Islanders' teams battle it out for glory in traditional sportsBy Doug Laing (NZ Herald)
Flaxmere's Chatham Park yesterday became the village green for hundreds from Hawke's Bay's Pacific Islands community, for the latest sports day run by the Samoan Community Advisory Council. Teams from 13 churches took part in the traditional kilikiti village cricket and volleyball, involving about 400 people, including people living in Hawke's Bay and seasonal workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. Council chairman Tuisalega Farani said it was the fourth of five days' sport, over the Christmas-New Year holiday period and Waitangi Day, with Hastings and Flaxmere teams out to remove Napier teams' stranglehold on the four trophies at stake. The kilikiti dominated the day, with about 20 players a-side and the huge clubbing of the unique ball, made in Samoa from sap and hairs harvested from the pulu tree commonly grown in the islands. The games started about midday and finished about 6pm. Samoan of Chinese Descent is one New Zealand's best TattooistsEntertainment Samoa Samoans in NZ... Twelve Questions with Sarah Stuart
Steve Ma Ching, 49, is a tattooist of Chinese Samoan descent. The father of three, responsible for designs on some of our best-known sports stars among others, was last week recognised as a senior artist by Creative New Zealand at the Arts Pasifika Awards. It’s not the process of tattooing Steve Ma Ching loves; it’s admiring his work after a job well done. Photo / Chris Gorman It’s not the process of tattooing Steve Ma Ching loves; it’s admiring his work after a job well done. 1. Where did you grow up? Mostly in Avondale but when I was 13 my dad took me to Samoa. We came back when I was 16. [Samoa's] great for a holiday but, well to be honest, I couldn't wait to get home. It was a big culture shock. My mum and dad had split up, bringing up five kids was hard, and dad wanted to set up a business over there. I'd been in boarding school at St Paul's. I was a bit of an upstart and my mum thought boarding school was the place for me. In Samoa they called me Palagi because I couldn't speak the language so after six months I decided I would learn. It was hard moving there. We'd walk about eight miles home from school, and dad's business wasn't going too well so we came home. I've never been back since. 2. What did you want to do for a career? I was going to join the navy the military seemed to be where the opportunities were and I didn't want to be stuck in Waiouru for five years so I sat the (navy) exams and passed, got accepted, and there were a few months before the final medical. I was working in a footwear company punching out soles with "Made in New Zealand" on them and decided to get a tattoo. I'd seen my Samoan uncles' tattoos and always wanted one. It was a really big deal - cost me half my week's wages. I went up to K'Rd and didn't think about the pain then when it started I was like "holy hell". That was it. I wanted to be a tattooist. 3. Were you artistic? I loved drawing. It started with my neighbour. He and I would be running around or whatever and his mum would slap a big roll of newsprint on the table with a box of crayons to keep us quiet. I loved it, and won the ASB competition for drawing at school. Got a book voucher. No one else in my family was an artist or anything. My kids aren't into it. I saw my old neighbour recently though. He's an architect now, in London, and has been doing big developments in China. 4. How did you get your first job? I asked the guy who'd done my tattoo how I could get into it and he just said "go for it". I wasn't sure what that meant. But there was another shop in Mt Albert and I went and got a couple done there then pestered the owner. One night the guy drawing his stencils was away and there were people queuing so I said I could do it for him. Next day he asked if I wanted to be an apprentice. I think it depends how determined you are. I was already working out how to build the machine so I could start up for myself. 5. You look very Chinese: what's that heritage? Ah yeah. I'm starting to look a bit Fu Manchu. I trim it like that. My grandfather originally was a plantation worker, brought to Samoa by the Germans to work. I remember my grandfather when I was a kid, he used to chef in Pitt St and I would hang off his apron strings in the back of the Chinese restaurants. I can remember the clang of the woks and the mahjong and my grandfather used to smoke opium. I can remember his stained handkerchiefs from the opium residue. 6. Have you ever tried opium? I don't do drugs of any kind. Never really have. I smoked a bit of pot when I was a kid but I stopped because I couldn't concentrate on the tattooing. One customer got me stoned and I'd just forget what I was doing. My career's more important to me. I've seen a lot of tattooists come and go through drugs, or crashing their motors when they're off their faces. 7. What about your children? They aren't really into that either. They drink but that's about it. My older son Steven is 24 and a lawyer in a firm in Shortland St. He got a double major in commerce and law at university. Then I've got Millen who's 18 and Tenneal who's 16. I'm still with their mum Annette. I split from Steven's mum when he was 3. I'd seen my parents fight and didn't think that would be a good thing for him. I used to pick him up every Sunday though, and take him for drives or out somewhere. 8. How did you meet Annette? She was a customer. From memory - she'll kick my arse if I get this wrong - I did a butterfly on the top of her thigh. Well, not that high up. You see a lot of chicks in this trade. When I worked in the city, the old Queen St markets, you'd get all the office girls and that. Nowadays, I hardly do women because I'm doing more traditional Pacific tattoos. 9. Has it been a hard business to be in?
