Stories From The Pacific

A curious child growing up, if Tarisi wasn't exploring the forest, she would be sitting in the corner reading a book. She thrived on learning new things. The first in her family to go to University, Tarisi continued her studies throughout her adult life, completing her Phd at the age of 43. The path hasn't always been straightforward, with her family relocating to New Zealand after the 2000 Milita...

For Andrew Kuliniasi, school and home life were tough, but from a young age, he discovered theatre and it quickly became his refuge. Writing his first play when he was just 15 years old, and now in his early 20s, Andrew has gone on to write and direct many more. The award-winning playwright and theatre director joins Bobby Macumber on Stories from the Pacific to talk about how he now has his sight...

Finau grew up watching her brothers play soccer from the sidelines. When they were short on players, she got to join in. As an adult, she no longer had to wait her turn. Finau went on to represent Fiji in soccer, alongside her two brothers who played soccer and rugby for Fiji. They stood side by side at the Pacific Games. It was years later that Finau saw a female referee for the first time, not r...

When Samoan-Tongan Thomas Fonua was 16, he had a life-changing decision to make. Either play for New Zealand’s under-19 rugby team, the first step towards becoming an All Black, or join Black Grace, New Zealand’s premier contemporary dance company. Thomas' dad warned him against choosing dance over rugby, fearing that people would judge him, but he chose not to take his dad’s advice and ended up t...

The tradition of storytelling is a huge part of life in the Pacific. Stories connect generations, bridge political differences, record histories and create community.  Hosted by the warm and welcoming Bobby Macumber, Stories from the Pacific draws you deep into the lives of Pacific Islanders who have seen and done amazing things.  From sports people to farmers, artists to teachers, activists to en...