Latest news with #Samoa
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Walters handed boost as potential Kangaroos defector 'hasn't made a decision'
New Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said he only wants to take players to England who want to represent the green and gold as Tino Fa'asuamaleaui admits he hasn't come to a decision over a potential switch. Walters knew one of his first roles as the national coach was to address reports trio Hamiso Tabui-Fidow, Payne Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui are all thinking of playing for Samoa at the end of the season. The trio have all played for Australia at some point, but are considering playing for Samoa moving forward. While this has opened up a debate around State of Origin eligibility, the trio are yet to make any official call with the NRL season still going. Although Fa'asuamaleaui has broken his silence around the situation and claimed he will make his decision after the season's end. But it appears Walters will have time to meet with the Queensland forward who hasn't made up his mind. "For now I haven't made a decision. I'm hoping I'm in the boat where I have to make a decision," Fa'asuamaleaui said. "Obviously being in rehab probably rules that out at the moment. I just want to get my knee right, play good football and hopefully I get to that point at the end of the year where I get to select." Fa'asuamaleaui said he has been tossing up the decision after a visit back to Samoa to see his family. "I am massively connected to my Samoan culture. Me and Iszac were fortunate enough to go back at the end of last year after 10 years," he said. "To be back there with my family and see all the kids I grew up with who now have kids like me, it brought a real connection to my culture. I have always loved being Samoan and I am still on that journey of learning my culture more and understanding it." Fa'asuamaleaui played six games for Australia across 2022 and 2023, but has been injured in recent years having struggled to back-up for the green and gold at the end of the season. And while Fa'asuamaleaui is unsure of who he will play for, Walters claimed he isn't going to ask any of them to remain in the green and gold if they don't want to represent the jersey. RELATED: Hughes re-signs as Munster twist could prevent another star leaving Stunning development for Cleary brothers as Luai under heavy fire Kevin Walters issues demand to Aussie stars Speaking on NRL 360, Walters claimed he respects the decision of the players wanting to make a switch and won't stand in their way. The former Australian representative said he wants to restore the pride in the jersey and only wants players who want to play for Australia in the 22-man squad to tour England. 'I have had some conversations and picked up the phone,' Walters said on Monday. 'There will be some meetings in the next couple of weeks with those guys. I won't be trying to convince them to play for the Kangaroos. "I will sit down with these guys and outline my plan on where we are going to take the jersey and then get an understanding of their feelings towards that and how they feel about playing for the Kangaroos. If they want to continue and play for our jersey that is great I love that and if they don't I totally respect that.' Tabuai-Fidow played for Samoa in the 2022 World Cup, but was hampered with injury and only featured in one game. He has represented Australia six times since then having won the Pacific Championship last year in a stacked side. Haas has represented Australia four times. The Kangaroos will play a three-match Ashes series for the first time since 2003, with the first Test against England getting underway at London's Wembley Stadium on October 25. Walters will select a 22-man squad to tour England after the NRL season.
RNZ News
a day ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Born for this: Fa'afāfine, matai, and now ... MP?
By Renate Rivers , PMN Falesaopule will focus on peace and security within their district and leverage existing networks for economic development. Photo: Supplied A 20-year dream is coming true for one prominent Samoan fa'afāfine, who is contesting a key Savai'i seat in next month's general election. Despite ongoing discussions about Samoa's gender imbalance in parliament and the status of fa'afāfine, Falesaopule Seimale'ula Vaialia Iosua says the challenges faced by candidates are common. "I know a lot of people are looking at it that way, but whether you're a man, woman, fa'afāfine… It's not an easy choice to put your hand up and contest," Falesaopule tells PMN News . "But I'm ready. I'm prepared." Falesaopule is one of a record 190 candidates vying for a seat in the election on 29 August, contesting as an Independent for Gagaifomauga 2. Another fa'afāfine candidate, Siligatusa Alosina Ropati, is running for Vaimauga 3. When asked if gender makes the journey harder, Falesaopule responded: "No. I don't see why it's a barrier. People will talk and say what they say. There's no law stopping us from contesting. The rules are clear…so it's not a problem." Lealaitagomoa Toalepaialii Tuisina Ymania Brown-Gabriel, an activist, matai, executive director of Trans Europe and Central Asia (TGEU), and the co-president of Interpride, says the candidacies of Falesaopule and Siligatusa are "seismic political statements". "The legal framework of our nation doesn't require our invisibility," Lealaitagomoa says. "It requires our participation. "These candidacies prove that Samoa's cultural soul can walk hand in hand with its constitutional principles. Being fa'afāfine and running for parliament are not contradictory. They are complementary." Lealaitagomoa believes the two candidates are poised to make history. "What makes them even more extraordinary is Samoa's potential to lead globally in political representation of culturally recognised third-gender identities. Elections Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alex Stanley and Vaimauga 3 Candidate Siligatusa Alosina Ropati during registration week for aspiring MPs. Photo: Office of the Electoral Commissioner "If elected, they