It was really good then the Wall St crash happened. I'd been doing a lot of construction workers and office people. We'd have people queuing up at lunchtime. The owner of the Queen St markets went bankrupt and I had to go and work for someone else. I've always worked six days a week. Over the past 20 years, since I've had this studio in New Lynn, only four times have I had five days off in a row. I live comfortably. I've got a nice Dodge Challenger out there. I used to build hotrods and old school cars but I recently closed my workshop. I'm getting too old - my body feels it rolling around under cars. I've bought a boat instead. Yeah, for fishing, but I'm like "hurry up and catch the fish so I can drive the boat". 10. Are you a proud Westie? For sure. I'm into V8s. I always wear black. Everything I've got is black except for my wife and my boat. I've got a black dog. Black cars. I can talk to anyone though. You get all walks of life through here. Lawyers. Doctors. Guys who work on the rigs. You can spend 12 hours a day with them, depending on what they're having done. I had a mortician once. The stories he told. 11. You're known for tattooing Sonny Bill Williams: got other celebrity clients? I don't know really. I don't follow league or rugby. If sport comes on TV I change the channel so others tell me people are celebrities but I never know. My mate brought Sonny Bill in here and I did his sleeve, then when he came back to book his sisters in another client said "he's just signed a contract for $2 million" and I thought "oh shit". If I had known that I would have charged him more. Ha! 12. When and where are you happiest? I'm always pretty good. But I'll tell you what, receiving that award [the Senior Artist Award at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards last week] was right up there. I've won trophies overseas but nothing like this. It was being acknowledged for your achievements [in reviving cultural tattooing] as opposed to just one piece. I'm not happy when I'm tattooing - I'm happy when I've finished it. It's like a car painter. He's not going "I love this" when he's preparing the car and sanding it down but when he sprays on that last coat of gloss then it's wow. That's how I feel when I've done a really good job. - NZ Herald World Class Fighter Tuna Scanlan passes awayOne of the most celebrated Samoan Boxers in New Zealand and Samoan history, Tuna Scanlan, has passed away in Auckland, New Zealand. Tuna Scanlan passed away last night, October 21, 2014, Auckland time. His funeral will be held on October 25, 2014.
Tuna Scanlan opened the door for Samoan boxers in New Zealand and perhaps the first to enter the ranks of World Class rankings in the 1950s and 60s. He was a pioneer. Tuna Scanlan was the first to bring attention to the skill of our island fighters. Tuna won the British Commonwealth Middleweight Title when he was fighting out of Auckland. As a 5' 7" fighter he won 42 of 64 fights, 20 by KO. he fought in a number of different weight classes from Middle weight to Light heavyweight. According to Veteran boxing and wrestling correspondent Dave Cameron who is a regular photographic columnist for Australian Ring magazine, “He was the most exciting boxer of his era,” says Cameron. “The silky smooth southpaw was a counterpuncher with a lethal left hand.
