By Elena Pasilio* in Tokelau
Te-Hina Paopao has never set foot on the atolls of Tokelau where her family roots run but she has cemented her footprints in Tokelau history as the first of Tokelau heritage to be drafted into the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
"I loved it," she said on Zoom about taking her historic place in the league.
"It's something I'm proud of and something I'm going to cherish."
WMBA star Te-Hina Paopao celebrates being drafted with her family. Photo: Supplied/ Te-Hina Paopao
When Te-Hina Paopao was drafted by the Atlanta Dream on April 14, 2025, she didn't attend the draft venue in New York City and instead chose to celebrate with her close family and friends in Oceanside, California.
Adorned in flower garlands and crown, a puletasi matching pair with her family and a tifa - the traditional Tokelauan wear that honours the value of women - she carried her Polynesian heritage with quiet pride.
"Something that I'm actually really proud of was wearing a pule (tasi) at my draft party," Te-Hina shared with RNZ. "We wore it as a family unit, me and my siblings and my dad and mum were matching with the same fabric."
FROM LEFT: Isaia Paopao, losefa Aviu, Tiare Paopao, Te-Hina Paopao, Te-Hina Nansen (Niece), Paul Paopao (Father) Linkoln Nansen (Nephew) Diana Aviu Paopao (Mother) Israel Paopao. Photo: supplied/ Te-Hina Paopao
For Te-Hina, this special day wasn't just about personal achievement - it was about representation.
"It's something that I wanted to showcase because not a lot of people know about our culture, especially in the league," she said.
"And that's something that I wanted to start off on the right foot was letting people know that I'm really proud of my culture."
Te-Hina's choice of traditional attire and her decision to celebrate with her family was a statement in a space where Pacific representation is rare.
"You'll see me wearing more pule (tasi) before game days," she said. "So, you know, tune in, see what the fabric will be looking like."
Te-Hina Paopao with her family. Photo: supplied/ Te-Hina Paopao
For young aspiring Pacific Island athletes watching her rise, Te-Hina's message emphasises the importance of leaning on family support, on cultural heritage and an unwavering sense of faith.
"There's no pressure at all, just be who you are," she urges kids in the Pacific. "Have great faith, trust in God, lean on your family because your family's always gonna have your back. Trust the process and just take it one day at a time."
Although she has made history, Te-Hina spoke to RNZ with the humility of someone who knows her journey is only beginning.
"The work doesn't stop," she said. "I mean, now I got a job - and that job is to play basketball. And outside of that, I'm just speaking on who I am and trying to bring everyone to know more about my culture."
*This story was written by Elena Pasilio, who is Nukunonu's environment officer and a trained journalist.
