US rugby star Ilona Maher in New Zealand
US rugby star Ilona Maher shot to prominence at the Olympics last year and has amassed a vast social media following, which translated into a big media turnout yesterday down on Auckland's waterfront for a pre game photo shoot. Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.
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RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Moana Pasifika review: Mass exodus and late drubbings take gloss off shining season
Captain Ardie Savea celebrates a win over the Blues. Photo: Brett Phibbs / In 2025, Moana Pasifika made believers of many. They came within one win of beating every New Zealand franchise, brought life to a dormant stadium and silenced plenty of critics. More importantly, they proved the project is working, giving Pacific players a platform, fans an identity and YouTube plenty of highlights. They would also drop a bombshell in the week following their elimination, announcing the departure of 15 players, six of whom had been with them since the start. Moana Pasifika ultimately fell short of their ambition of playoff footy and, after conceding 149 points in their last two games, the gloss was somewhat taken off a very bright season. Jonty Dine looks back at the historic year that was. Beating big brothers The rivalry between the two Auckland-based franchises only grew in 2025 and, of all their Kiwi scalps, none was more satisfying than the 27-21 defeat of the Blues in front of the Albany faithful. Captain Ardie Savea produced what was described as the greatest individual performance in the competition's history. Conquering Crusaders An upset for the ages, Moana's jaw-dropping 45-29 victory in "the toughest place to play in Super" suddenly gave rivals no choice but to put some respect on their name. Miracle scores thrice The encapsulation of what Moana was about - providing a platform for a Pacific player struggling to break into the top leagues - Miracle Faiʻilagi repaid the faith shown in him with this spectacular trio of tries against the Hurricanes, as they scored another upset over a New Zealand franchise, holding off the Hurricanes 40-31. New Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga helped change the franchise culture. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Ending Highlander hopes In a thriller under the Dunedin roof, Moana halfback Melani Matavao had his own 'hand of God' moment , as he charged down a Taine Robinson clearance, regathered and scored the matchwinner to eliminate the Highlanders from playoff contention with an enthralling 34-29 victory. Back to back After their monumental win in Christchurch, the question was could Moana back it up against the Waratahs the next week? Answering in emphatic fashion, a treble for prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou drove the 45-28 win. Ominous start Moana Pasifika were left to lament a three-loss run to start their campaign, a stretch of games that could have easily ended very differently. In their opening clash with Western Force in Perth, a 12-try epic concluded in heartbreaking fashion for the visitors. Down by 13 points with five minutes to play, the Force brought it back within six, before first-five Ben Donaldson inexplicably went 80 metres to score under the sticks and steal it. Similarly, Moana's round three match with the Highlanders - their first at home - saw them fall just two points short, after mounting a stunning comeback. Blanked by Brumbies An Ardie Savea-less Moana Pasifika failed to fire a shot on a damp day in Pukekohe, beaten 24-0 and sparking criticisms for the side's insistence on turning down kickable penalties . Ardie Savea leads the Moana Pasifika challenge. Photo: Photosport Hamilton humiliation While the Brumbies defeat stung, the hiding dished out by the Chiefs was effectively the blow that ended Moana Pasifika's playoff hopes, humbled in Hamilton 85-7 at the hands of a ruthless Chiefs side . Wheels come off in Welly While the fans embraced the return of one of Wellington's favourite sons - Savea - to the city, the Hurricanes were far less welcoming, handing Moana Pasifika a 64-12 hiding at the 'Cake Tin' to officially kill their campaign. Disrespectfully labelled a band of battlers in some corners, the Moana Pasifika squad proved they were anything but, with several players stamping their mark in Super Rugby 2025. Patrick Pellegrini While the pre-season talk centred around Jackson Garden-Bachop taking the reins, the unheralded Pellegrini made the biggest moves. His powerful punt, astute game management and deceptive speed saw him touted as one of the premier first-fives in the competition. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa A schoolboy star after making the bold move from Auckland to Invercargill, the blockbusting No.8 thrived alongside Savea and even thrust his name into All Blacks bolter conversations. Feleti Sae-Taʻufoʻou Another big mover was hulking prop Sae-Taʻufoʻou, announcing himself with a hattrick against the Waratahs, the Turbo was brutal with ball in hand. Moana Pasifika first-five Patrick Pellegreni Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress The primary focus upon Moana's inception was to provide a professional platform for Pasifika players who may be overlooked elsewhere. Several players epitomised this by playing their career best rugby after moving there in 2025. Lalomilo Lalomilo After making just two appearances for the Chiefs in 2023, Lalomilo had bided his time since earning national U20 selection. He returned north and appeared to find a permanent home in the Moana Pasifika midfield. A powerful runner, the Samoan is far from one-dimensional, showcasing some classy touches Jonathan Taumateine Halfback Taumatene