Latest news with #Byram
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Leeds must trust Farke to find the right characters'
Leeds have been linked in recent days with out-of-contract players with Premier League experience and, among fans, the names have provoked a mixed response. This is arguably the most important transfer window in the club's history and United must make every single signing count if they are to cement their place in England's top tier next season. So caution is justified, but free agents have worked for Daniel Farke in the past. In his first season in charge, Farke brought Sam Byram back to the club. An academy product, Byram's time away from Yorkshire was ravaged with injuries. When rumours emerged of a potential return, some questioned whether his best days were behind him. But in the past two seasons Byram has played almost as many league games (69) as he did in total during his eight years away from Leeds (80), and he has been a solid performer. And when Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev got injured within the space of 70 minutes of football last September, United went looking for an emergency defensive midfielder and signed out-of-contract Josuha Guilavogui. In Guilavogui they found more than a back-up player. The farewell messages written on his final matchday shirt indicate the impact he had on team morale. Brenden Aaronson wrote: "Best mate, best player here, love you g", Jayden Bogle wrote: "The best human I have ever met", another wrote: "My brother, leader, legend, what a man you are mate". There is caution among the fan base and rightly so about some of the names Leeds have been linked with over the past few weeks - and an acceptance that Leeds need to be shopping in a different market than previous seasons. But with a young side, Premier League experience is needed and hard to come by, and Leeds must trust Farke to find the right characters for the squad. Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sabres Will Be Looking For Hockey Deal In Potential Byram Trade
There are no certainties when it comes to the Buffalo Sabres this summer, and the speculation regarding defenseman Bowen Byram may simply result in a short-term bridge deal and the 23-year-old walking to unrestricted free agency in 2027, but if that chatter regarding the Sabres potentially trading him is true, the question before GM Kevyn Adams is what do you get back for him. Byram scored a career-high 38 points last season, an impressive feat since all but three of those points came at even strength. The former fourth overall pick is capable of greater offensive output, especially if he is utilized on the power play, making him extremely attractive to teams looking for a top-pairing blueliner and power-play quarterback. Adams must be looking to make the same hockey deal he made when he acquired Byram from the Colorado Avalanche in March 2024. The deal in exchange for center Casey Mittelstadt bought Buffalo more time before having to decide on a long-term deal. A team interested in Byram will be looking to extend him long-term, but his status as an RFA should not affect his overall value in a trade, since he is arbitration-eligible and there s no chance of a holdout. Other Sabres Stories Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday? Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change The important part of any potential deal is what Adams can get back in return. Ideally, the Sabres are looking for someone comparably aged, and under control on a contract, or because he is on his entry-level or second contract. The issue that continues to affect the blueline is the preponderance of left-handed defensemen, so logically, Buffalo would be looking for a right-handed complement for Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power. Byram was connected to his hometown Vancouver Canucks in rumors during the season, but that was connected to the chatter of them trading Elias Pettersson and that does not seem realistic after the Canucks sent JT Miller to the NY Rangers. Names that might be a fit the criteria are blueliners Brandt Clarke of the LA Kings, Jamie Drysdale of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils. Clarke was rumored to be possible trade fodder before the deadline, in spite of filling in nicely for the injured Drew Doughty and scoring 33 points in his first full NHL season. Drysdale finally shook off injury issues that plagued him the last two seasons and played 70 games for the Flyers this year, while Nemec – the Devils 2022 second overall pick – is growing frustrated in New Jersey after splitting time between Newark and AHL Utica for the second year in a row. Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
‘We're Just Doing Our Best': Cultural Backlash Hits Auckland-based Kava Business
