Latest news with #Polynesians
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
No vegetarian food is found in this country, citizens are not allowed to keep cars, the country is...
No vegetarian food is found in this country, citizens are not allowed to keep cars, the country is.... There are over 193 countries in the world. Each country has its unique cultures, traditions, and food habits. What is normal for people of a country can be weird for people of another country because of different cultures and lifestyles. This story is about a country that is known for its different features. Tuvalu is an island country and is located in the Polynesia subregion of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Australia. It is made up of three reef islands and six atolls. Let's know about this unique island country. As per the 2022 census, Tuvalu had a population of 10,643, which makes it the third least populated country in the world after Vatican City. Notably, Vatican City and Nauru are the least populated countries. Tuvalu is only 26 square km, which also makes it the fourth smallest country on the globe. Only Vatican City, Monaco, and Nauru are smaller than it in area. It is worth noting that the first inhabitants of the country were Polynesians, who arrived here about 3000 years ago as part of the migration of Polynesians across the Pacific Ocean. Polynesian voyagers used canoes to navigate between the islands of the Pacific. Academic research suggests that the Polynesian settlement of Tuvalu originated from migrations from Samoa and Tonga. Tuvalu's inhabitants rely heavily on imported food and fishing due to the islands' limited arable land. The nation's low elevation makes it highly susceptible to rising sea levels. As per reports, the local people here are not allowed to own cars. Only official people are allowed to own a four-wheeled vehicle.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Run It Straight: What Do The Fans Think?
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Run It Straight's viral full-body collisions are stirring controversy in Aotearoa, but fans say the competition builds people up and brings the community together. The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Last week, two grassroots 'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland were cancelled. Instead, the organisers held a giveaway event at Foot Locker in Sylvia Park on Thursday night. Lines stretched into the car park as fans, from teens to grandparents, young families and babies, were amongst the crowd that turned up. Here's what the fans had to say High school teens gathered in groups, with one group of boys in uniform performing the haka. 'I watch [Run It Straight] almost every night,' says one teen. Tayla, another teen, says she watches the group with her dad on YouTube. TikTok creator Steven Setu was among the hype, taking photos with fans in store. 'I'm here to support the brothers. They're doing something amazing for the Polynesians, man. They're bringing everybody here. They're building people up. It's amazing. It's unfortunate they couldn't be at the fields.' Bernice, mother to Marcellus, 2, and Moziyah, 4, was ecstatic that her sons won $100 each for dancing in the crowd. 'We just came out for the vibes. I thought I'd bring my kids with me just to let them see what the boys from Sydney are about.' When asked about the risks, she says the injuries were one of the cons. 'But the pros are bringing the community together, and also the boys being able to use their strength and ability to earn money from it.' One guy came straight from work after seeing the event on Instagram. 'It is a dangerous sport. But they say they're doing it on behalf of mental illness, mental health, people with high rates of suicide, especially us Pacific men.' Another guy, who came with his wife and daughter, says participation is a personal choice. 'My thoughts on Run It Straight is [that] everyone has a decision to make. Obviously, there are risks with everything, risks with rugby, league, whatever you do. So it just comes down to the individual. If that person decides that's what they want to do, man, power to them.' Evelyn says her grandkids brought her to the event. When told about the collision-style concept, she says: 'Oh, that's mean… yeah, my granddaughter can do that.' 'It's like being brought up old school. You've got to learn to toughen up.' Actor and Celebrity Treasure Island winner JP Foliaki, who happened to be passing through, says everyone used to do it at lunchtime growing up – it's always been done. 'I think safety is important, so as long as everyone's being safe and enjoying themselves and having fun.' 'There's always going to be backlash' Run It Straight CEO and owner Charizma, real name Christian Lesa, pivoted from the cancelled events into a meet-and-greet pop-up. The group gave away about $15,000 in merchandise, gift cards and cash at the Foot Locker event, Charizma says. Although unsuccessful in his efforts to secure local fields to host events, Charizma says, with anything big, 'there's always going to be backlash'. 'We're creating so much noise – it's new, so I expected this. I expected a bit of backlash from the government and the councils because it's something different.' Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, Chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, confirmed the board opposed the event that was to be held at Williams Park in Māngere on public health and safety grounds. Eli Nathan, Auckland Council's Head of Area Operations, explained that permits are required for events involving large crowds or potential safety issues. He encouraged organisers to reach out to the council early to understand the requirements. Charizma says they are looking to help people with mental health struggles and inspire Pacific youth to chase their dreams like himself. 'We just got to keep continuing to grind and make sure that we prove the haters wrong.'
