Its time to introduce you to some of the wonderful local Ōtautahi artists we have lined up for our Pacific Sisters Fiafia PIKNIK this Saturday 28th January!
Daisy Lavea Timo aka Daisy Speaks has spent over 15 years working as an educator, youth worker, engagement practitioner and facilitator (IAP2). She founded Cross-Polynate to improve outcomes for people and communities across the motu and Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa.
Daisy is a proud wife and mum. She’s also the 2017 New Zealand Slam Poetry Champion, a 2020 Creative New Zealand NZ Leadership Scholar, has spoken and performed internationally.
Teakaraupo and Tanemahuta aka Twin Harmony are 17 yr olds. Tanemahuta is a Head Boy and Teakaraupo is a Prefect at Shirley Boys High. They have been singing since they were babies, and have achieved a New Zealand Impact Award for their work and advocacy in Stopping Violence against Woman and children. They are survivors of this horrific kaupapa losing their mother to violence. “If they can try and head for a Smokefree generation, why can’t we aim for a Violence Free generation too”. – Twin Harmony
MAIA (MAEA) Ukulele Group established in 2015 as a small group of kui/kaumatua with intention to break social isolation and loneliness as a result of the earthquakes, a way to connect, have fun, and learn through music. The group continues to grow and meets weekly learning chords, waiata, sharing korero and kai. Their values are Aroha ki te tangata (love of all people), Kotahitanga – unity in all that we do, everyone has a say, honesty and integrity. Manaakitanga – our actions, behaviour, our words echo the value of kindness, support, awhi. Mauri Ora!
Tiana Malina Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha is a Kanaka Maoli (native Hawaiian), Tongan from the beautiful town of Hāna, Maui, Hawai’i and is a proud wife to Kari Moana and mama to Waimārima and Uamairangi and they reside here in Ōtautahi. She comes from musical families and has been a musician and performer since she was a child and loves sharing aloha with music. She is a hale building, people loving, mele singing, body healing, talk story with anyone, wahine mahu.
And meet some of the amazing people behind our wonderful Ōtautahi partners for Pacific Sisters Fiafia PIKNIK 2023 event, Moana Vā and Tagata Moana Trust – two local organisations who will be running fun adornment workshops alongside us, and with whom our values closely align.
Tohoa (MahMah) Tetini @pori.mahmah is an anthropology PhD candidate, teacher, climate change activist and studying at the University of Canterbury. Her research centres around amplifying indigenous and marginalised Pasifika voices in climate change spaces. She is a member of Moana Vā, established in 2022 to identify and address the needs for Pacific Rainbow+ LGBTQIA+ MVPFAFF+ (mahu, vakasalewa, palopa, fa’afafine, akava’ine, fakaleiti (leiti), fakafifine) communities in the Canterbury Region. MahMah is joining the Pacific Sisters crew in Ōtautahi Christchurch contributing as an artist and MC.
Vui Suli Tuitaupe is the Team Leader for Clinical and Health Promotion at Tangata Atumotu. He is passionate about holistic health and wellbeing, and the promotion of physical activity and leads Island Dance Beats sessions that help people in our community to become healthier versions of themselves. “I love working with the communities I serve, focusing on illness-prevention and illness-cure”. Outside of Tangata Atumotu, Vui Suli is currently studying a health sciences doctorate at the University of Canterbury and is also the founder and Chair of Moana Vā.
Nina Oberg-Humphries is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Tagata Moana Trust. Nina is a proud second-generation New Zealand born Cook Islander. A multimedia artist, Nina has a background in management, project design, community education, arts and Pacific heritage material. Tagata Moana Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Pacific peoples living in Aotearoa. By utilising Pacific arts, language and culture to drive STEAM education, Tagata Moana Trust develop and improve vocational skills and opportunities for Pasifika people.