Arts • Cook Islands • Tokelau • Aotearoa New ZealandWhat the HBO Max launch could mean for Pacific storytellingA Pacific screen producer says the arrival of HBO Max in Aotearoa and the wider Pacific is more about whether local creators can tell their own stories. Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uWed, 17 Jun
Arts'It's a great privilege': Filmmaker brings Lomu's story homeVea Mafile’o’s long-awaited documentary, Lomu, follows the rugby legend's rise from Ha’apai to global fame, told through Pacific eyes and family voices.Renate RiversTue, 09 Jun
ArtsThe final countdown: Record 87 groups set to light up HuttFest 2026 Schools across the Hutt Valley are in final rehearsals as they prepare to celebrate identity, culture and youth performance.Atutahi Potaka-DewesTue, 09 Jun
ArtsMoana magic: Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opens in Māngere with biggest line-up yetArtists from Papua New Guinea, Wallis and Futuna, Rotuma, Kiribati, Niue, and Sāmoa will showcase the full cultural wealth of the Moana.Atutahi Potaka-DewesFri, 05 Jun
ArtsFrom sewing dolls' dresses to global runways: MENA founder honouredSelf-taught fashion matriarch Filomena Loheni has been named in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours for building one of the Pacific’s most influential brands.Atutahi Potaka-DewesWed, 03 Jun
Arts • Cook IslandsFrom the Waikato to Rarotonga: Small-town dancers ready for Cook Islands’ biggest stageThree rangatahi say they’re proud to represent Kirikiriroa and Tokoroa at Te Mire Ura Nui for the title of International Dancer of the Year.Atutahi Potaka-DewesWed, 27 May
Arts‘Sons of Vao’: Vela Manusaute brings first Niuean story to ATCThe Niuean-Sāmoan playwright turns his upbringing into a powerful Auckland Theatre Company play confronting violence, love, and healing.PMN NewsTue, 26 May
Arts • Cook IslandsThe Kūki Tenor: Ridge Ponini takes the Cook Islands to London stageA “boy from Nikao” is making history as the first Cook Islands-born and raised professional tenor to break into the global classical music scene.Atutahi Potaka-DewesTue, 12 May
Arts • Solomon IslandsWeaving a new bridge: West Auckland arts centre connects with the Solomon IslandsA cultural exchange to Honiara is helping West Auckland’s Pacifica Arts Centre deepen ties with communities in the Solomons.Atutahi Potaka-DewesTue, 12 May
ArtsTongan curator pushes for more Pacific stories on bookshelves in NZThis year’s Auckland Writers Festival is challenging the idea that our storytellers are a “niche” part of the literary world.Atutahi Potaka-DewesMon, 11 May
