Latest news with #Samoan
NZ Herald
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Frank: Stories from the South, episode 10
Alaifea was among those receiving his malofie. Photo / Frank Film For the diaspora community, receiving their malofie later in life, like Alaifea, is a cultural coming-of-age. Photo / Frank Film Alaifea, 33, was among those receiving his malofie and says he feels honoured to share the experience. 'I'm super emotional anyway,' he says, 'so I'm just gonna be an absolute trainwreck for the next few weeks. I wear my heart on my sleeve.' Traditionally in Samoa, boys receive their malofie in their teenage years, as a rite of passage into manhood. For the diaspora community receiving their malofie later in life, the process is a cultural coming-of-age. 'Now, it is a matter of moving to a new life – a shedding of the old skin, I suppose,' says Alaifea. Alaifea's wife, artist Nina Oberg-Humphries. Photo / Frank Film Alaifea's wife, artist Nina Oberg-Humphries, says one thing she admires about her husband is that 'above all else, he loves being Samoan'. 'This [malofie] is really special because, not that it cements his identity but, you know, I can't imagine the feeling of being able to speak the words of your ancestors and then being able to bear the marks of them as well,' she says. Nina Oberg-Humphries admires how her husband loves being Samoan. Photo / Frank Film Poasa Alaifea was motivated by his sister's death. Photo / Frank Film The motivation to get tapped surged for Alaifea last year, after his sister died. 'I felt this great sense of urgency,' he says, 'I won't let another woman of influence in my life see me without the pe'a.' The male malofie, also called a pe'a, covers two-thirds of the body, with patterns of thick black lines, dots and arrows spreading from the shins to halfway up the torso – front and back. The female malofie, called a malu, covers less of the skin and takes one or two days to produce. The tufuga taps free-hand, tailoring each design to the unique journey and lineage of the recipient. Tufuga Su'a Peter Sulu'ape travelled from Auckland to Christchurch to perform tā tatau. Photo / Frank Film Most of the people receiving their malofie this month are New Zealand or Australian-born. Photo / Frank Film 'It's bigger than just tattooing, this is the one thing that every Samoan wants to be,' says Tufuga Sulu'ape. 'To mark by the pe'a actually is the closest connection to our culture.' Most of those receiving their malofie this month are New Zealand or Australian-born. 'So part of the diaspora,' says Alaifea. He acknowledges that it can be controversial for those outside of Samoa to receive their malofie. 'There's definitely a growing interest in it because, as we move into second and third generations of Pacific people living and being born outside of Samoa, there's a growing disconnect – a wanting, or a longing, for individuals to be able to have that connection,' says Alaifea. Poasa Alaifea under the 'Au. Photo / Frank Film The word tatau is derived from the sound of the tapping and the Samoan word for connection. Sulu'ape says preventing those who are not Samoan-born from receiving their malofie puts a barrier between a person and their culture. 'This is a mark of your identity, showing people that you are from there. We shouldn't have any reasons that you cannot [get the tattoo],' says Sulu'ape. The word tatau is derived from the sound of the tapping and the Samoan word for connection. Photo / Frank Film But the process is ruthless. 'You're literally faced with all of your demons – there's nowhere to run,' says Alaifea. 'It really is not only the shedding of the skin, it's almost like a shedding of your soul.' Basically, he says, 'we're going to be having a whole bunch of open wounds on our body'. The tapping sessions are usually two to five hours per day, but this is tailored to each recipient depending on how much they bleed and how quickly their wounds heal. The tapping sessions last around two to five hours a day. Photo / Frank Film Every strike was painful for Alaifea. Photo / Frank Film 'Every strike is painful. Honestly, it's such a weird experience, because it's both beautiful and torture at the same time,' says Alaifea. He says of all the people he spoke to about receiving their pe'a, every one said that, at some point during the process, they wanted to quit. On day one, Alaifea lies surrounded by family on woven mats (falalili'i). His young daughter holds his hand. He closes his eyes. The tapping begins. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Buzz Feed
8 hours ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
37 Wildly Dumb People From This Month