, RNZ Pacific Digital Journalist A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition. Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha taproom in Grey Lynn. The pair launched the business earlier this year, promoting it as a space for connection and community. Byram, a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, returned to Aotearoa after growing up in the United States. Hillen, originally from Canada, moved to New Zealand ten years ago. Both say they discovered kava during the Covid-19 pandemic and credit it with helping them shift away from alcohol. 'We wanted to create something that brings people together in a healthier way,' the pair said. However, their vision has been met with growing criticism, with people saying the business lacks cultural depth, misrepresents tradition, and risks commodifying a sacred practice. Context and different perspectives Tensions escalated after Vibes Kava posted a promotional video on Instagram, describing their offering as 'a modern take on a 3000-year-old tradition' and 'a lifestyle shift, one shell at a time.' On their website, Hillen is referred to as a 'kava evangelist,' while videos feature Byram hosting casual kava circles and promoting fortnightly 'kava socials.' The kava they sell is bottled, with tag names referencing the effects of each different kava bottle – for example, 'buzzy kava' and 'chill kava'. Their promotional content was later reposted on TikTok by a prominent Pacific influencer, prompting an influx of online input about the legitimacy of their business and the diversity of their kava circles. The reposted video has since received over 95,000 views, 1600 shares, and 11,000 interactions. In the TikTok caption, the influencer questioned the ethical foundations of the business. 'I would like to know what type of ethics was put into the creation of this…who was consulted, and said it was okay to make a brand out of a tradition?' Speaking to RNZ Pacific anonymously, the influencer criticised the brand's aesthetic and messaging, describing it as exploitative. 'Their website and Instagram portray trendy, wellness-style branding rather than a proud celebration of authentic Pacific customs or values,' they said. 'I feel like co-owner Charles appears to use his Samoan heritage as a buffer against the backlash he's received. 'Not to discredit his identity in any way; he is Samoan, and seems like a proud Samoan too. 'However, that should be reflected consistently in their branding. What's currently shown on their website and Instagram is a mix of Fijian kava practice served in a Samoan tanoa. That to me is confusing and dilutes cultural authenticity.' Fijian academic Dr Apo Aporosa said much of the misunderstanding stems from a narrow perception of kava as simply being a beverage. 'Most people who think they are using kava are not,' Aporosa said. 'What they're consuming may contain piper methysticum, but it's detached from the cultural framework that defines what kava actually is.' Aporosa said it is important to recognise kava as both a substance and a practice – one that involves ceremony, structure, and values. 'It is used to nurture vā, the relational space between people, and is traditionally accompanied by specific customs: woven mats, the tanoa bowl, coconut shell cups (bilo or ipu), and a shared sense of respect and order.' He said that the commodification of kava, through flavoured drink extracts and Western 'wellness' branding, is concerning, and that it distorts the plant's original purpose. 'When people repackage kava without understanding or respecting the culture it comes from, it becomes cultural appropriation,' he said. He added that it is not about restricting access to kava – it is about protecting its cultural integrity and honouring the knowledge Pacific communities have preserved for upwards of 2000 years. 'We can't just gatekeep; we need to guide' Dr Edmond Fehoko is a renowned Tongan academic and senior lecturer at Otago University who garnered international attention for his research on the experiences and perceptions of New Zealand-born Tongan men who participate in faikava. He said these situations are layered. 'I see the cultural appreciation side of things, and I see the cultural appropriation side of things,' Fehoko said. 'It is one of the few practices we hold dearly to our heart, and that is somewhat indigenous to our Pacific people – it can't be found anywhere else. 'Hence, it holds a sacred place in our society. But, we as a peoples, have actually not done a good enough job to raise awareness of the practice to other societies, and now it's a race issue, that only Pacific people have the rights to this – and I don't think that is the case anymore.' He explained that it is part of a broader dynamic around kava's globalisation – and that for many people, both Pacific and non-Pacific, kava is an 'interesting and exciting space, where all types of people, and all genders, come in and feel safe.' 'Yes, that is moving away from the cultural, customary way of things. But, we need to find new ways, and create new opportunities, to further disseminate our knowledge. 'Our kava practice is not the same today as it was 10, 20 years ago. Kava practices have evolved significantly across generations. 'There are over 200 kava bars in the United States…kava is one of the few traditions that is uniquely Pacific. But our understanding of it has to evolve too. We can't just gatekeep; we need to guide,' he said. He added that the issue of kava being commercialised by non-Pacific people cannot necessarily be criticised. 'It's two-fold, and quite contradictory,' he said, adding that the criticism against these ventures often overlooks the parallel ways in which Pacific communities are also reshaping and profiting from the tradition. 'We argue that non-Pacific people are profiting off our culture, but the truth is, many of us are too,' he said. 'A minority have extensive knowledge of kava…and if others want to appreciate our culture, let them take it further with us, instead of the backlash. 'If these lads are enjoying a good time and have the same vibe…the only difference is the colour of their skin, and the language they are using, which has become the norm in our kava practices as well. 'But here, we have an opportunity to educate people on the importance of our practice. Let's raise awareness. Kava is a practice we can use as a vehicle, or medium, to navigate these spaces.' 