DAREN KAMALI’S COCONUT ISLANDS PROSE
Coconut tree,
its flesh scraped and squeezed
into a dish of vakalolo fish.
Coconut tree
in the middle of the sea,
swaying to the rhythm
of the island sea breeze.
all wrapped in rourou leaves
placed in lovo pits to make palusami.
Into the vast ocean
a coconut swam
floating from island to island
replanting itself on every isle.
In Niue's shell, serves kava for us.
Leaves of sasa brooms, woven mats
on clay floors, its juice quench's
thirst, breaking waves under
the tropical sun.
–poetic prose words: dk.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 27.1.13~
EXCITING LIVES
On January 1st 2013 the news paper greeted most Kiwis in New Zealand with a quote from an edu-authors’ publisher Wendy Pye. I had forgotten W.P was so strong in New Zealand. ”2013 will probably be the most exciting year in my life” was what WP said at a trot. A friend Anastasia who only drove audi cars, had always looked up to Wendy as a slightly eccentric Kiwi role model about ten years ago.
When I read Wendy’s quote in the news, I thought, Ka pai. Good for her.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 26.1.13~
SCIENCE WORDS – EDUCATOR OCEAN MERCIER 2013
Maori world views within the scientific community are important and celebrated the people and ideas delivering an edge in the world of science. Maori have always been scientists and continue to be scientists. Our brand of science maybe a little different from Western science but, nonetheless, it allowed us to work in the world, to be in the world, to live in the world, to survive in the world for generations.
–Dr Ocean Mercier fronts the edu-tainment TV series Matauranga.
Source: MTS press kit.
Ka pai te wahine na.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 21.1.13~
TE MATAU A MAUI FUN SPIRIT OF JOURNEYING TO NEW LIFE
We are because our founding fathers and mothers braved rough unknown conditions to discover a new land of life and plenty for us.
Te Matau A Maui, a double hulled sailing waka arrived in Napier in late December 2012 after an 18 month pacific journey to a powhiri by Ngati Kahungunu. Lest we forget our greats.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 14.1.13~
YOUNG SINGER SUMMER GABRIELLA V – TE TAOU, NEW ZEALAND
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”–Ella F.
Photo: Homegrown gospel, r n’ b teen singer, Summer Gabriella V with Papa Joe Hawke. Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland City, New Zealand.
September 2011. Photo, my own.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 14.1.13~
SALT – SELINA TUSITALA-MARSH POETICS
beautiful is: Salt
as if God spilt salt on his midnight tablecloth as if Gibran’s Ugly had flung Beauty’s cloak across the waters - its soft light muted in repentence as if star by blue star (more…)
PAMPER TRENDS
Pamper trends – the art of the vanities: A year in beauty retail trends.
Additional ideas: Young people working with scientists could really develop health and beauty products from the ocean. Rare earth minerals and marine life’s secrets hold the next keys to a growing industry that can be both entrepreneurial and sustainable for Pacific peoples economic planning. (more…)
HOSEA GEAR DECEMBER 2012 PRESS
A lot of readers are requesting Hosea Gear All Blacks News.
To find out the latest, click on the rugby star’s pic. Hosea is the All Blacks brotha leading the All Blacks rugby team’s Maori haka.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 13.12.12~
A MOTOWN SPECIAL – GOOD MORNING TV GETS ON THE SOUL TRAIN VIBE
Very fun TV is The Good Morning TV Show’s Motown Monday Special featuring Russell Harrison and The Get Ups with Bella Kalolo and Rosita Vai!
So much talent in NZ! For a different view of a local talent show, click on pic for the… Wow.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 3.12.12~
MA’A NONU 39th MOST VOTED STAR 2012
Culturally, he is of Pacific origins from the nation that can claim the longest standing real monarchy of the South Pacific territory of Asia-Pacific (Tonga). He also walks in the footsteps of living rugby legend Jonah Lomu of international sports star fame in his representation as a Tongan-Kiwi star in rugby football’s All Blacks team of New Zealand.
His hair flair (those internationally recognized Marley dreadlocks) and strength on a football pitch best resembles some of NFL football (USA’s) most significant headline generating sports stars each media year.
With over ten years of service as a representative of New Zealand and Tongan culture at the highest level of a media spotlight in NZ sports, Ma’a Nonu clocks in as the 39th most voted star of 2011. He is a current World Cup Champion player.