“Tuna was born in Apia, Samoa on July 12 1935. He started boxing in New Zealand from 1956. He was New Zeland middleweight champion and beat Gomeo Brennan at Carlaw Park in 1964 to win the British Empire Middleweight Title. His last recorded fight was in Samoa in 1969. “I would rate Tuna one of our all-time Greats. He was a huge drawcard in Auckland with the outdoor Carlaw Park shows, in the days when they flew top African American fighters in from the United States.
“When Tuna beat Johnny Melfah from Ghana at Carlaw Park in 1961, 9000 spectators were in attendance.” The family of Tuna Scanlan are assembling in Auckland from all points of the globe to send off this warrior and acknowledge him as the father, role model and pioneer that he was. The David Tua's,, Joseph Parkers, Mark Hunts and Alex Leapai's of the world should be very appreciative for this original Samoan fighter who was instrumental in creating the positive perception of our Samoan fighters in New Zealand and throughout the world. He will be sorely missed. Meet Fialaui'a Luatuanuu, the host of Le Malae TV Auckland. She is a woman of service and many talents.Aniva Alumnus Tagaloatele Fialauia Toailoa-Amituanai Luatuanuu (or Fia for short) has one really long name, and an even longer list of endeavors to go with it. A dedicated health professional, community and church leader, mother and dedicated wife, Fia can now add “Shortland Street actress” to her ever -growing list of achievements.
Earlier this year, Fia starred on Shortland Street as a sick diabetic women in need of treatment. To diagnose her situation, the dashing Dr Avia portrayed by Samoan actor (Robbie Magasiva) came to her rescue and conversed with Fia’s character in Samoan to establish the cause of her distress. Albeit a brief moment of fame, the opportunity to take up a one off speaking role on the popular soap opera was a chance to prove to her children that ‘nothing is impossible’! Though to act is something Fia would love to do more of, Fia is dedicated to her professional career in the health sector. Earlier this year, she landed a new job with the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) where she is the Pacific Cultural Advisor. RDNS is a 127-year old Charitable Health Care organisation providing home-based support service and restorative home care for the elderly. “As the Pacific Cultural Advisor, I work closely with the Maori cultural advisor. Together, we advise management on cultural matters as well as supporting staff to ensure the cultural needs of our Pacific and Maori clients are met.” Outside of her nine to five job, Fia is actively involved in civic and community roles. Her tireless passion to serve her community stems from her leadership mantra: “Ola e ‘au’auna” or “Live to serve”. She is the Samoan faufautua (facilitator) for the Incredible Years Parenting Programme (I.Y.) run by Family Start, Manukau. She also holds a number of community and governance roles including Acting Chair of the Pacific Islands Board Auckland Central (PIBAC), and Leader of the Women’s Ministry Remuera SDA Church. She is a member of the Auckland City Council Pacific People’s Advisory Panel; life member of the Samoan Advisory Council and founding member of the Auckland Ethnic Council. If serving and advocating for her community isn’t enough, she is also studying and working towards achieving Master Trainer status in the Standford University SME health programme run by the Counties Manukau District Health Board. Fia attributes her leadership style and moral compass to her parents. Raised in Samoa in the village of Laulii, Fia spent her early childhood in Lano, Savaii before moving back to Lalovaea in Upolu where she lived for most of her life before moving to New Zealand. Her father also has roots in Tufulele, Saipipi and Nofoalii, and her mother is from Lano, Satoalepai, Lelepa, Satupaitea and Faleasiu. As well as the influence of her parents, Fia names His Highness, the late Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa – Le Susuga i le Malietoa Tanumafili, and the late Sir Robert Muldoon as two of her most admired leaders. “His Highness was renown for his humility despite royalty (or perhaps because he is royal), kindness, honesty and love. He was esteemed by leaders from around the world for these qualities,” says Fia. “As for Sir Robert Muldoon, I admire him because he was an honest and principled leader who stood for what he believed in. He was a straight shooter reflecting the fierce intelligence and iron-will of his maternal grandmother Jerusha.” Fia completed the Pacific Health Leadership