'Getting judged for the colour of my skin' 'I completely understand the points that have been brought up,' Byram said in response to the criticism. Tearing up, he said that was one of the most difficult things to swallow was backlash fixated on his cultural identity. 'I felt like I was getting judged for the colour of my skin, and for not understanding who I was or what I was trying to accomplish. If my skin was a bit darker, I might have been given some more grace. 'I was raised in a Samoan household. My grandfather is Samoan…my mum is Samoan. It's tough to be this person and then get hurt online, without having a conversation with me. Nobody took the time to ask those questions,' he said. The pair also pushed back on claims they are focused on profit. 'We went there to learn, to dive into the culture. We went to a lot of kava bars, interviewed farmers, just to understand the origin of kava, how it works within a community, and then how best to engage with, and showcase it,' Byram said. 'People have criticised that we are profiting – we're making no money at this point. All the money we make from this kava has gone back to the farmers in Vanuatu.' Hillen thinks those criticising them represent a minority. 'We have a lot of Pasifika customers that come here [and] they support us. 'They are ecstatic their culture is being promoted this way, and love what we are doing. The negative response from a minority part of the population was surprising to us.' Critics had argued that the business showcased confusing blends of different cultural approaches. Byram and Hillen said that it is up to other people to investigate and learn about the cultures, and that they are simply trying to acknowledge all of them. Byram, however, added that the critics brought up some good points – and that this will be a catalyst for change within their business. 'Yesterday, we joined the Pacific Business Hub. We are [taking] steps to integrate more about the culture, community, and what we are trying to accomplish here.' They also addressed their initial silence and comment moderation. 'I think the cycle was so self-perpetuating, so I was like…I need to make sure I respond with candor, concern, and active communication. 'So I deleted comments and put a pause on things, so we could have some space before the comments get out of hand. 'At the end of the day…this is about my connection with my culture and people more than anything, and I'm excited to grow from it. I'm learning, and I'm utilising this as a growth point. We're just doing our best,' Byram said. Hillen added, 'You have to understand, this business is super new, so we're still figuring out how best to do things, how to market and grow along with not only the community. 'What we really want to represent as people who care about, and believe in this.' Byram said they want to acknowledge as many peoples as possible. 'We don't want to create ceremony or steal anything from the culture. We really just want to celebrate it, and so again, we acknowledge the concern,' he added.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scoop
‘We're Just Doing Our Best': Cultural Backlash Hits Auckland-based Kava Business
Article – RNZ Vibes Kava, co-founded by a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation. Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific Digital Journalist A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition. Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha taproom in Grey Lynn. The pair launched the business earlier this year, promoting it as a space for connection and community. Byram, a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, returned to Aotearoa after growing up in the United States. Hillen, originally from Canada, moved to New Zealand ten years ago. Both say they discovered kava during the Covid-19 pandemic and credit it with helping them shift away from alcohol. 'We wanted to create something that brings people together in a healthier way,' the pair said. However, their vision has been met with growing criticism, with people saying the business lacks cultural depth, misrepresents tradition, and risks commodifying a sacred practice. Context and different perspectives Tensions escalated after Vibes Kava posted a promotional video on Instagram, describing their offering as 'a modern take on a 3000-year-old tradition' and 'a lifestyle shift, one shell at a time.' On their website, Hillen is referred to as a 'kava evangelist,' while videos feature Byram hosting casual kava circles and promoting fortnightly 'kava socials.' The kava they sell is bottled, with tag names referencing the effects of each different kava bottle – for example, 'buzzy kava' and 'chill kava'. Their promotional content was later reposted on TikTok by a prominent Pacific influencer, prompting an influx of online input about the legitimacy of their business and the diversity of their kava circles. The reposted video has since received over 95,000 views, 1600 shares, and 11,000 interactions. In the TikTok caption, the influencer questioned the ethical foundations of the business. 'I would like to know what type of ethics was put into the creation of this…who was consulted, and said it was okay to make a brand out of a tradition?' Speaking to RNZ Pacific anonymously, the influencer criticised the brand's aesthetic and messaging, describing it as exploitative. 'Their website and Instagram portray trendy, wellness-style branding rather than a proud celebration of authentic Pacific customs or values,' they said. 