UceGang and Regz go on supernatural adventures with ‘Pacific Dark’ podcast

From warnings about whistling at night to ancient spirits lurking in the shadows, Pacific lore is rich with chilling tales, often told by older cousins after dark.

Now, digital heavyweights Regan Foa’i and Simeon Fiapule (UceGang) are diving into eerie tales from across Aotearoa and the Moana in the new comedy podcast, Pacific Dark.

The comedic duo tackle urban legends, unsolved mysteries, and haunted locations alongside narrator John Pulu in this weekly series co-created by Danny Aumua (Beyond the Veil, The 9-5ers) and RNZ.

Speaking to PMN News, Foa’i says Aumua approached the pair directly and audiences are in for a treat.

“The podcast is about Pacific horror stories-slash-myths and legends-slash-true crime with our comedic reaction and take on the story.

“Honestly, the most exciting part is that I can't wait for people to learn about these stories because, yeah, it is mind-blowing.”

Foa’i adds that the supernatural journey goes beyond the shores of Aotearoa.

“UceGang and I were just in shock that these things were happening, not only in our backyard, but in Australia.

“I think we go to PNG, Hawai’i, Sāmoa, and yeah, you guys will also be blown away when you hear some of these stories.

“We try and make it a little bit fun and add our comedic lens to it, but all in all, just happy as it is out and that we could share it with the world.”

Venturing into spooky spaces is familiar territory for Fiapule.

On his YouTube channel, vlogs documenting his visits to haunted places across the country have accumulated about two million views.

During the first episode of Pacific Dark, Fiapule admits he loves the supernatural.

“I've seen some scary stuff, some unexplained stuff. I'm keen to hear Pacific stories, 'coz those were White ghosts. Now we're going to see Pacific ghosts,” he jokes.

Pacific Dark’s first two episodes dive straight into scary stories from West Auckland. Avondale’s Blue Nurse follows a group of local teens who find an underground tunnel system, while School Ball traces an unsettling after-hours encounter at Waikumete Cemetery.

Tim Watkin, RNZ’s Executive Editor, Audio, praises the hosts’ natural comedic chemistry.

“You can't not have a good time with these two and we're excited that, as well as a podcast available on all the usual apps, we're releasing the video component on RNZ’s video hub as well as on YouTube.”

Audiences have reacted quickly online with one commenter saying, “Pssh.. It’s not dead you need to worry about. IT'S THE LIVING!”

Another viewer applauds the format commenting, “If this is how they'd teach lessons and history in school thru vids like this I’d actually pay attention.”

Commissioned via the Aotearoa Comedy Trust Development Fund, Pacific Dark drops weekly on Fridays via RNZ, TVNZ+, YouTube, and major podcast platforms.

Episodes contain strong language and sensitive themes.