would make Samoa the first country in the world to send fa'afāfine matai to national parliament as themselves, not as assimilated versions of Western gender categories." In 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution affirming the right of all persons to participate in public affairs and to stand for election. But such declarations usually fail to resonate at the grassroots level. Social media commentary can be harsh, even though fa'afāfine are seamlessly integrated into community life. Still, Falesaopule remains undeterred. "My response is to ignore. It's human nature to complain and criticise, but I believe in taking all of that…and whatever is useful and will help me, I will take it. It doesn't mean it will stop me." On the ground, Falesaopule's top priority is promoting unity within the district of Gagaifomauga 2. Lauano Lauina Grace (Chairperson), Falesaopule, and Leaupepe Satui Bentin are members of the Sāmoa Housing Corporation board of directors. Photo: Samoa Housing Corporation Referring to more than 30 years of discord, they describe a recent reconciliation within their village community as a major milestone. "You don't want to go to a family, village, a place…where you feel unsafe to engage or freely express your true self. "I did that [reconciliation] process on Wednesday…and for them to come together like that, under one roof, it's a milestone for me." As the three main parties, FAST, HRPP, and the Samoa Uniting Party, unveil manifestos that promise everything from infrastructure upgrades to direct cash handouts, Falesaopule remains unaffiliated. Aligning with a major party may offer greater access to resources and support networks, but Falesaopule says the decision will rest with the people of Gagaifomauga 2. The three major parties of SUP, FAST, and HRPP are sharing their manifestos through roadshows, village fono, and social media campaigns. Photo: Facebook "I have already consulted with them…if I am successful with my campaign, I will go back to them and we will decide. The reality is, if I win, the first people to call me will be Tuilaepa… will be Laauli… will be Fiame…to talk about which party I will join." Unpacking policy pledges is part of their strategy. "I'm thinking of doing a recap of all the manifestos. Proper sessions with my district, where we sit down and share about it. I think that having the technical knowledge and understanding the benefits and downsides is where I can really help. My role would definitely be in facilitating that information-sharing process." With a Master's in Human Rights and Democratisation and postgraduate qualifications in development studies, Falesaopule has spent over 20 years working across government and international agencies, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). Despite a third-place finish at the 2022 by-election for the district seat, Falesaopule says they are grateful for that test run. Samoan officials and development partners join the Samoa Fa'afāfine Association to celebrate Fa'afāfine and Fa'atama Week in 2024. Former Minister of Women, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo-Ale is seated next to SFA Patron, HRPP Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo: Samoa Fa'afāfine Association "When our MP passed away and a by-election was called, I suddenly found myself on the ballot for our district seat. It was an unplanned contest, and although I didn't win, I felt very encouraged by the voters who chose me. If only a handful of people voted for me, I probably wouldn't run this year." Emboldened by their community's support, Falesaopule says there are village-specific grievances that they intend to address. "Within the district, there are small village stores struggling to compete with larger Chinese-owned shops. "I want to elevate this issue to the policy level, to address this because the small businesses, the small shops at the village level… they are disappearing." Economic development is a high priority for Falesaopule, who currently employs 20 young men on their farm in Upolu; many of whom send money back to their families in Savai'i. Facilitating that kind of strategic growth takes more than just vision, they say. It requires experience and networks. Falesaopule sees the untapped potential and employment opportunities from working the land in their district. Photo: Alafaga Photography "This is something that should be taken back to Savai'i. We need to return to farming as a livelihood. If I can do all this in Upolu, then this can be done in Savai'i. I can have the same setup, and with help from partners, we can create opportunities. "I have strong networks in the international [development] space. People in government have to trust you to be able to deliver, and I am known… I am trusted. I work hard." While funding and seasonal work opportunities are available, many communities often struggle to access them. "If you have the ability to push through [red tape], that's valuable. Facilitating that can be my role. Remember… it's not a government that belongs to any party. It's our government, our resources." The Samoa Fa'afāfine Association is backing both Falesaopule and Siligatusa, who are advisory councillors of the organisation, in their pursuit of higher office. "Sāmoa's laws always respect and accord equality before the law for everyone, including being fa'afāfine leaders," the association states. "While you contend to represent your families, your villages and your districts, you are also representing our fa'afāfine and fa'atama SOGIE community here in Sāmoa. "We salute and stand with you because it is your fa'afāfine dignity that is your service that is also guiding you to leadership." Falesaopule says support from āiga and the district is important and expected. "The support of āiga and the district is appreciated, but it's also something that is expected. Because if you offer a service, if you work hard, you get that respect and appreciation." Samoa will head to the polls on 29 August. Among the 190 candidates running for parliament, there are 21 women and two fa'afāfine contenders. -This article was first published by PMN .