'I feel like co-owner Charles appears to use his Samoan heritage as a buffer against the backlash he's received. 'Not to discredit his identity in any way; he is Samoan, and seems like a proud Samoan too. 'However, that should be reflected consistently in their branding. What's currently shown on their website and Instagram is a mix of Fijian kava practice served in a Samoan tanoa. That to me is confusing and dilutes cultural authenticity.' Fijian academic Dr Apo Aporosa said much of the misunderstanding stems from a narrow perception of kava as simply being a beverage. 'Most people who think they are using kava are not,' Aporosa said. 'What they're consuming may contain piper methysticum, but it's detached from the cultural framework that defines what kava actually is.' Aporosa said it is important to recognise kava as both a substance and a practice – one that involves ceremony, structure, and values. 'It is used to nurture vā, the relational space between people, and is traditionally accompanied by specific customs: woven mats, the tanoa bowl, coconut shell cups (bilo or ipu), and a shared sense of respect and order.' He said that the commodification of kava, through flavoured drink extracts and Western 'wellness' branding, is concerning, and that it distorts the plant's original purpose. 'When people repackage kava without understanding or respecting the culture it comes from, it becomes cultural appropriation,' he said. He added that it is not about restricting access to kava – it is about protecting its cultural integrity and honouring the knowledge Pacific communities have preserved for upwards of 2000 years. 'We can't just gatekeep; we need to guide' Dr Edmond Fehoko is a renowned Tongan academic and senior lecturer at Otago University who garnered international attention for his research on the experiences and perceptions of New Zealand-born Tongan men who participate in faikava. He said these situations are layered. 'I see the cultural appreciation side of things, and I see the cultural appropriation side of things,' Fehoko said. 'It is one of the few practices we hold dearly to our heart, and that is somewhat indigenous to our Pacific people – it can't be found anywhere else. 'Hence, it holds a sacred place in our society. But, we as a peoples, have actually not done a good enough job to raise awareness of the practice to other societies, and now it's a race issue, that only Pacific people have the rights to this – and I don't think that is the case anymore.' He explained that it is part of a broader dynamic around kava's globalisation – and that for many people, both Pacific and non-Pacific, kava is an 'interesting and exciting space, where all types of people, and all genders, come in and feel safe.' 'Yes, that is moving away from the cultural, customary way of things. But, we need to find new ways, and create new opportunities, to further disseminate our knowledge. 'Our kava practice is not the same today as it was 10, 20 years ago. Kava practices have evolved significantly across generations. 'There are over 200 kava bars in the United States…kava is one of the few traditions that is uniquely Pacific. But our understanding of it has to evolve too. We can't just gatekeep; we need to guide,' he said. He added that the issue of kava being commercialised by non-Pacific people cannot necessarily be criticised. 'It's two-fold, and quite contradictory,' he said, adding that the criticism against these ventures often overlooks the parallel ways in which Pacific communities are also reshaping and profiting from the tradition. 'We argue that non-Pacific people are profiting off our culture, but the truth is, many of us are too,' he said. 'A minority have extensive knowledge of kava…and if others want to appreciate our culture, let them take it further with us, instead of the backlash. 'If these lads are enjoying a good time and have the same vibe…the only difference is the colour of their skin, and the language they are using, which has become the norm in our kava practices as well. 'But here, we have an opportunity to educate people on the importance of our practice. Let's raise awareness. Kava is a practice we can use as a vehicle, or medium, to navigate these spaces.' 'Getting judged for the colour of my skin' 'I completely understand the points that have been brought up,' Byram said in response to the criticism. Tearing up, he said that was one of the most difficult things to swallow was backlash fixated on his cultural identity. 'I felt like I was getting judged for the colour of my skin, and for not understanding who I was or what I was trying to accomplish. If my skin was a bit darker, I might have been given some more grace. 'I was raised in a Samoan household. My grandfather is Samoan…my mum is Samoan. It's tough to be this person and then get hurt online, without having a conversation with me. Nobody took the time to ask those questions,' he said. The pair also pushed back on claims they are focused on profit. 'We went there to learn, to dive into the culture. We went to a lot of kava bars, interviewed farmers, just to understand the origin of kava, how it works within a community, and then how best to engage with, and showcase it,' Byram said. 'People have criticised that we are profiting – we're making no money at this point. All the money we make from this kava has gone back to the farmers in Vanuatu.' Hillen thinks those criticising them represent a minority. 'We have a lot of Pasifika customers that come here [and] they support us. 