Stories by Tiana Haxton
News
Empowering young people to embrace their cultural identity
Established in 2016, Tautua Dance Academy quickly gained recognition for its traditional Siva Samoa programs in schools.
'Opera world needs more Polynesian people, language, and culture'
Pasifika opera singers say there is a demand for Polynesian talent in the prestigious art form after tear-jerking performances at Opera in Rarotonga event. Audio
Review: Travis Scott’s Circus Maximus Tour a mind-bending experience
The sold-out show at Eden Park was full of energy, from both the rapper and the 50,000 strong crowd.
Celebrating young artists: 12-year-old Mama Ra crowned Cook Islands Has Talent winner
From emotional ballads to powerhouse performances, from soul-felt guitar to traditional ukulele showcases, the competition uncovered hidden gems in the island community.
Cook Islands Games conclude with fireworks and record participation
Four thousand athletes and staff participated in 25 sports, including beach handball, volleyball, rugby, athletics, speed coconut husking, and tree climbing.
Cook Islands Games kicks off this weekend
Over 3000 athletes, representing 11 islands, will be participating in the third edition of the two-week multi-sport event, which kick off in Rarotonga this weekend. Audio
'Accelerate efforts without delay': Nauru president on deep sea mining
President David Adeang has told global leaders at the United Nations that the world will miss out on decarbonising the planet if deep sea mining does not start immediately.
New weather radar to 'save people's lives'
A new weather radar installed at the at Fua'amotu Airport is expected to empower Tonga to issue crucial early warnings, reducing the impact of severe weather on vulnerable communities.
Fiji wants to learn from China's success - Rabuka
The Fijian PM joins other Pacific leaders, from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru, who have had the red carpet rolled out by Beijing this year.
Hawaii bans seabed mining
Hawaii's new legislation banning seabed mining has come into force Tuesday after it was signed into law by Governor Josh Green. Audio
Stakeholders meet to discuss climate resilience in education
Regional 'Safe Schools' lead John Lilo said Pacific school children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters. Audio
Young people urged to "step up" following world's largest Pacific festival
More than 500 young people were part of delegations representating 25 nations. Miss Pacific Islands Moemoeana Schwenke says it's time for youth to take the lead. Audio
FestPAC 2024: 'All types of carving from all across the Pacific'
Master carvers from across the region have spent the week side by side, carving giant exhibition pieces to be displayed this weekend.
FestPAC 2024: Pacific traditional leaders sign Tuurama Ariki Declaration
The declaration solidifies their commitment to strengthen relationships and share knowledge on how to collectively face challenges confronting Pacific people.
FestPAC 2024: 'Fight against the extinction of Pacific people'
A community elder from Guam says the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture event is about more than "revitalising cultures". Audio
FestPAC: 'One body, one people, one ocean, one Pacific'
It was a sentiment echoed loudly and proudly by all other parading nations at the official opening of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawai'i.
FestPAC 2024: Celebration of indigenous Pacific islanders kicks off this week
Hundreds of indigenous Pacific islanders are gathered in Hawai'i for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture. Audio
Pacific nations at SIDS4 hope for 'meaningful' outcomes
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from around the world are in Antigua and Barbuda to develop a 10 year prosperity and sustainable development plan. Audio
34 more dengue cases in latest Samoa numbers
This brings the total cases reported since November last year to 250. Audio
Cook Islands LGBTQIA+ community celebrates 'progress, inclusivity, unity'
The country's inaugural Pride Week - Anuanua Week - was full of colourful activities and events exploring the diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities and their rights across the Pacific. Audio
Cook Islands cryptocurrency bill 'reason for concern' - justice minister
Drumcliffe, a high-value debt collector specialising in international asset seizure, hired at least two Cook Islands-based lawyers to draft the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023. Audio
Call for enhanced efforts to tackle TB crisis in PNG
The Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea has renewed calls to end childhood tuberculosis which impacts thousands of young lives in light of world health day.
Pasifika, Maori leaders seeking legal personhood for whales make 'a big statement'
Aotearoa's Kiingi Tuheitia and the Cook Islands Kaumaiti Nui Tou Ariki have signed a declaration that aims to give to'orā more robust protections that are recognised internationally. Audio
Niue students promote language in Aotearoa
Primary school students from Niue visit New Zealand on a cultural exchange promoting Vagahau Niue.
ASB Polyfest: A showcase of cultural diversity and youth empowerment
From the rhythmic beats of Cook Islands drums to the grace and elegance of Siva Samoa, the festival brought together over 200 teams from 69 schools across Aotearoa.