A journey of incredible staying power against all odds, is Ma’a's Kiwi South Pacific story that New Zealand is very proud to somehow share in with Ma’a as a a homegrown Kiwi lad of the South Pacific.
In New Zealand we don’t always fully appreciate as much as we could, how much culture and rare cultures fascinates global audiences. Yet it does. There are so few Tongan people in the world.
This year, Ma’a is living proof of a fascination with Tonga the world has. He is a star who, had he crossed from rugby football to NFL football years ago, he would have earned twenty times more than what he has in a bigger US market of sports. Underrated at times and a real deal sports star, you voted Ma’a into the top 50, second year running. Not many stars accomplished that feat. Ma’a did.
Mauri ‘Ola and congratulations.
[Photo: Otago Daily Times, uncredited image].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 23.11.12~
LIVING RUGBY LEGEND JONAH LOMU’S OVERWHELMING FIJI CEREMONY EXPERIENCE
“That sort of welcome still humbles me and I guess what makes it even more special is that we are in Fiji and when you are talking sevens, you can’t go past Fiji,” Lomu said.
“There are no doubts at all that Fiji is the home of sevens. When you look at who has won the World Cup sevens and also win-loss ratios, there are not many teams that come near Fiji. They lose so many players each year because they go off-shore to make a living, but they just seem to replace them without any problem.
–the living legend Jonah Lomu responds to overwhelming adulation from Fiji’s people in being welcomed to Sigatoki, Fiji as the tournament ambassador of the Coral Coast Sevens Tournament.
Rugby Sevens History a la Jonah Lomu:
“It is like a factory here turning out sevens players.”
Lomu’s plaque is the third to be laid on the Sevens Walk of Fame in Sigatoka, beside Waisale Serevi and David Campese, who was the tournament ambassador last year.
“For me, it is quite humbling to be put up with those two greats. In my first year playing sevens in Hong Kong in 1994, I went to meet Serevi in his room and couldn’t believe it.
“The previous year I was sitting in my school dormitory lounge watching him play sevens, so to get to rub shoulders with him now and call him my friend is a dream come true in a lot of ways.
“With me and Campo, we had a battle over who owns the No11, so it is a great honour and privilege to be recognised and honoured in this way.”
–To read more of Peter White‘s report in how the Rugby Sevens is close to Lomu’s heart in presenting opportunity to the world’s rugby talent pool, read on.
Photo: Jonah Lomu unveils the special commemorative plaque in his honour in Sigatoka, Fiji, with help from sons Dyreille, left, and Braydley. Photo – Peter White. Top Photo: Jonah, a Tim Hale photograph. Home of 7s–Fiji’s News.
“the isles shall look to me, and on mine arm shall they trust.”
–mauri ora.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 16.11.12~
A GIANT PANDA’S FOOD BANK – THE CRAZY CREATIVE DREAM SESSIONS – AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
So, I awoke today with a really weird feeling that all Aotearoa New Zealand was is a giant panda’s food bank.
I felt really used. Sort of like a grocery cart. Or a brown paper bag, or a crinkly plastic bag (more…)
PIANO LIGHT – BROOKE FRASER POETRY
Poignant song lyrics of New Zealand as penned by poetic-prophet: Brooke Fraser in the song Arithmetic.
I've been staring at the sky tonight Marvelling and passing time Wondering what to do with daylight Until I can make you mine You are the one I want, you are the one I want (more…)
EVOLVING SPORTS STARS TEMPLATES IN SOUTH PACIFIC CASTING, ACTION MOVIES FILM FRANCHISES – SONNY BILL WILLIAMS & BUDS
Sonny Bill Williams sports star template consists of these words: NZ + Samoa + Australia + rugby league + rugby + boxing shows + weights training + agent + polynesia boy looks.
What does it all add up to? He is a bridge – as a star – linking a few nations of the South Pacific in his news headlines. In that regard he is audience bait for media – a media commodity of his own brand. The latest has Aussie playing down what the star is paid behind closed doors. The new headline sees SBW in a pay scrap. Read on.