'They are ecstatic their culture is being promoted this way, and love what we are doing. The negative response from a minority part of the population was surprising to us.' Critics had argued that the business showcased confusing blends of different cultural approaches. Byram and Hillen said that it is up to other people to investigate and learn about the cultures, and that they are simply trying to acknowledge all of them. Byram, however, added that the critics brought up some good points – and that this will be a catalyst for change within their business. 'Yesterday, we joined the Pacific Business Hub. We are [taking] steps to integrate more about the culture, community, and what we are trying to accomplish here.' They also addressed their initial silence and comment moderation. 'I think the cycle was so self-perpetuating, so I was like…I need to make sure I respond with candor, concern, and active communication. 'So I deleted comments and put a pause on things, so we could have some space before the comments get out of hand. 'At the end of the day…this is about my connection with my culture and people more than anything, and I'm excited to grow from it. I'm learning, and I'm utilising this as a growth point. We're just doing our best,' Byram said. Hillen added, 'You have to understand, this business is super new, so we're still figuring out how best to do things, how to market and grow along with not only the community. 'What we really want to represent as people who care about, and believe in this.' Byram said they want to acknowledge as many peoples as possible. 'We don't want to create ceremony or steal anything from the culture. We really just want to celebrate it, and so again, we acknowledge the concern,' he added.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
'We're Just Doing Our Best': Cultural Backlash Hits Auckland-based Kava Business
Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific Digital Journalist A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition. Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha taproom in Grey Lynn. The pair launched the business earlier this year, promoting it as a space for connection and community. Byram, a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, returned to Aotearoa after growing up in the United States. Hillen, originally from Canada, moved to New Zealand ten years ago. Both say they discovered kava during the Covid-19 pandemic and credit it with helping them shift away from alcohol. "We wanted to create something that brings people together in a healthier way," the pair said. However, their vision has been met with growing criticism, with people saying the business lacks cultural depth, misrepresents tradition, and risks commodifying a sacred practice. Context and different perspectives Tensions escalated after Vibes Kava posted a promotional video on Instagram, describing their offering as "a modern take on a 3000-year-old tradition" and "a lifestyle shift, one shell at a time." On their website, Hillen is referred to as a "kava evangelist," while videos feature Byram hosting casual kava circles and promoting fortnightly "kava socials." The kava they sell is bottled, with tag names referencing the effects of each different kava bottle - for example, 'buzzy kava' and 'chill kava'. Their promotional content was later reposted on TikTok by a prominent Pacific influencer, prompting an influx of online input about the legitimacy of their business and the diversity of their kava circles. The reposted video has since received over 95,000 views, 1600 shares, and 11,000 interactions. In the TikTok caption, the influencer questioned the ethical foundations of the business. "I would like to know what type of ethics was put into the creation of was consulted, and said it was okay to make a brand out of a tradition?" Speaking to RNZ Pacific anonymously, the influencer criticised the brand's aesthetic and messaging, describing it as exploitative. "Their website and Instagram portray trendy, wellness-style branding rather than a proud celebration of authentic Pacific customs or values," they said. "I feel like co-owner Charles appears to use his Samoan heritage as a buffer against the backlash he's received. "Not to discredit his identity in any way; he is Samoan, and seems like a proud Samoan too. "However, that should be reflected consistently in their branding. What's currently shown on their website and Instagram is a mix of Fijian kava practice served in a Samoan tanoa. That to me is confusing and dilutes cultural authenticity." Fijian academic Dr Apo Aporosa said much of the misunderstanding stems from a narrow perception of kava as simply being a beverage. "Most people who think they are using kava are not," Aporosa said. "What they're consuming may contain piper methysticum, but it's detached from the cultural framework that defines what kava actually is." Aporosa said it is important to recognise kava as both a substance and a practice - one that involves ceremony, structure, and values. "It is used to nurture vā, the relational space between people, and is traditionally accompanied by specific customs: woven mats, the tanoa bowl, coconut shell cups (bilo or ipu), and a shared sense of respect and order." He said that the commodification of kava, through flavoured drink extracts and Western 'wellness' branding, is concerning, and that it distorts the plant's original purpose. "When people repackage kava without understanding or respecting the culture it comes from, it becomes cultural appropriation," he said. He added that it is not about restricting access to kava - it is about protecting its cultural integrity and honouring the knowledge Pacific communities have preserved for upwards of 2000 years. 