Latest news with #ManuSamoa
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Manu Samoa v Fiji: King Kapisi to headline halftime show in Rotorua
Award-winning hip-hop legend King Kapisi has been announced as the official halftime performer for the Manu Samoa v Flying Fijians rugby test match at Rotorua International Stadium. He will bring his Pasifika voice and high-energy stage presence to centre field on Saturday, September 6. Kapisi was appointed a Member of
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
One Month To Go: Iconic Aotearoa Artist King Kapisi MNZM To Perform Halftime Show At Samoa Vs Fiji Test Match In Rotorua
Award-winning hip hop legend King Kapisi MNZM has been announced as the official halftime performer, bringing his powerful Pasifika voice and high-energy stage presence to centre field on Saturday 6 September. With just one month to go until the much-anticipated Manu Samoa v Flying Fijians test match at Rotorua International Stadium, excitement is building – and it's just been dialled up another level. Award-winning hip hop legend King Kapisi MNZM has been announced as the official halftime performer, bringing his powerful Pasifika voice and high-energy stage presence to centre field on Saturday 6 September. Kapisi was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to music and to the community – a prestigious honour that recognises outstanding service and achievement in Aotearoa. It's a rare honour for Pasifika artists, making his contribution to music and culture even more significant. The performance will anchor the game's wider celebration of Pacific identity, unity and pride. More than a match, this is a moment one where culture, sport and community collide. 'I am extremely stoked to be representing my island of Samoa & the beautiful people of Fiji this up and coming game in Rotorua!' said King Kapisi. 'All music I create is with a Pacific lens! I've been repping our cultures around the world for decades ow!! Let's go Manu and best of luck to the Fijian team as well!' The Rotorua stage is a fitting platform for Kapisi, whose work has long celebrated Pacific culture and championed community causes across Aotearoa. A pioneer of New Zealand hip hop, he was the first in the genre to win an APRA Silver Scroll and has performed at major festivals across the globe. Over the years, he's shared stages with international heavyweights including Janet Jackson, Public Enemy, and more. He continues to serve communities through youth and sport-focused kaupapa, such as the Hoops and Life Awhi Charitable Trust and his ambassador work with the BNZ Breakers and Tūroa ski fields. Sam Hulton, Head of Commercial at RotoruaNZ, says the city is proud to welcome the artist to the stadium stage. 'We're absolutely thrilled to welcome King Kapisi to Rotorua for what promises to be an unforgettable halftime show. His connection to both Aotearoa and Samoa speaks directly to the heart of this event – one that celebrates sport, culture and identity. Hosting a legend like him here reflects Rotorua's growing place on the national stage when it comes to major events, and we're only just getting started.' King Kapisi's performance is already resonating with Pacific communities across Rotorua, where local whānau and fan groups are preparing to turn out in force to support their teams – and their icons -on and off the field. The Manu Samoa vs Flying Fijians test match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 6 September 2025, at Rotorua International Stadium. With both teams preparing for major international competitions, fans can expect a passionate, physical clash fuelled by fierce rivalry and deep respect. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster. One month to go. One stage. Two proud nations. And a halftime show you won't want to miss. About RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ is the regional tourism organisation and economic development agency for the Rotorua district. Our purpose is to unlock the economic potential of Rotorua whilst promoting Rotorua as a premier destination for work, education, travel, investment and residence.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
One Month To Go: Iconic Aotearoa Artist King Kapisi MNZM To Perform Halftime Show At Samoa Vs Fiji Test Match In Rotorua
Award-winning hip hop legend King Kapisi MNZM has been announced as the official halftime performer, bringing his powerful Pasifika voice and high-energy stage presence to centre field on Saturday 6 September. With just one month to go until the much-anticipated Manu Samoa v Flying Fijians test match at Rotorua International Stadium, excitement is building – and it's just been dialled up another level. Award-winning hip hop legend King Kapisi MNZM has been announced as the official halftime performer, bringing his powerful Pasifika voice and high-energy stage presence to centre field on Saturday 6 September. Kapisi was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to music and to the community – a prestigious honour that recognises outstanding service and achievement in Aotearoa. It's a rare honour for Pasifika artists, making his contribution to music and culture even more significant. The performance will anchor the game's wider celebration of Pacific identity, unity and pride. More than a match, this is a moment one where culture, sport and community collide. 'I am extremely stoked to be representing my island of Samoa & the beautiful people of Fiji this up and coming game in Rotorua!' said King Kapisi. 