programme in 20xx. She says the opportunity has made a significant contribution to her leadership development. “It was an honour and a privilege to be selected for the programme. The experience has been invaluable and what I learned was relevant to my everyday work life. The on-going Aniva Alumni support is priceless.” “I attend the Aniva programmes to learn the latest – not only from its learned leaders such as Dr Debbie Ryan and Dr Api Talemaitoga, but also from fellow alumni and the remarkable guest speakers.” “The alumni programme also provides a safe environment to re-charge and be re-affirmed as well as the fellowship with our Pacific leaders from around the country.” If you missed out on Fia’s moment of fame on Shortland Street, be sure to look out for her in episode 26 of Hercules where she acts as a Roman woman! |
The Alisi/Cicada in Samoa are a nostalgic reminder of our religious heritageLMTV Auckland has been launched. Le Malae TV's first episode is now available in here.Samoans in Auckland have embarked on a brave new adventure as the producers of a new TV show specifically for Samoans called "Talanoaga ma Fialaui'a." It is an interview series and the host Fialauia Toailoa Amitana'i-Luatuanuu starts the program off with an interview with the enigmatic Willie Tavita, one of Samoa's most revered performers and entertainers. He talks with Fialaui'a about his roots and his beginnings as a musician to the point where he began to emerge as a well known recording artist.
Please go to the page in here "LMTV Le Malae TV" and click on the episode to begin watching. Le Malae TV is a new option being created by our various teams around the world and Auckland has started the ball rolling with its well produced TV show and the quality is very good. This was something Le Malae discussed in Las Vegas and now the team is beginniong to provide the kind of programming that we believe will launch Le Malae into a whole another atmosphere of influence within our Samoan global community. Congratulations Viopapa Taeleifi Galea'i-Euta, Editor in Chief and her team of Fialaui'a Toailoa Amituana'i Luatuanuu and Sophia Lauaki of Samoans in Auckland for leading the way. we look forward to more interviews and TV shows. All Blacks reload with return of stars from last World Cup including many Samoans.The All Blacks have a growing pool of talent to draw from as marquee players shun lucrative overseas contracts to play the domestic game.
Story by Gregor Paul Stephen Donald may be one of many 2011 World Cup heroes available for selection for the 2015 tournament. Photo / Brett Phibbs Sonny Bill will be back, so too Jerome Kaino. Mils Muliaina is already here, Brad Thorn is still kicking around and word out of Europe is that Hosea Gear may be quitting Toulouse to return home and make a bid for a World Cup place. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that Richard Kahui may decide to have a crack at another World Cup if his shoulders can survive another season in Japan and who knows, perhaps the hero of the last campaign - the man who heroically bailed out his nation - will be in New Zealand next year ... just waiting once again for the emergency call. If the grapevine can be believed, Stephen Donald, Beaver, could be in New Zealand, all snug once again in his beloved Waikato jersey. It's a staggering statistic that of the 33 players New Zealand used at the last World Cup - Gear, Donald and Aaron Cruden were called in as injury replacements - only eight are likely to be categorically ineligible for selection. John Afoa has signed a three-year deal with Gloucester; Andrew Hore has retired; Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Jimmy Cowan, Adam Thomson and Isaia Toeava are playing overseas and likely to still be doing so in 2015 and Zac Guildford will join Clermont later this year. That's it, though - they are the only men who can, with some authority at this stage, be ruled out of contention. Thorn should really join that crew. At 39 he's not interested or quite at that level any more - but there's always the outside chance of freak injuries. Corey Flynn continues to play good rugby and despite the desire to find a young hooker, the veteran Crusader could yet make it to England - especially if fellow old-timer Keven Mealamu can't go the distance. Andy Ellis and Piri Weepu are on the outer, but as was evidenced last year, when the latter joined the squad in the Four Nations, are players coach Steve Hansen will call on at short notice if needs be. As for Muliaina, at 33 and with 100 caps behind him, he'd say he was done with test football. But