'We can't just gatekeep; we need to guide' Dr Edmond Fehoko is a renowned Tongan academic and senior lecturer at Otago University who garnered international attention for his research on the experiences and perceptions of New Zealand-born Tongan men who participate in faikava. He said these situations are layered. "I see the cultural appreciation side of things, and I see the cultural appropriation side of things," Fehoko said. "It is one of the few practices we hold dearly to our heart, and that is somewhat indigenous to our Pacific people - it can't be found anywhere else. "Hence, it holds a sacred place in our society. But, we as a peoples, have actually not done a good enough job to raise awareness of the practice to other societies, and now it's a race issue, that only Pacific people have the rights to this - and I don't think that is the case anymore." He explained that it is part of a broader dynamic around kava's globalisation - and that for many people, both Pacific and non-Pacific, kava is an "interesting and exciting space, where all types of people, and all genders, come in and feel safe." "Yes, that is moving away from the cultural, customary way of things. But, we need to find new ways, and create new opportunities, to further disseminate our knowledge. "Our kava practice is not the same today as it was 10, 20 years ago. Kava practices have evolved significantly across generations. "There are over 200 kava bars in the United is one of the few traditions that is uniquely Pacific. But our understanding of it has to evolve too. We can't just gatekeep; we need to guide," he said. He added that the issue of kava being commercialised by non-Pacific people cannot necessarily be criticised. "It's two-fold, and quite contradictory," he said, adding that the criticism against these ventures often overlooks the parallel ways in which Pacific communities are also reshaping and profiting from the tradition. "We argue that non-Pacific people are profiting off our culture, but the truth is, many of us are too," he said. "A minority have extensive knowledge of if others want to appreciate our culture, let them take it further with us, instead of the backlash. "If these lads are enjoying a good time and have the same only difference is the colour of their skin, and the language they are using, which has become the norm in our kava practices as well. "But here, we have an opportunity to educate people on the importance of our practice. Let's raise awareness. Kava is a practice we can use as a vehicle, or medium, to navigate these spaces." 'Getting judged for the colour of my skin' "I completely understand the points that have been brought up," Byram said in response to the criticism. Tearing up, he said that was one of the most difficult things to swallow was backlash fixated on his cultural identity. "I felt like I was getting judged for the colour of my skin, and for not understanding who I was or what I was trying to accomplish. If my skin was a bit darker, I might have been given some more grace. "I was raised in a Samoan household. My grandfather is mum is Samoan. It's tough to be this person and then get hurt online, without having a conversation with me. Nobody took the time to ask those questions," he said. The pair also pushed back on claims they are focused on profit. "We went there to learn, to dive into the culture. We went to a lot of kava bars, interviewed farmers, just to understand the origin of kava, how it works within a community, and then how best to engage with, and showcase it," Byram said. "People have criticised that we are profiting - we're making no money at this point. All the money we make from this kava has gone back to the farmers in Vanuatu." Hillen thinks those criticising them represent a minority. "We have a lot of Pasifika customers that come here [and] they support us. "They are ecstatic their culture is being promoted this way, and love what we are doing. The negative response from a minority part of the population was surprising to us." Critics had argued that the business showcased confusing blends of different cultural approaches. Byram and Hillen said that it is up to other people to investigate and learn about the cultures, and that they are simply trying to acknowledge all of them. Byram, however, added that the critics brought up some good points - and that this will be a catalyst for change within their business. "Yesterday, we joined the Pacific Business Hub. We are [taking] steps to integrate more about the culture, community, and what we are trying to accomplish here." They also addressed their initial silence and comment moderation. "I think the cycle was so self-perpetuating, so I was like...I need to make sure I respond with candor, concern, and active communication. "So I deleted comments and put a pause on things, so we could have some space before the comments get out of hand. "At the end of the is about my connection with my culture and people more than anything, and I'm excited to grow from it. I'm learning, and I'm utilising this as a growth point. We're just doing our best," Byram said. Hillen added, "You have to understand, this business is super new, so we're still figuring out how best to do things, how to market and grow along with not only the community. "What we really want to represent as people who care about, and believe in this." Byram said they want to acknowledge as many peoples as possible. "We don't want to create ceremony or steal anything from the culture. We really just want to celebrate it, and so again, we acknowledge the concern," he added.