found himself lost in the shuffle at both the Chiefs and Hurricanes, before signing with Moana Pasifika in their inaugural season. He was often stuck behind Ere Enari in the pecking order for his first three years with the side, but Umaga showed plenty of faith in Taumateine, who delivered some quality performances Millennium Sanerivi Another who produced a season as epic as his name and another Chiefs development player unable to crack the main squad, the former King's College First XV captain made his debut at hooker in round one against the Force and locked down the No.2 jersey, playing 13 of 15 games. This phenomenon was evident from the very first media session of the year, when a horde of journalists huddled around Moana Pasifika's superstar signing - the biggest coup in Super Rugby history. Ardie Savea made a mockery of claims his game would suffer at Moana Pasifika. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Making a mockery of predictions his game would suffer at the franchise, Savea was simply sensational for his adopted franchise, taking his game to levels rivalling the greatest players in the game's history. Influence is an understatement - Savea's men would follow him into war. A generational figure, who has become only more mythical at Moana Pasifika. Without a home in 2024, Moana struggled to find a sense of belonging, as they bounced between venues, sharing Go Media Stadium with the Warriors and unable to forge a genuine connection with their fanbase. Enter Albany. Moana Pasifika brought a serious injection of life to a ground in dire need of a rebirth. The atmosphere at QBE Stadium was electric and the roar when Savea snatched the matchwinning pilfer against the Blues absolutely deafening. They may have only numbered about 10,000, but the fans brought the energy and passion of a million. Tonga turmoil In a significant blow to Pacific rugby, Moana Pasifika were forced to relocate a home game against the Chiefs from Tonga to Pukekohe, due to logistical barriers on the island. Assurances have been made for efforts to make the fixture a reality in 2026, but Tongans will no doubt be sceptical. Miracle Faiʻilagi's hattrick of tries were a season highlight. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Sharks circle Fears the side would simply become a poaching ground for bigger franchises were proven justified, when Moana's top two 2023 performers - Timoci Tavatavanawai and Levi Aumua - were snapped up by the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively. Unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing with dynamic young winger Kyren Taumoefolau likely lured away by the Chiefs for next year. Roster reset In a jaw-dropping post-season move, Moana announced the mass release of Fine and Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Sione Havili-Talitui, Kyren Taumoefolau, Pepesana Patafilo, Alamanda Motuga, Sama Malolo, Aisea Halo, Tomasi Maka, Connor Seve, Irie Papuni and Pone Fa'amausili from the franchise. A significant shake up to the squad, though it could open the door for more star signings. While the NPC's 'Battle of the Bridge' has fizzled, a new Auckland grudge match has been born. What began as a cordial co-existence has become an increasingly heated feud between Moana Pasifika and the Blues. While the Blues say the right things on camera about the respect they have for Moana, the players and coaches across the bridge have spoken about the negative narratives coming from their so-called 'big brothers'. After Moana's official elimination from playoff contention, the Blues celebrated their finals berth with a post on Instagram saying "Keep doubtin us, we just picking the right time, don't care who side u on, there's only one of us in the finals". Moana Pasifika skipper Savea clapped back with "Lions don't care about the opinions of sheep". Shots fired. The scoreline was one apiece in 2025 and next year's clashes are bound to be barnburners. Rating B- 7/10 3.5 stars Moana Pasifika didn't reach the promised land in 2025, but they found their compass. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
3 hours ago
- RNZ News
NZ pop singer Cassie Henderson wins Best Pop Artist at the AMAs
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. NZ pop singer Cassie Henderson caught up with Kara Rickard for Music 101 off the back of her success at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards. Her latest single, 'Seconds to Midnight', came out on Sony NZ in August 2024 and remained at #1 on the RadioScope NZ Airplay Charts for 15 weeks. The track was recently reimagined by rapper Timmy the First and producer Mazbou Q as part of NZ On Air's Beyond the Beat. Artist Cassie Henderson at the Aotearoa Music Awards 2025. Photo: James Ensing-Trussell
Newsroom
4 hours ago
- Newsroom
Jacqueline Kennedy, the gifted Kiwi kayaker
Behind the trailblazing success of Dame Lisa Carrington and Aimee Fisher, young sprint kayakers are starting to line up to hopefully take over when their heroes eventually depart the stage. Gisborne's Jacqueline Kennedy is one of those impressive candidates and what's more, she has a brother who's looking to scale the heights alongside her. Kennedy was just four when Carrington won her first Olympic gold medal in London in 2012 and even though it was more of a general thought, the two-week sports extravaganza was something she quickly realised she wanted to be a part of. 