'All music I create is with a Pacific lens! I've been repping our cultures around the world for decades ow!! Let's go Manu and best of luck to the Fijian team as well!' The Rotorua stage is a fitting platform for Kapisi, whose work has long celebrated Pacific culture and championed community causes across Aotearoa. A pioneer of New Zealand hip hop, he was the first in the genre to win an APRA Silver Scroll and has performed at major festivals across the globe. Over the years, he's shared stages with international heavyweights including Janet Jackson, Public Enemy, and more. He continues to serve communities through youth and sport-focused kaupapa, such as the Hoops and Life Awhi Charitable Trust and his ambassador work with the BNZ Breakers and Tūroa ski fields. Sam Hulton, Head of Commercial at RotoruaNZ, says the city is proud to welcome the artist to the stadium stage. 'We're absolutely thrilled to welcome King Kapisi to Rotorua for what promises to be an unforgettable halftime show. His connection to both Aotearoa and Samoa speaks directly to the heart of this event – one that celebrates sport, culture and identity. Hosting a legend like him here reflects Rotorua's growing place on the national stage when it comes to major events, and we're only just getting started.' King Kapisi's performance is already resonating with Pacific communities across Rotorua, where local whānau and fan groups are preparing to turn out in force to support their teams – and their icons -on and off the field. The Manu Samoa vs Flying Fijians test match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 6 September 2025, at Rotorua International Stadium. With both teams preparing for major international competitions, fans can expect a passionate, physical clash fuelled by fierce rivalry and deep respect. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster. One month to go. One stage. Two proud nations. And a halftime show you won't want to miss. About RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ is the regional tourism organisation and economic development agency for the Rotorua district. Our purpose is to unlock the economic potential of Rotorua whilst promoting Rotorua as a premier destination for work, education, travel, investment and residence.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
One Month To Go: Iconic Aotearoa Artist King Kapisi MNZM To Perform Halftime Show At Samoa Vs Fiji Test Match In Rotorua
With just one month to go until the much-anticipated Manu Samoa v Flying Fijians test match at Rotorua International Stadium, excitement is building - and it's just been dialled up another level. Award-winning hip hop legend King Kapisi MNZM has been announced as the official halftime performer, bringing his powerful Pasifika voice and high-energy stage presence to centre field on Saturday 6 September. Kapisi was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to music and to the community - a prestigious honour that recognises outstanding service and achievement in Aotearoa. It's a rare honour for Pasifika artists, making his contribution to music and culture even more significant. The performance will anchor the game's wider celebration of Pacific identity, unity and pride. More than a match, this is a moment one where culture, sport and community collide. 'I am extremely stoked to be representing my island of Samoa & the beautiful people of Fiji this up and coming game in Rotorua!' said King Kapisi. 'All music I create is with a Pacific lens! I've been repping our cultures around the world for decades ow!! Let's go Manu and best of luck to the Fijian team as well!' The Rotorua stage is a fitting platform for Kapisi, whose work has long celebrated Pacific culture and championed community causes across Aotearoa. A pioneer of New Zealand hip hop, he was the first in the genre to win an APRA Silver Scroll and has performed at major festivals across the globe. Over the years, he's shared stages with international heavyweights including Janet Jackson, Public Enemy, and more. He continues to serve communities through youth and sport-focused kaupapa, such as the Hoops and Life Awhi Charitable Trust and his ambassador work with the BNZ Breakers and Tūroa ski fields. Sam Hulton, Head of Commercial at RotoruaNZ, says the city is proud to welcome the artist to the stadium stage. 'We're absolutely thrilled to welcome King Kapisi to Rotorua for what promises to be an unforgettable halftime show. His connection to both Aotearoa and Samoa speaks directly to the heart of this event - one that celebrates sport, culture and identity. Hosting a legend like him here reflects Rotorua's growing place on the national stage when it comes to major events, and we're only just getting started.' King Kapisi's performance is already resonating with Pacific communities across Rotorua, where local whānau and fan groups are preparing to turn out in force to support their teams - and their icons -on and off the field. The Manu Samoa vs Flying Fijians test match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 6 September 2025, at Rotorua International Stadium. With both teams preparing for major international competitions, fans can expect a passionate, physical clash fuelled by fierce rivalry and deep respect. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster. One month to go. One stage. Two proud nations. And a halftime show you won't want to miss. About RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ is the regional tourism organisation and economic development agency for the Rotorua district. Our purpose is to unlock the economic potential of Rotorua whilst promoting Rotorua as a premier destination for work, education, travel, investment and residence.