ABC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Former missionary indicted for alleged sexual exploitation of children in Tonga
On the program today A former missionary from the LDS church is arrested in the United States for allegedly sexually abusing minors in the Kingdom of Tonga. Tuvalu's Prime Minister says his country will continue to keep Australia accountable on its carbon emissions despite an economic and security treaty between the two governments. Samoa ramps up its response to a deadly dengue outbreak. Researches in Brisbane roll out new technology which immunises mosquitoes against the dengue illness. In Palau, scientists and oral history custodians join forces to piece together the story behind some of the Pacific's most ancient monuments. India's Rugby Premier League completes its inaugural season. And a kava-led boom unfolds on the roads of Vanuatu's remote islands.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
High number of drownings in Samoa prompts outrigger school to do something a little different
Every Saturday morning at Maninoa on the south coast of Upolu, at least 50 children turn up religiously to learn the traditional sport of va'a — and how to swim. Su'a Jay Ah Fook Schuster and his wife Tutasi, who started Alo Paopao Academy in Apia years ago, have taken the school across the island and are running a pilot program with village support. "The kids are excited about it, and at the same time we try and teach them water awareness, because there's a big concern about the number of drownings that we have per month here in Samoa," Su'a said. He said at least two people drowned every month, and it had become more of an issue over the past two decades. "For the last three years, I found I wasn't really coaching paddling anymore," Su'a said. This was when he began to take notice of the number of drownings. "I was actually trying to convince people to go into the water and not be afraid … and that became a real concern." The academy now has 75 children from the village and has support from parents. "As part of the program, we sponsor 40 kids for schooling, so we pay their school fees, their uniforms and stationery, as well as their training," Su'a said. There are plans to expand the program to include other nearby villages.
UPI
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
TV review: 'King of the Hill' revival true to original in modern times
1 of 5 | From left, Hank's soccer enthusiasm upsets Boomhauer, Bill and Dale in "King of the Hill," premiering Aug. 4 on Hulu. Photo courtesy of Disney LOS ANGELES, July 25 (UPI) -- Mike Judge previously brought Beavis and Butt-Head back to a world that made the pair's idiocy seem like genius. Now, the King of the Hill revival, on Hulu Aug. 4, uses the Hill family to show the world need not be as divided as it is. The new episodes see Hank (voice of MIke Judge) and Peggy Hill (Kathy Najimy) return to Arlen, Texas, after living in Saudi Arabia as Hank worked on a propane project. Now retired, they plan to spend quality time with their 21-year-old son, Bobby (Pamela Adlon). Bobby owns his own restaurant and the staff includes some endearing new characters. Meanwhile, Hank's neighbors Bill (Stephen Root), Dale (the late Johnny Hardwick and then Toby Huss) and Boomhauer (Judge) have evolved since the Fox series, but still hang out in the yard. The humor of King of the Hill was always rooted in Hank's conservative values coming up against the already evolving society of the '90s. It laughed with Hank and his friends at their confusion at new developments, not at them. That's an even trickier balance to strike in 2025, and creators Judge, Greg Daniels and new showrunner Saladin K. Patterson have ensured the series enjoys watching its characters struggle to learn. Hank is more bewildered than upset by rideshare or all gender bathrooms. The Hills don't complain about the world being "woke" but Hank is aware of the potential to be canceled. King of the Hill presents a loving take on folks who might be outdated, but never quite mocks them. The Hills never championed conservative values to belittle or hurt anyone else. It's just every time they learn that old ways might be harmful, it's an education. Hank accepts renaming Samoa cookies as long as the flavor remains. King of the Hill also depicts a friendly environment, as in strangers who share with their neighbors instead of ganging up on minorities. Task apps appear to be a boon to Hank's handyman skills, but he struggles with the expectation to make small talk with the customers. When he does, then he is aghast to realize this generation puts everything online. Hank can be the agent of change too, as seen in an episode in which he shares he actually learned to like soccer while in Saudi Arabia. Seeing Bobby at 21 raises new issues with young adult dating, when it comes to texting protocols and modern relationship norms. Some of his love interests recur in multiple episodes too. It also evolves Bobby's relationship with his father. There are still things Hank wants to teach his son but he can't order a 21-year-old around like a teenager. Bobby has affection for his father but recognizes his shortcomings. Peggy is even more needy now that Bobby needs her less, a common empty nest phenomenon. The series incorporates the show's catch phrases effectively, but not all at once. It's not until Episode 3 that Hank makes his famous reference to Bobby. Boomhauer's gibberish is still funny. An episode handles cultural appropriation, neither condemning attempts at sensitivity nor calling out appropriation. A Black restaurateur challenges Bobby running a Japanese fusion restaurant, but the characters have sincere interest in other cultures and protecting theirs. The modern era has only enabled Dale's conspiracy theories further. His anti-mask stance extends to gas masks and catcher's masks, and he even considers his own election to mayor a conspiracy. Pandemic isolation and delivery services have enabled Bill to become even more antisocial. The new opening titles cover the years between the Fox series and the Hulu revival, as characters grow up and wear masks during a brief period covering the COVID-19 pandemic. The animation uses simple alterations to acknowledge the time passed. A line or two added to Boomhauer's face makes him look older, as does Hank's graying hair. There is still some plain old cartoon absurdity, such as an episode in which Bobby must care for a horse. Aging up the King of the Hill characters proves to be the right choice. Showing how characters adjust to changing times while remaining true to themselves is a continuing source of humor. Fred Topel, who attended film school at Ithaca College, is a UPI entertainment writer based in Los Angeles. He has been a professional film critic since 1999, a Rotten Tomatoes critic since 2001, and a member of the Television Critics Association since 2012 and the Critics Choice Association since 2023. Read more of his work in Entertainment.
