What a year: Stories that shaped my 2025

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

2025…what a year you’ve been for all of us. It feels like the world’s on fire, from politics, economics, and global tensions, right to the personal shifts in people’s lives.

There’s a deep reset going on, with moral lines being redrawn and everyone refining their compass.

Over 2025, I’ve covered many stories, and I truly do value the voices in every single one. I’d like to share four of my stories that have some pretty fond memories attached to them. I present these in no particular order.

'Be the wayfinder’: Pacific suicide prevention leader honoured

This story is about Iosefo Joseph Fa’afiu, a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and co-founder of HopeWalk Suicide Prevention Movement.

He was recognised in the 2025 New Year's Honours for services to mental health, youth and the Pacific community.

Iosefo Joseph Fa’afiu. Photo/Facebook

Just from that brief introduction, what a legend. My career as a journalist over the years has introduced me to the endless supply of our people who embody brilliance, love and service.

I recall my interview with Fa’afiu, which was straightforward with a bit of banter and jokes. He holds the type of energy where you know his heart is set on helping uplift people.

Fa’afiu and his wife launched the HopeWalk Suicide Prevention Movement in 2015 after Fa’afiu lost a friend to suicide, which inspired him to address stigma and unite people.

Iosefo Joseph and Lydia Fa’afiu were compelled to create a safe environment to unite people, like themselves, who have experienced a similar loss of a loved one. Photo /HopeWalk

Mental health is such an important kaupapa, especially for our babies. I’ve interviewed a young person who opened up about their attempts. I also have a loved one who attempted as well as knew someone who took their life.

So stories like Fa’afiu will always resonate with me at a deeper level. And saying Fa’afiu and his team’s work is that of God’s is no exaggeration. Thank you again, Fa’afiu, for the work you do and the time you spent sharing your story with me.

National Geographic Pristine Seas’ Pacific expedition series

From May to late October, I had the privilege of documenting National Geographic Pristine Seas’ expeditions across the Pacific. I spoke with various expedition leads, who detailed their teams’ work exploring the waters of Tuvalu, Rotuma, Fiji, and Vanuatu, with each expedition lasting around a month.

Watch the expedition in Tuvalu on Facebook below.

A lot of the expeditions were done to help each country in surveying their oceans and determining how to approach healing them.

I really enjoyed speaking with each expedition leader, from Ryan Jenkinson’s balanced and grounded delivery on Tuvalu and Rotuma to Kelly Moore’s informative and inspired talks regarding Fiji.

As for Paul Rose, who led the Vanuatu leg, I’ll never forget his abundant enthusiasm and his constant awe over meeting the communities and marine life. I felt like he was ripped right out of those cartoons with those explorers that embody endless excitement in their craft.

Across the board, if you ever meet these people, you’ll know they truly care about the environment and the work they do. I commend everyone involved in their expeditions and thank you to NGPS for organising a time for me to sit and soak up their stories.

Listen to Paul Rose's interview below.

Healing starts at home: Kainga Pasifika model challenges violent norms

In June, I took a work trip out with some of our Pacific Media Network staff to Hastings for a special community engagement event that brought together dozens of families, church leaders, and workers to share talanoa on the ground.

While there, I got to meet Tevita Faka’osi, Manager and founder of Kainga Pasifika Services Trust (KPST), a violence prevention programme. KPST offers a 12-session programme designed for Pacific individuals and families, aiming to deepen their understanding of power, control, and healthy relationship dynamics.

What a brilliant man Faka’osi is. He beamed so much joy as he explained how his programme runs. He even designed the logo himself and the step-by-step structure of it. Our conversation also extended beyond the interview, as I picked his brain for his understanding of spirituality.

It felt like I was meant to meet him, as I was processing my own spiritual journey. We spoke about God and how love is at the centre of it all. Thank you, Faka’osi for the time you spent gifting me with your wisdom.

Tevita Faka’osi and the Kainga Pasifika Services logo. Photo/PMN News/Aui’a Vaimaila Leatinu’u

State of Origin 2025 decider will be ‘one for the record books

Oh man, this was a funny one. Full disclaimer, I am not a rugby union or rugby league guy at all. I mean, I just learned the difference between union and league two years ago from my friend Matt Manukuo, one of the most brilliant sports journalists you’ll ever meet.

But alas, I never got bit by that bug despite being in the nation that prides itself on farming and rugby, alongside me having so many family members and friends who play or played.

This year, though, I’ve been writing a lot more sports stories, including this one that covered the third and final match between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues. In July, when it was published, I was also prompted to pick a side.

State of Origin’s third and final match of the year promo. Photo/Website/Trybooking.com (edited by PMN News’s Aui’a Vaimaila Leatinu’u)

On one reporter roundup morning with then temporary 531pi host, Sanele Chadwick, he asked me to pick a side. Shrugging, I said, “Maroons it is”, which Chadwick was happy about, considering he’s a Queenslander.

And what a lucky bandwagon choice, because our team, yup, “our” now, won! Yay!

2025: That’s a wrap

Again, all the stories I’ve written have been a privilege. I’m really grateful to anyone who shared their story with me, not only for an article but just general chats. I’ve learned a lot this year and have my community to thank for that.

Happy holidays, everyone! We’ll do it all again next year. See you all then.