what if he shines for the Chiefs, defies his age and plays excellent football as he can? In reality, there are probably only between 10-15 players from last tournament's squad in contention to go round again: Tony Woodcock, Mealamu, the Franks brothers, Sam Whitelock, Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Sonny Bill Williams and Cruden. What is illustrated by the fact there are 25 players from the last tournament - or may soon be that many - still eligible for All Black selection in 2015, is the success of New Zealand's high performance retention strategy and the lure of domestic competitions here. Of the 2007 squad, there were only 13 players still eligible to be picked in 2011. The bulk of that 2007 squad were playing offshore in 2011 - and that's how it was back then. Once a player felt he'd done his international dash or was surplus to requirements, they would head straight for the airport. The offshore market was seen as a better place to be - more money, more fun, more experiences. But not now. The likes of Thorn, Weepu, Ellis and Flynn could command big salaries offshore, even now, but they would rather stay even knowing their test prospects are slim to non-existent. That's a serious endorsement for the domestic set-up and not a bad emergency talent pool to have available just in case. The Sanitarium Weetbix Kid's Tryathlon.
By Viopapa Galeai-Euta
This is an annual event owned and mainly sponsored by the Sanitarium Health Food Company. Sanitarium is also one of the major sponsors of the All Blacks and of other charities throughout New Zealand. Each child participant is required to be of ages 8 to 15 and many have completed all 8 Tryathlons to date. Manukau is situated in South Auckland where the majority of our Samoan community reside and this was the first event of the series to be launched in December, 2013! I was involved in the Sanitarium crew in the administration tent and later helped out with the lost children tent, which was a drama all on it's own. I must say that I was very happy to see more and more Samoan participants this year than we ever have had! This sort of event hardly attracts our Polynesian and Samoan numbers as it does other nationalities. So Sanitarium has worked to subsidize the entry fees for most of the Polynesian populated schools to encourage our children to join in on what is a potential miss-out activity. The Kid's Tryathlon (spelled differently with a 'y' instead of an 'i') is an event of firstly swimming, biking and then ending with a run to the finish shoot where New Zealand celebrities await for each child to cross that line to be awarded a gold medal. Every child is a winner...parents line both sides of the running track and all applaud every child's dramatic finishing run.
Unfortunately children of the event and younger or older children can be labeled as lost but with the magical public system of announcement (usually by well known radio announcers) and an electronic system where a child's tryathlon event number is recorded with their caregiver's contact information is linked....is just an amazing tool to have any child reunited with their loved ones once again! But sometimes the child has so much fun in the lost children's tent with the amount of activity-riddled fun offered, that they don't realize that they were lost! The day was overcast and raining, but it didn't taint the children's eagerness to complete the Tryathlon that was changed to an Aquathon as the biking activity was omitted due to safety measures for the children.
The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kid's Tryathlon is participated throughout New Zealand in all the major cities and in Auckland alone there are 3 Tryathlons to cater to the amount of entrants (Manukau, St Heliers and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge in Devonport). Sanitarium is now on break until the next Tryathlon scheduled for February 9, 2014 in Hamilton (North Island). There are a total of 14 Tryathlon events throughout New Zealand and we'll see you again on here for the Wellington Tryathlon in March, 2014! See ya later! Return to Paradise, a photo essay by viopapa galea'i-Euta from her trip to Samoa. Photo GalleryThe Editor of Samoans in Auckland went home last week, for a wedding and to relax. However, she was still in Editor mode because while she was there she was able to take a whole collection of beautiful photos from Apia and outlying areas of Samoa. This Return to Paradise Photo Essay takes us all back to Samoa and the beautiful scenery that we have left behind for those of us living in foreign lands.