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Run It Straight: What Do The Fans Think?
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter Run It Straight's viral full-body collisions are stirring controversy in Aotearoa, but fans say the competition builds people up and brings the community together. The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Last week, two grassroots 'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland were cancelled. Instead, the organisers held a giveaway event at Foot Locker in Sylvia Park on Thursday night. Lines stretched into the car park as fans, from teens to grandparents, young families and babies, were amongst the crowd that turned up. Here's what the fans had to say High school teens gathered in groups, with one group of boys in uniform performing the haka. 'I watch [Run It Straight] almost every night,' says one teen. Tayla, another teen, says she watches the group with her dad on YouTube. TikTok creator Steven Setu was among the hype, taking photos with fans in store. 'I'm here to support the brothers. They're doing something amazing for the Polynesians, man. They're bringing everybody here. They're building people up. It's amazing. It's unfortunate they couldn't be at the fields.' Bernice, mother to Marcellus, 2, and Moziyah, 4, was ecstatic that her sons won $100 each for dancing in the crowd. 'We just came out for the vibes. I thought I'd bring my kids with me just to let them see what the boys from Sydney are about.' When asked about the risks, she says the injuries were one of the cons. 'But the pros are bringing the community together, and also the boys being able to use their strength and ability to earn money from it.' One guy came straight from work after seeing the event on Instagram. 'It is a dangerous sport. But they say they're doing it on behalf of mental illness, mental health, people with high rates of suicide, especially us Pacific men.' Another guy, who came with his wife and daughter, says participation is a personal choice. 'My thoughts on Run It Straight is [that] everyone has a decision to make. Obviously, there are risks with everything, risks with rugby, league, whatever you do. So it just comes down to the individual. If that person decides that's what they want to do, man, power to them.' Evelyn says her grandkids brought her to the event. When told about the collision-style concept, she says: 'Oh, that's mean… yeah, my granddaughter can do that.' 'It's like being brought up old school. You've got to learn to toughen up.' Actor and Celebrity Treasure Island winner JP Foliaki, who happened to be passing through, says everyone used to do it at lunchtime growing up – it's always been done. 'I think safety is important, so as long as everyone's being safe and enjoying themselves and having fun.' 'There's always going to be backlash' Run It Straight CEO and owner Charizma, real name Christian Lesa, pivoted from the cancelled events into a meet-and-greet pop-up. The group gave away about $15,000 in merchandise, gift cards and cash at the Foot Locker event, Charizma says. Although unsuccessful in his efforts to secure local fields to host events, Charizma says, with anything big, 'there's always going to be backlash'. 'We're creating so much noise – it's new, so I expected this. I expected a bit of backlash from the government and the councils because it's something different.' Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, Chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, confirmed the board opposed the event that was to be held at Williams Park in Māngere on public health and safety grounds. Eli Nathan, Auckland Council's Head of Area Operations, explained that permits are required for events involving large crowds or potential safety issues. He encouraged organisers to reach out to the council early to understand the requirements. Charizma says they are looking to help people with mental health struggles and inspire Pacific youth to chase their dreams like himself. 'We just got to keep continuing to grind and make sure that we prove the haters wrong.'
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Run It Straight: What Do The Fans Think?
