Stories by Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai

Head chef and owner Henry Onesemo holds the distinguished title of being the first Samoan to have his business named 'New Restaurant of the Year' at the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2024.

This was a central theme among Pacific stakeholders at the two-day Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland this week.

Reigning Miss Fa'afafine Samoa's initiative launched to educate Samoan young people about their heritage and promote cultural arts and performances that celebrate their unique identities. Audio

Fiji's Melania Tora and Samoa's Litara Ieremaia-Allan, both 24, were crowned Miss Hibiscus (in Suva) and Miss Samoa (in Apia) on Saturday.

The melodious voices of sopranos, tenors, and bass filled the room at Le Maota Samoa on Sunday, as the Samoan community paid their respects to victims of the Ramarama tragedy.

As Kiingi Tuheitia's tangi concludes on Thursday, the community waits with bated breath for the announcement of who will succeed him, carrying forward his legacy of unity and inclusivity.

Nu'ulua Fa'aofo finds strength in her faith after the loss of her husband, Uili, in a motorway crash at Ramarama.

Aotearoa's Samoan community and NZ First discuss citizenship bill, honour late Māori king and RSE workers killed in Auckland car crash.

Nu'ulua Fa'aofo is remembering her husband, Uili Fa'aofo, as a loving, hardworking father and uncle who cared for his family.

More than 300 leaders representing nations throughout the Pacific paid tribute to Kiingi Tuuheitia at Koroneihana celebrations hosted at Tuurangawaewae Marae.

Daniel Rankin, 29, is a baker and has taken TikTok by storm.

Samoa's sports minister hits back at claims by Lakapi Samoa chairman that the government failed to fund the national men's 15s team's Europe tour in November.

"We hear climate change this, climate change that, there's a flurry of activity and then it's done, but this is an ongoing issue," a University of Waikato researcher says. Audio

Cook Islands' Antony Vavia, 28, is first Pacific islander to graduate with a doctoral degree within marine sciences from Auckland University of Technology.

Manu Samoa has pulled out of their 2024 Northern Hemisphere tour because of a financial crisis, which World Rugby said is of the union's own making.

A World Rugby spokesperson said the financial troubles faced by Lakapi Samoa "are a direct consequence of decisions taken by the union". Audio

In a letter, dated 11 July 2024, Lakapi Samoa chair wrote to World Rugby chair, saying the union wants to "avoid embarrassment of being the first small union to go bankrupt".

The Centre for Sustainable Futures will be a place of "seamless blending of expertise, diverse knowledge, indigenous wisdom and knowledges alongside modern science", the USP says.

A Sāmoan academic says many younger people may not be fully aware of the background of the flags they raise during events and in support of their national sports teams, like the Toa Sāmoa. Audio

Broderick Mervyn, 28, is the youngest recipient of the Vanuatu Independence Commemorative Medal. He says the country's leadership in recognising emerging leaders.

While Sāmoan language experts agree there have been discussions for a more consistent written and reading text, there are mixed views on the use of using macrons and glottal stops. Audio

Papua New Guinea police have arrested five people in connection with the brutal attacks in Angoram district that left around 25 people dead last week.

Hundreds of people are displaced after a massacre in remote PNG and the province's governor says political problems are getting in the way of help.

This is thanks to a joint initiative between Niue's Health Department and non-government organisation, Global Health New Zealand. Audio

The 84 caps-and-counting All Blacks vice-captain says: "I'm gonna give it everything to be better, to grow, to learn, get uncomfortable…to have a good next couple of years." Audio