There are many changes in the islands that we may have not seen. New buildings from Churches to Markets are springing up all over. The new resorts are breathtaking in their views and locations. Samoa is steadily moving up and in line with Enjoy pictures of the town area, food, resorts, churches, countryside, sunsets and sunrises, and people. We take you back to paradise. Just click on the button below. |
Upcoming events/calendarNew Zealand's Ambassador to volatile East Timor is Fata Tony Fautua.Story by Viopapa Tuiaulia Taeleifi Galea'i-Euta
His Excellency Fata Tony Fautua has been the New Zealand Ambassador of East Timor since 2011. He, his wife Ina and son Reuben currently reside in the capital city of Dill. It is my pleasure to know Tony personally as our families go a long way back. Tony was brought up in the Auckland suburb of Otahuhu. He is the son of Alofivae (of Lanu, Savaii) and Litia (of Afega, Upolu) and was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He also holds the chief title Fata of his mother's side of the family. Fata Tony has always had an air of dignified humility and has quietly, but with much determination, built his way up through education to where he stands at present. I remember his late father Alofivae speak very respectfully of his son's humility even with his outstanding achievements. On one occasion when in New York attending a state dinner in his honor he was treated like a king in terms of limo service, access, luxury in hotel and other living arrangements, but Fata would just chuckle and speak softly of the experience. Fata is perhaps the first Samoan to serve as an Ambassador to another nation on behalf of New Zealand. He was a diplomat for many years prior to his appointment to East Timor by NZ Foreign Minister, Murray McCully .
He takes over a rather delicate situation in East Timor. He supervised the departure of New Zealand's Armed Forces in 2012 who were a part of a peace keeping force who had been deployed to East Timor after the total breakdown of government control during the revolt after an election which sought independence from Indonesia which had invaded East Timor in 1975. The situation has stabilized now with Fata's adept handling of the situation which includes providing the necessary transitional leadership to solidify efforts by NZ to rebuild the local Police force and the East Timor military. Fata has been instrumental in securing funds needed to insure that the political infrastructure now in place will be successful. He recently signed over millions of dollars of NZ financial aid to East Timor in an attempt to encourage local businesses. These plus scholarships and migratory worker programs are part of the very active effort by Fata to bring stability and normalcy back to this very volatile region.
I look forward to having a personal interview with Tony one day soon when he returns to Auckland as the last I talked to him was during his late father's funeral in 2013. From there I will present his numerous posts around the world and will give you a comprehensive picture of his life story to date. Tony our Le Malae wishes you well and may God continue to bless you, Ina and Reuben as you serve your country in wherever you are destined by the Government of New Zealand. A tribute to the Christchurch Earthquake which killed a young Samoan man in 2011Hope Asi...