RNZ News
19-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Manu Samoa coach, captain happy despite loss to Scotland
Samoan halfback Melani Matavao in action against Scotland. Photo: Blake Armstrong/Photosport Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi says they have emerged a better team from their 41-12 loss to Scotland in Auckland on Friday. Pisi said, despite the result, he and the coaching team were happy with the promise they saw, as they prepared for the Pacific Nations Cup, which will also double as their 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier. The former Manu Samoa captain understood what his players had been through, especially with the limited preparation time and the fact that some of their best players are also unavailable, due to club commitments. Pisi said they were better off and would only get better moving forward, with their next game being their first PNC clash against Tonga at Nuku'alofa on 23 August. "Look, we had eight days to prepare and, obviously, there's probably habits in our game from lack of playing time that we didn't get to execute today," he said. "At the end of the day, it's a starting point for us moving forward to the qualifiers. "I'm really proud of the effort from the boys, but I'm sure they know too that those little habits in our game, in their game and our game, we just can't have those lapses in international rugby." Pisi said the players were getting into the game at a slower pace then expected, hanging off in support and failing to get up quickly on defence against the Scots. Manu Samoa coach Tusi Pisi. Photo: AFP / Sameer Al-Doumy Scotland were fired up from the start and really did not let Manu Samoa into the game. Pisi said getting to the breakdowns and winning possession was a must, and a critical area they would need to focus on moving forward. "Just a bit of lateness in the breakdown," he said. "I thought our support player was just half a second, half a step too late and then, obviously, you just can't have those lapses in international rugby. "They either hold you up or you end up losing the ball in the breakdown, but all in all, I'm proud of the effort from the team. We'll go away and improve those habits in our game, but I'm really excited about a start point and where we can get to." Scotland scored seven tries, the first after just five minutes, and by halftime, they had led 22-0, with tries to Rory Hutchinson, Kyle Steyn, Arron Reed and Ewan Ashman. Samoa managed two late consolation tries, but it was all too little too late, as Scotland closed out a dominant performance with another copybook rolling maul in the 78th minute to drive in the final nail. The result saw Scotland head home with two wins, after a win over the Māori All Blacks and a loss to Fiji. For Samoa, it was their first hitout since September 2024 and they also missed frontline players due to NPC commitments. Captain Theo MacFarland said it was a good start and they would learn to improve on areas they had identified, before they tackle. "It's good, although not the start we wanted," he said. "We had to start somewhere, so obviously disappointing, but we had to start somewhere. "I think there's a lot of potential in our team and we need to learn from this game." MacFarland said the 10 days' training was too short to prepare, and he had challenged the players to be realistic and just give their all. "We had to be real with ourselves, you know, 10 days wasn't going to be an excuse for us," he said. "We asked the boys to put our best foot forward to this game and I thought they did, so I'm really, I'm really proud of the efforts. "Today was about execution and we didn't quite get that. We didn't execute the way we wanted and we've made couple mistakes, which really hurt us. "We'll bounce back, we'll take all the learnings, we'll get back to the drawingboard, but we've got a good group and there's a lot of deputies that have got a lot of talent, so we've got a lot of belief in this group." Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee and Duncan Paia'aua scored tries for Samoa. The Manu Samoa players will now return to their clubs and coach Pisi said his coaching team would look at player availability again, before they get together for the Pacific Nations Cup. A difficulity for Samoa, Fiji and Tonga is getting their players out of the European competitions, plus those playing in the New Zealand NPC series. Manu Samoa will now focus on the Pacific Nations Cup, where they will need to finish among the top three from a group that includes Tonga, Canada and USA. The PNC will be played in two different groups - the Pacific will have Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, while the Asia group has Japan, Canada and USA. Fiji and Japan have already qualified for the World Cup. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
