the community as always."
Polyfest 2025: Opening day unveils two diversity stages for the first time
Intermittent rain does little to deter visitors on the first day of the New Zealand Pasifika community's biggest celebration of the year. Audio
Samoa declares state of emergency amid severe power crisis
Prime Minister Fiame says it allows the government to implement measures to manage the energy supply, protect public health, and maintain essential services.
Widow of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins wants inquiry into his death
The widow of late Green Party MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins is calling for an inquest into his death, accusing the organisers of the charity event he was attending at the time of failing him. Audio
Fa'anānā Efeso Collins' widow reflects on grief, legacy, and a life without him
Vasa Fia Collins opens up about the heartbreak of losing him, the struggles of grief, and the powerful legacy he left behind in an exclusive interview with RNZ Pacific.
'My grandpa is waiting for his son' - family of man who died in police custody try to get body home
Fa'asala Sam Matue died after being tasered by police. Audio
Samoan PM defeats second no-confidence vote in two weeks
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has defeated a no-confidence motion against her minority government for a second time in as many weeks.
Samoa parliament debates no-confidence motion against Fiame
This is the second leadership challenge in as many weeks against the beleaguered leader, who heads a minority government after a split in the ruling FAST party.
Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins 'dream big' as they hope to make impact in world rugby
Demielle and Christabelle, twin sisters, have been selected to play for Penina Pasifika, a team established in collaboration with Rugby Australia and the Australian government.
Mural in memory of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins becomes 'a source of healing and joy'
The late Auckland councillor and Green MP collapsed while taking part in a charity run in Auckland in February last year.
Samoan parliament to vote on no-confidence motion against PM
A motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa will be the first item on the agenda when Samoa's parliament convenes on Tuesday. Audio
Solomon Islands considers fraud charges against Samoan beauty pageant judge
Solomon Islands Home Affairs Minister Junior Isikeli Vave says that he initially considered letting the matter go, but as more allegations surfaced, he decided to intervene.
Fa'anānā Efeso Collins remembered a year on: 'It's hard to speak of him in the past tense'
"It feels as if he's still with us, such was his influence on our lives," a Manukau councillor says.
Over 400 Samoans reclaim NZ citizenship
The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed that more than 950 applications have been received since the passing of the Samoa Citizenship Restoration Act.
District affected by Manawanui disaster continues to smell fuel
A spokesperson for the community says the Safata district deserves equitable treatment and fair compensation.
'I am considering legal action against Tonga'
Samoan beauty pageant judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt speaks out on the Miss Pacific Islands controversy after being held in Solomon Islands.
'Beyond us': Solomons govt steps in to handle beauty pageant controversy
Miss Solomon Islands Pageant director Joyce Konofilia has called for calm as tensions rise on social media.
China donates $30,000 to communities within a day of request
The Chinese embassy in Apia made an initial donation amid Manawanui compensation talks, and a spokesperson for Safata district says "this is only the beginning" with "other projects" under discussion.
Communities affected by Manawanui sinking seek support from China
The Chinese embassy in Apia met with villagers in Safata district to discuss how Beijing can assist them.
Eight contestants compete for Miss Pacific Islands crown
The countries represented at this year's event are Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and the Cook Islands. Audio
What you need to know about Samoa's political crisis
The country is facing political turmoil due to deep divisions within government factions, with some blaming the Samoan diaspora for the situation.
Zyon Maiu'u signs with Bulldogs
The 21-year-old Warriors front-rower said it was a tough decision, but it was "time to give back" to his parents.
Samoa seeks NZ support for more K9 after seizing 10kg of meth
Police commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said police and customs officials intercepted the drugs in a shipping container from the United States, concealed in cereal-like packaging.
Show must go on: Polyfest organisers vow resilience
Despite a shortfall in promised government funding, Polyfest's organisers say that the resilience of Pacific people will keep the festival alive.
Student leaders gather to celebrate upcoming 50th Polyfest anniversary
"Being in an environment like this, where Polyfest embraces and expresses your culture, is an honor," Polyfest participant says