Run It Straight's viral full-body collisions are stirring controversy in Aotearoa, but fans say the competition builds people up and brings the community together. The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Last week, two grassroots 'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland were cancelled. Instead, the organisers held a giveaway event at Foot Locker in Sylvia Park on Thursday night. Lines stretched into the car park as fans, from teens to grandparents, young families and babies, were amongst the crowd that turned up. Here's what the fans had to say High school teens gathered in groups, with one group of boys in uniform performing the haka. 'I watch [Run It Straight] almost every night,' says one teen. Tayla, another teen, says she watches the group with her dad on YouTube. TikTok creator Steven Setu was among the hype, taking photos with fans in store. 'I'm here to support the brothers. They're doing something amazing for the Polynesians, man. They're bringing everybody here. They're building people up. It's amazing. It's unfortunate they couldn't be at the fields.' Bernice, mother to Marcellus, 2, and Moziyah, 4, was ecstatic that her sons won $100 each for dancing in the crowd. 'We just came out for the vibes. I thought I'd bring my kids with me just to let them see what the boys from Sydney are about.' When asked about the risks, she says the injuries were one of the cons. "But the pros are bringing the community together, and also the boys being able to use their strength and ability to earn money from it.' One guy came straight from work after seeing the event on Instagram. "It is a dangerous sport. But they say they're doing it on behalf of mental illness, mental health, people with high rates of suicide, especially us Pacific men.' Another guy, who came with his wife and daughter, says participation is a personal choice. 'My thoughts on Run It Straight is [that] everyone has a decision to make. Obviously, there are risks with everything, risks with rugby, league, whatever you do. So it just comes down to the individual. If that person decides that's what they want to do, man, power to them.' Evelyn says her grandkids brought her to the event. When told about the collision-style concept, she says: 'Oh, that's mean... yeah, my granddaughter can do that.' 'It's like being brought up old school. You've got to learn to toughen up.' Actor and Celebrity Treasure Island winner JP Foliaki, who happened to be passing through, says everyone used to do it at lunchtime growing up - it's always been done. "I think safety is important, so as long as everyone's being safe and enjoying themselves and having fun." 'There's always going to be backlash' Run It Straight CEO and owner Charizma, real name Christian Lesa, pivoted from the cancelled events into a meet-and-greet pop-up. The group gave away about $15,000 in merchandise, gift cards and cash at the Foot Locker event, Charizma says. Although unsuccessful in his efforts to secure local fields to host events, Charizma says, with anything big, 'there's always going to be backlash'. 'We're creating so much noise - it's new, so I expected this. I expected a bit of backlash from the government and the councils because it's something different.' Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, Chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, confirmed the board opposed the event that was to be held at Williams Park in Māngere on public health and safety grounds. Eli Nathan, Auckland Council's Head of Area Operations, explained that permits are required for events involving large crowds or potential safety issues. He encouraged organisers to reach out to the council early to understand the requirements. Charizma says they are looking to help people with mental health struggles and inspire Pacific youth to chase their dreams like himself. 'We just got to keep continuing to grind and make sure that we prove the haters wrong.'
NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Run It Straight: What do the fans think?
High school teens gathered in groups, with one group of boys in uniform performing the haka. 'I watch [Run It Straight] almost every night,' says one teen. Tayla, another teen, says she watches the group with her dad on YouTube. TikTok creator Steven Setu was there, taking photos with fans in store. 'I'm here to support the brothers. They're doing something amazing for the Polynesians, man. They're bringing everybody here. They're building people up. It's amazing. It's unfortunate they couldn't be at the fields.' Bernice, mother to Marcellus, 2, and Moziyah, 4, was ecstatic that her sons won $100 each for dancing in the crowd. 'We just came out for the vibes. I thought I'd bring my kids with me just to let them see what the boys from Sydney are about.' When asked about the risks, she says the injuries were one of the cons. 'But the pros are bringing the community together, and also the boys being able to use their strength and ability to earn money from it." One guy came straight from work after seeing the event on Instagram. 'It is a dangerous sport. But they say they're doing it on behalf of mental illness, mental health, people with high rates of suicide, especially us Pacific men.' Another guy, who came with his wife and daughter, says participation is a personal choice. 'My thoughts on Run It Straight is [that] everyone has a decision to make. Obviously, there are risks with everything, risks with rugby, league, whatever you do. So it just comes down to the individual. If that person decides that's what they want to do, man, power to them.' Evelyn says her grandkids brought her to the event. When told about the collision-style concept, she says: 'Oh, that's mean ... yeah, my granddaughter can do that. It's like being brought up old school. You've got to learn to toughen up.' Actor and Celebrity Treasure Island winner JP Foliaki, who happened to be passing through, says everyone used to do it at lunchtime growing up – it's always been done. 'I think safety is important, so as long as everyone's being safe and enjoying themselves and having fun.' 'There's always going to be backlash' Run It Straight CEO and owner Charizma, real name Christian Lesa, pivoted from the cancelled events into a meet-and-greet pop-up. The group gave away about $15,000 in merchandise, gift cards and cash at the Foot Locker event, Charizma says. Although unsuccessful in his efforts to secure local fields to host events, Charizma says, with anything big, 'there's always going to be backlash'. 'We're creating so much noise – it's new, so I expected this. I expected a bit of backlash from the Government and the councils because it's something different.' Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, confirmed the board opposed the event that was to be held at Williams Park in Māngere on public health and safety grounds. Eli Nathan, Auckland Council's head of area operations, explained that permits are required for events involving large crowds or potential safety issues. He encouraged organisers to reach out to the council early to understand the requirements. Charizma says they are looking to help people with mental health struggles and inspire Pacific youth to chase their dreams like himself. 'We just got to keep continuing to grind and make sure that we prove the haters wrong.'
