Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
The well-established Samoan community of Ōtautahi have worked hard to create a flourishing culture of their own in the South Island city.
In this episode, we meet Zion, a passionate advocate for wellbeing and togetherness; Vicki who is an inspiration in her neighbourhood; and Albany, a performer and choreographer who is honouring his culture with movement and giving other young Pacific Islanders the chance to do the same at his dance academy Tama Mai Saute.
Zion Tauamiti
"Growing up in Cashmere was an interesting dynamic. There weren't many other Samoan families. There weren't many brown faces. So in terms of identity, you constantly were sort of questioning your identity."
Zion is a well-known member of Christchurch's Pacific Island community and the force behind Pesi Wairua - The Healing Song Trust which creates healing opportunities for the youth of Christchurch through music and other community projects. Zion tells us about his dream to turn rugby clubs into wellness hubs where people can come together to support one another through hard times such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vicki Logopati-Campbell
"'Hello, Vicky Logopati speaking', [I would say when I answered the phone]. And my mum would throw something at me cause she would tell us, you need to say your name properly. You need to be proud of who you are and where you come from."
A top Kiwi Fern rugby league player, Vicki has achieved her dream of owning and operating a family-friendly F45 gym with a focus on involving the whole whanau in health and fitness. Coaching sports and community involvement drive Vicki who is a sports mentor to many schools. She talks to us about her passion for fitness and togetherness as a community.
Albany Peseta
"Samoa is the true essence of our culture. And that's always something I've been longing to go back and see for myself."
Growing up, Albany was encouraged by his father to stand strong in his Samoan culture. Now he is inspiring others, especially young men, to do the same. At Tama Mai Saute Academy, Albany teaches traditional Samoan performance. An awareness of how the essence of a culture can be diluted by living in a different country drives him to counter that disconnect. Albany tells stories through his gift for performance and passion for history.
Behind the scenes...
Dancers at Tama Mai Saute - a Samoan dance academy in Christchurch Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Performers at the Christchurch Samoan dance academy Tama Mai Saute Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Giants
Every year, families relocate to New Zealand from a diverse range of cultures that share a deep respect for whānau (family), community and whakapapa (ancestry).
In the seven-part video series Giants, we learn how these new New Zealanders see themselves as standing on the shoulders of their ancestors – 'giants' who paved the way for their own descendants to settle here and live lives that are meaningful. Discover how New Zealand's migrant communities are creating a fresh legacy while staying connected to their own cultures.
Episode credits:
Creator - Alex Bradshaw
Producers - Alex Bradshaw and Tara Durrant
Executive Producer - Pietra Brettkelly
Featuring - Joshua Vaifale, Vicki Logopati-Campbell, Zion Tauamiti, Salatielu Tiatia (V/O)
Photo: NZ On Air