What needs to happen for SBW: He should star in one action movie a year. Add a movie or ten to the star template. If a NZ film studio with a view to have Polynesian and Kiwi action stars shine was established that could happen to stars like SBW to evolve cross-over entertainment markets. It would also up sports value too. So much to do… so little time.
[Photo - Getty]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 28.10.12~
VINTAGE DWAYNE JOHNSON PHOTO & WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
True Kiwi facts, Grey Lyn, Auckland City – New Zealand: Once upon a time a humble Samoan lad was born in Hayward, California. He and his family moved around a lot in his early years. He played football for the University of Miami and wanted to study to be a criminologist. The world called him to wrestle instead.
He followed in his dad’s footsteps. It took a while to get going as an entertainer in his own right, then Hollywood called him to act in movies.
His name is Dwayne Johnson, the rest is history unfolding and can be seen on the silver screen.
[Photo - O.Canada Entertainment, Sports News & News Website]
So, who’s cool and being read right now online?
1. Amy Rhodes
5. Miley Cyrus
Favorite The Rock quotes:
Who in the blue hell are you?
Just bring it!
Finally…The Rock…has come back to [whatever city he's in at the time]
Can you smell what The Rock is cooking!
It doesn’t matter what you think.
You will go one on one with the Great One!
… So silly! :)
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aoteaoroa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 29.9.12~
JOEL HOUSTON & SETH HAAPU SONGWRITERS – 5@27.9.12
Seth Haapu was a star constructed when I first got off the plane from the USA 18 months ago. He’s disappeared since in mainstream TV. His headlines do make you smile. Here’s five people we’re reading right now.
2. Joel Houston
3. Eli Manning
5. Alia Shawkat
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 27.9.12~
TUVALU – AU E MALAMALAMA PHILOSOPHY
Like a stingray you arrive into view, acapellago-ed majestic Tuvalu. Your people's bee-stung lips smiles are adrift by rising sea levels and the trade winds games, of a few. In you is a fortune, of people-wealth sincere, once first discovered by Álvaro de Mendaña. A legacy more precious than all of the oil in Texas. If my selfishness melts the seas, will you still bear witness to the atolls' palm trees? Will your fun feet still splash launching your vaka out fishing each day too from your nine living coral islands books? Will your children still make play, all day the Island ways? Will longlasting laughter remain your crown, admired by Tolkien-shrouded friends, who regard you as our symbol of Pacific pride? Well-atoll valley you, noble island array... Why you floating today, as a necklace of flowers into my view? Ulufale mai. Au e malamalama.
[Photo: NASA]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 27.9.12~
10% OF THE WORLD’S FISH, IN 16 PACIFIC ISLANDS OCEANS – BBC ZOOMS IN
Three search requests today were: “Rahui Ngati Kahu,” “Syliva Earle & Mark Solomon” ocean managers.
Here’s a story of how Maori, Polynesia peoples, Kiwis and Aussies role in fish and ocean protection is essential: 16 Pacific Islands manage 10% of the world’s fish. Are Polynesian people celebrities of the world in the future more than they already are now, or what?!
That’s an incredible fact.
Last year, global fish consumption hit a record high of 17 kg (37 pounds) per person per year, even though global fish stocks have continued to decline. On average, people eat four times as much fish now than they did in 1950. (more…)
TE ARIKI-VERSE: POEM OF MEMORY KEUINA CLIFF’S COOK ISLANDS – SEPTEMBER 20th 2012
Rarotonga: The blue lagoon reflects your memory. Your salty fresh pure air, captures the spirit and holds the heart. Your starring 15 isles are scattered as fragrant frangipane petals floating halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. Sara de Janeiro speaks of your rare beauty, of your welcoming people with the widest white smiles. She tweets David Thoreau from your Isles, “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life,” en route to Island time Zumba class. I write of rain-jewelled Te Ariki from Aotearoa. His Scottish-Raro verse my treasure chest of words. A rare glare of divinity from lip and broad brow ebbing. "Sea high on the rocks, the gulls flung from the sea, the dark wooded hills, Bees and trees filled with wild honey and, sweet as incense-clouds, Swarming with mist, and mist low on the sea." Watching the boats go by, we are "standing or crouching, our backs to the sea."
Poetry: Te Ariki-Verse: Poem for Memory keuina Cliff’s Cook Islands: Cook Islands, poet.
