Debut novel by Wellington author secures worldwide publishing
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Rugby: Final Ferns farewell before World Cup defence
The theme of the Black Ferns World Cup campaign is to 'be brave.' Coach Alan Bunting embodied this notion during their farewell at Manurewa Intermediate today, belting out a rendition of Dua Lipa's Levitating . His performance captured the energy of the goodbye perfectly, as the Ferns boogied away with their young fans before departing for their Rugby World Cup defence in England. Black Ferns (from left) Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Jorja Miller and Braxton Sorenson McGee at today's farewell. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi Ferns fever ran absolutely rampant in South Auckland, as a deafening reception greeted the squad. Bunting said it was special to see the students so inspired by the Black Ferns. "I know that every one of these ladies here had someone to look up to and I know that for you to be her, you had to see her. These connections are vital to the Black Ferns heartbeat and we will take that with us." Black Ferns fever ran rampant at Manurewa Intermediate on Wednesday afternoon. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi Following formalities was a Q+A with members of the school's champion girls sevens team. Asked who inspired her on her rugby journey, flanker Jorja Miller responded "Probably Richie McCaw," which drew a bit of a groan from the audience, before she continued "and Portia Woodman", as the crowd erupted in cheers. "Do you ever get scared during a game?" prop Chryss Viliko was asked. "Of course, but you overcome that and find the joy in it." Manurewa Intermediate student asks Black Ferns a question during their World Cup farewell. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi The fitting final question went to prop Tanya Kalounivale: "What do you want all the kids who love to play rugby to know?" "Enjoy the little moments." A dance party then broke out with players, staff and students rocking out to Justin Bieber, Whitney Houston and Beyonce. But the Ferns know the serious stuff is just around the corner. "It's a bit daunting but I feel we have done the hard yards to get to this position, we are prepared for what's to and we have the support of our nation and that's all that matters," Kalounivale said. "We are all we have over there." Coach Alan Bunting addresses students at Manurewa Intermediate. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi It marks a debut tournament for fellow prop Viliko. "When I think about it I get emotional, I think about my family and the people I carry with me and who have supported me on my journey." She said it won't be just her whanau she carries to the United Kingdom. "We stand on the shoulders of the wahine toa who have played before us, we wouldn't be here without them." Manurewa Intermediate students in full voice as they farewell the Black Ferns ahead of their Rugby World Cup campaign. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi As for what 'being brave' looks like come World Cup time? "Putting our hand up, giving it a go, and playing with freedom." The quest to go back to back begins. Manurewa Intermediate pupils were excited to see the players on Wednesday. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
12 hours ago
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Bookmarks with Neil Finn - yes, that Neil Finn!
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14 hours ago
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Tinā Sails Past Whale Rider At The New Zealand Box Office
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission Tin made waves across the Pacific, with the widest ever release for a New Zealand film. Released across 132 locations, its impressive debut also claimed the third-highest opening week of all time for a local film, just behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople … The runaway film success of 2025, Tinā, has hit another milestone by taking $6,498,469 at the New Zealand box office, overtaking Niki Caro's Whale Rider, and securing the fifth spot on the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list. Tinā made waves across the Pacific, with the widest ever release for a New Zealand film. Released across 132 locations (Aotearoa, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa), its impressive debut also claimed the third-highest opening week of all time for a local film, just behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sione's 2: Unfinished Business. Annie Murray, New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) CEO, says the incredible response to Tinā shows just how deeply audiences connect with stories that reflect their own lives and communities. 'Breaking into the top five most successful New Zealand films of all time, and surpassing a beloved classic like Whale Rider, is no small feat. Tinā's success in Aotearoa, combined with cinematic release in Australia and the United States, proves a distinctly local story can resonate globally. Its themes of grief, community, hope, and love speak to the human condition. Crucially, Tinā also shows that commercial and critical success are not mutually exclusive. When we invest in stories that speak to who we are, audiences show up in force.' Tina 's director, producer, and writer, Miki Magasiva, continues to be overwhelmed by how strongly the film has performed. 'What a huge milestone for the team, and we're incredibly proud to reach this significant achievement. We want to sincerely thank everyone who helped us bring this film to life.' These sentiments were echoed by co-producer, Dan Higgins, 'To surpass the legacy of Whale Rider is both humbling and surreal. The success of Tinā belongs to our extraordinary cast and crew, and to the audiences who filled cinemas in their hundreds of thousands—this milestone is truly yours.' The film has been distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Madman Entertainment, Andrew Cozens, General Manager NZ, has been impressed with how local audiences have embraced the film. ' Tinā has shown the magic of the big screen is alive and well, capturing the hearts of New Zealand audiences with its incredible 24-week uninterrupted run. It has crossed cultural and generational lines to become a true phenomenon – with many audiences making repeat visits to the cinema.' Since its release, Tinā has carved out a place in New Zealand film history, landing at number five on the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list: Hunt For the Wilderpeople (2016) – $12,207,699 Boy (2010) – $9,322,000 The World's Fastest Indian (2005) – $7,059,147 Once Were Warriors (1994) – $6,801,471 Tinā (2025) – $6,498,469 Whale Rider (2003) – $6,496,371 Sione's Wedding (2006) – $4,075,000 What Becomes of the Broken Hearted (1999) – $3,201,000 What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – $2,595,000 Footrot Flats (1986) – $2,400,000 A moving and uplifting drama, Tinā follows Mareta, a grieving Samoan teacher who finds unexpected purpose at an elite school. With standout performances from Anapela Polataivao and rising star Antonia Robinson, the film also features Beulah Koale and Nicole Whippy. Directed, written, and produced by Miki Magasiva, Tinā was produced by Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa. The film was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, and NZ On Air, with financing support from Kiwibank Limited. Madman Entertainment is distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia, and Rialto Distribution have acquired the global rights, including the United States. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