Three years ago Hope Asi was planning her future with the love of her life Jeff Sanft and their two young daughters. The couple had been through some hard times, but reconciled just four days before the earthquake and were planning to marry as soon as possible. On the day of the quake, Mr Sanft - the 32 year old cousin of Kiwi musicians Scribe and Ladi 6 - and Ms Asi had planned to meet in the city. Ms Asi arrived first and texted her partner of 11 years to ask where he was. He responded that he was still on the bus and for Ms Asi to wait for him. "I received the last text at 12.47pm to say 'Im not far'...the quake hit and he never made it," Ms Asi said. "He doesn't usually bus, he liked walking everywhere." After the quake, Ms Asi started walking along the route to try to find the bus Mr Sanft was on. When she couldn't see it, she went to her daughters Hazel, then 4, and Olive, 2. Soon after, she heard the devastating news. The bus Mr Sanft was on, the 702, was crushed by falling bricks and masonry in Colombo St close to the depot where Ms Asi was was waiting. "I found out through hearing on the radio." Ms Asi said. A family member then told her Mr Sanft had not survived the quake. "I was in denial and pretty numb to it all." She said Mr Sanft was "a true, loyal and loving partner". "No one's perfect, of course, but I see now how much love he had for the girls and I. He was definitely a loyal strong dad, a very hard match to find anywhere else in this world." Three years on she still misses his voice, his humour and his love. After Mr Sanft's funeral, Ms Asi moved their daughters to Nelson. She is now studying for a Bachelor in Counselling degree. "I'm definitely not the same person any more (but) it's a good thing, It has shaken my beliefs and made me stronger, definitely. Hazel is 7 in March and Olive is 5. They are both such extraordinary girls in their own right, they are doing incredibly good for their age and what they have experienced - both happy and humorous just like their dad." Other videos to view: Christchurch Earthquake Remembered Part1: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/national/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503075&gal_cid=1503075&gallery_id=141006 Other videos to view: Christchurch Earthquake Remembered Part2: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/video.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=11207480&gallery_id=141009 Waiheke Island is a secluded beautiful location where new Zealanders can go for relaxing and businessBy Viopapa Tuiaulia Taeleifi Galea'i-Euta
February 26 and 27 had two Samoans of Auckland attend a commercial conference in one of the most beautiful spots in the Auckland Gulf, 30 minutes away from the Auckland City Ferry Terminal to Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island as put by Wikipedia is… “The second-largest island in the gulf, after Great Barrier Island. It is the most populated, with nearly 8,730 permanent residents plus another estimated 3,400 who have second or holiday homes on the island.[2] It is New Zealand's most densely populated island, with 83.58 people/km², and the third most populated after the North and South Islands. It is the most accessible island in the gulf, with regular passenger and car ferry services, a Waiheke-based helicopter operator, and other air links.” At the conference the Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing company culture was discussed of ways to improve service to our most important targets in the industry – the CUSTOMER both in and out of the business. Too often a company focuses on its external customers and equally avoids or ignores the needs of its internal customers, the EMPLOYEES, and their needs to nurture the work environment resulting in being more productive referring to the preferred Organizational Culture Inventory (OCI) model. The next day was a reward for the productivity of the first. After morning devotion and breakfast, a bus load of happy Commercial Department employees made their way up to the Ecozip Adventures, featuring three levels of the flying fox rides. If one dared to glance downward as was encouraged, fantastic views of grapevines and native vegetation on green slopes was savored. The day ended with lunch at the Wild On Waiheke Vineyards and after to where you either lounged around on bean bags, enjoyed a stroll through the grapevines or played a fun game of regulation-less volleyball. I chose the latter. Right on 3pm we made it back to the Waiheke Ferry Terminal where we sailed off back for Auckland. A break well deserved and cherished. More pictures here from this wonderful place... .....And the winners of the SAMOA SPEAKS AND LE MALAE CONTEST FOR TICKETS TO LAUNCH OF WILLIE TAVITA'S CD. are Suitafa Richards Istead and Pua Tofaeono.
There was a contest held online by Samoa Speaks and Le Malae and the winners of 2 tickets each were announced today. They are Suitafa Richard Istead and Pua Tofaeono of Auckland, New Zealand. These 2 Willie Tavita Concert tickets were awarded for participating in our Samoa Speaks and Le Malae competition. Thank you Suitafa and Pua. Congratulations!
We also want to acknowledge the Contributions of Suluama Teresa Patu Vivolo who provided the tickets for the competition as a means to promote this artist's CD Launch this weekend, April 26, 2014.. Note: Fialauia Toailoa-Amituanai Luatuanuu and Viopapa Galeai-Euta will be interviewing Suitafa in the near future for her kind and courageous deed of shaving her hair to support looking for a cure for cancer. |