–DUATravel website. Memory Keuina Cliff, is from the island of Mauke in the Cook Islands. Poetry 2012 – The Written World, creating a unique picture of the nations of the world in verse. Cook Islands 2012 Profile. Radio link: The Voice of the Cook Islands. Tweet Poetry here. And: Fans Watch.
Don’t miss: Want more poetry? Find it on the Scottish Poetry Library website (www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk)
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.9.12~
BRITISH ROYAL SENNA KOWHAI LEWIS NEWS – FAMILY TREE IS BRANCHING OUT
Senna Kowhai‘s Maori side of the young British Royals whanau (family) tree, is branching out.
Senna’s father is Gary Lewis of Gisborne, East Coast New Zealand. His wife, the lovely Lady Davina have named their young son who was born on May 25th 2012, Tane Mahuta. It is a solid Maori name drawn from ancient Maori mythological culture and legend of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Baby Tane Mahuta is also brother to Ari Lewis, Gary’s son from a previous marriage and as mentioned Senna, now 2. Gary is from a Kiwi shearer family and he has a building company management background. Lady Davina… her family… is pretty famous. :)
The youngest Lewis is twenty-sixth in line to the British throne.
A cute story fusing local and British heritage.
New Zealand Woman’s Weekly specialize in Royal news in New Zealand. Read up at the tabloid’s website.
About the young Royal’s name in Maori mythology: As legend told, “Tāne is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku, the earth mother.
Tāne separates his parents from their marital embrace until his father the sky is high above mother earth. Tāne then sets about clothing his mother with vegetation. The birds and the trees of the forest are regarded as Tāne’s children.”
It’s a story that reminds us of how the living elements of the environment are one family connected between earth and sky in relationship.
Photo caption: Lady Davina, husband Gary Lewis and daughter Senna Kowhai with Autumn, Peter and Savannah Phillips. A Rex features photograph. (more…)
JULIAN SAVEA BLOGGING – RUGBY FOOTBALL NEWS – SEPTEMBER 2012
So, rugby football man Julian Savea can dance.
Savea’s latest news @theSmileyPowerRun.
[Photos: NZH, Stuff, TV3].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 6.9.12~
ICONIC MAORI-KIWI REGGAE, HERBS’ LONG AGO & SIR PETER BUCK’S VIKINGS OF THE SUN NEW ZEALAND TRIBUTE ART
New Zealand’s history is rich. Our cultural lore tells of vikings of the Sun who chartered a course to Aotearoa New Zealand over a thousand years ago. Te Rangihiroa, Sir Peter Buck, a Yale associate, wrote of Moriori and Maori adventurous discoveries in the South Pacific.
It is a history New Zealand and true friends of New Zealand are most proud of. Lest we forget. It was Long Ago. Hall of Famers, Maori reggae band Herbs wrote an iconic song about it for the New Zealand pop music charts once. Here’s that song as a tribute to our founding fathers and mothers gifts of navigation to the South Pacific and Asia-Pacific.
Their culture is the longest standing culture of New Zealand. In Herbs music, the opening sound (in the extended version of the song Long Ago) is our distinct sound in the South Pacific. A cultural treasure, very spesh.
Love it! A reminder of how wonderful New Zealand has been culturally for centuries of our ocean navigating peoples, New Zealand’s shared history of Kiwi citizens as one people.
[Photo: Moriori history - Matene Totara Te Retimana left, with famous Maori scholar and global ambassador, Te Rangi Hiroa - Sir Peter Buck. Photo's owner: Steven Retimana, Moriori and Ngati Whatua Maori].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 5.9.12~
BREAKTHROUGH RUGBY POP ART
In Maori mythology we know of Ranginui (the Skyfather) and Papatuanuku (the Earth that nurtures us all).
This contemporary work by Marco Innocenti of Italia that features rugby icons and ancient historical references fused into one artwork, reminds me of sky and earth in tandem synergy. Apia Samoa’s Jerry Collins is playing the sky.
–Camera: TVNZ.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 20.11.12~
November 20, 2012 | Categories: Cross-Cultural Narratives, Italy, Japan, Marco Innocenti, New Zealand, New Zealand All Blacks, New Zealand Citizens, Polynesian, Pop Art, Pop Cultural Commentary, Samoa, Sports Culture, World News | Leave A Comment »