'When I was way younger, I said to myself, I want to go to the Olympics. I didn't quite know what sport, but I wanted to go. I first thought it would be running, but now it's turning into kayaking and so whether it's 2028 or 2032 I probably won't stop until I get there and I'm sure many of the athletes I compete with are the same,' Kennedy says. Now 16, Kennedy is a year 12 student at Gisborne Girls High School. Her brother Maxwell is 17 and is head boy at Gisborne Boys. The siblings were a key part of the Poverty Bay Kayak Club squad that finished second overall out of the competing clubs at April's New Zealand Canoe Sprint Nationals, taking home five gold medals, 24 silver and 19 bronze over three days at Lake Karapiro. In the U18 category, Jacqueline won gold in the K1 200m, K1 500m and K1 1,000m individual events, while Maxwell, alongside club teammates, was victorious in the K2 500m, K4 200m and K4 500m categories. The siblings teamed up to take the Junior Mixed K2 200m title and then Jacqueline climbed in another boat alongside Hawkes Bay's Aimee Fisher to win the open K2 200m and K2 500m crowns. Kennedy and Aimee Fisher after one of their wins at Karapiro. Photo: Sally Cameron 'In all honesty I was more nervous getting in a boat with my brother than I was getting in a boat with Aimee,' Kennedy says. 'Both of them are brilliant paddlers and I knew Aimee had a lot of experience and I also wanted to do really well with my brother because that meant a lot to a lot of people. When I was in the boat with Aimee I was pretty nervous because she's extraordinary; she's the fastest K1 woman in the world [in history] and I just wanted to be able to keep up with her and make her feel like she wasn't pulling me along. I'm super grateful for the opportunity for her to bring me along and I just want to make it worth it for her. I want people to see there's two people in the boat.' Kennedy, who was named Canoe Racing New Zealand's Junior Athlete of the Year in February, represented New Zealand at the International Canoe Federation Junior World Sprint Championships in Bulgaria last year. She has also been named for 2025's edition, which takes place in Portugal in July, just before her 17th birthday. She'll also get another chance to line up for her country alongside Maxwell, who has also been chosen in the national squad. 'This sport has become a real family affair. Last year in the Asia Pacific Sprint Cup it was the first time Maxwell and I represented New Zealand together. This will be the first World Championships for us together and I'm sure there's going to be many more. It's super special for the family, we're happy we can make them all proud,' Kennedy says. Kennedy also competed in this year's Asia Pacific Sprint Cup in Japan, winning three golds on day one of a weather affected competition, in the K1, K2 and K4 500m events. The World Championship squad will have training camps in Christchurch and Auckland before departing for Europe at the start of July. They'll spend wo weeks in Europe at their final training camp before the championships start on July 23. 'I've learnt a lot from last year, what to do differently and I'm excited to truly be competitive, whereas last year it was crazy,' Kennedy says. Born on the North Shore in Auckland, Kennedy and her family moved to Gisborne when she was four, returning to where her mother grew up and where Jacqueline's grandfather lived. Paddling with brother Max at the Karapiro champs. Photo: Sally Cameron Jaqueline and Maxwell started surf lifesaving at Midway Surf Club and instantly fell in love with the environment, enjoying the waves and the paddleboarding. 'There was a couple of old boys at both Midway and Poverty Bay Kayak Club who told my brother and I we should come kayaking, so we did. My brother took to it more than me, I was into my running, but come March 2023, my brother was going to be competing in Asia Pacifics and I was going to be at Karapiro for about five days, so Mum and Dad [Sally and Craig] said I may as well get into a boat,' Kennedy says. Amazingly, it was only March 2023 when she officially started kayak training. 'Since then it's progressed very quickly, which is quite exciting but sometimes you sit back and think, 'wow, this has happened really quickly'.' Although she's now part of the Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) set-up, the Kennedys are lucky to have strong, local coaching support to assist their day-to-day development. 'What we've soon discovered is the best coaching I can get is from my coach Liz Thompson at Poverty Bay. Liz is amazing. She knows so much more than anyone I've ever met in the kayaking world. She knows what you need. For me personally, she knows when to help with my nerves, or to fire me up. She knows when I need to take back or I need to keep pushing and I know that when I'm with Liz, I'm in good hands because there's no doubt she knows what she's doing. She's an incredible coach,' Kennedy says. As she mentions, one of the work-ons for Kennedy is controlling her nerves, but she's able to take on words of wisdom from the top women in the sport, who are easy to approach and always happy to talk through their experiences to try and help. 'Aimee, Lisa, Alicia [Hoskin, two-time Olympic champion], they're all incredible ladies and I'm now beginning to see the journey that they've all gone through. When you meet them, you realise how down to earth they are and it makes you think, if they can do incredible things, so can I,' Kennedy says. Ultimately though, Kennedy's biggest inspiration is family, with parents Sally and Craig a huge influence, alongside grandparents, other family members, friends, and of course her brother. 'I think I inherited my competitiveness from both of them. My parents want the best out of my brother and I. I love my parents very, very much. They drive us to training, they make sure we have all the right gear, they travel across the world and it's hard to express how much I appreciate that. They'll never let me and Maxwell miss out on an opportunity which is something that we're both very grateful for.'