This person thought sunscreen and sunglasses caused skin cancer. This person thought people in first-world countries didn't use WhatsApp. This person confused being Samoan and Somalian. This person thought Spain was in South America. This person thought COVID killed over seven billion people. This person thought the British spelled "exactly" differently. This person claimed Russia is not in Europe. This person claimed other countries "have a poor grasp of English." This person claimed Superman isn't an immigrant; he's an orphan. This person was *hopefully* trolling us all. This flat-earther thought Earth couldn't be round because of the weight of water. This person claimed "failed" home births were a result of fear. This person claimed Germans speak Dutch, and not, y'know, German. This person knew nothing about Harley Quinn. This person was confused about what "for good" meant. This person didn't know how many minutes were in an hour. This bigot claimed trans people were "created in the last 15 years." These people had the audacity to correct the DICTIONARY. This millennial was confused about the meaning of the word "millennial." This person forgot about a wholeeee lot of movies. This person tried to claim the Germans were justified in WWII. This person made the baffling claim that life-saving medication is a "privilege." This person forgot about PEMDAS. This poor soul was so, so dumb. This person claimed Kwanzaa and Juneteenth were created in the last ten years. This person made a wild claim. This person didn't understand what "support" meant. This man was just straight-up wrong about periods. And this person was very, very wrong about testosterone. This man asked a very dumb question. This American claimed no one uses Euros. This person claimed Europeans needed to be "introduced to the concept of drinking water." This person suggested Europeans celebrated the Fouth of July. This person claimed they were not given a takeout box, then showed a photo of their food in a takeout box. This person claimed "there's not enough food in Europe for obesity." This person claimed America invented cars. And finally, this person made a baffling claim about Live Aid.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Walters will speak to Samoa trio about rep futures
The rise of Samoa as international rugby league powerhouses poses a dilemma for Australia, but new coach Kevin Walters is up for the challenge. Walters will helm the Kangaroos on a three-Test Ashes tour at the end of this season, but it is doubtful star players Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be on the plane with him. The trio are leaning towards representing Samoa in the post-season Pacific Championships, which will also have implications for next year's World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The reality of the modern game is that many players have heritages from multiple nations, and the desire to honour their families and represent countries and cultures that are dear to their hearts is strong. That fact has made the international game stronger, as 2022 World Cup finalists Samoa, along with Tonga, have demonstrated. Walters wants to have the best players available for Australia, which is understandable, but also is supportive of the Samoan trio. Australia forward Pat Carrigan, a big supporter of players following their heart on international eligibility, said on Tuesday he expected Walters to "get in the ear" of Brisbane teammate Haas to play for the Kangaroos. Walters was asked on Wednesday if he would. "In time I will, but that's probably not a conversation for today," he said. "I just want to explain to those players that are contemplating, I totally understand their situation, but let's get the Kangaroos opportunity in front of them and see where they're at with that. We move forward from there." Tabuai-Fidow, who represented Samoa in one World Cup match in 2022 before getting injured, won the 2024 Pacific Cup with Australia. Fa'asuamaleaui took out the 2022 World Cup with the Kangaroos. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui did play a Test for Samoa in 2019, but has represented Australia in his past seven internationals. Broncos prop Haas has played all his four Tests for Australia. "One thing about the Australian rugby league team is that there's great talent. We know that," Walters said. "So if some players elect to play for Pasifika nations or whatever nation, we've got plenty of depth here in Australia. Obviously we want the best players available. "It's been a terrific State of Origin series with great talent on show from both states, so I'm sure we'll get a very strong 22 to take on the English in October and November." Walters was quizzed on whether he was up for the challenge of dealing with the selection issues ahead. "Yes, certainly ... myself and who else selects the team," he replied. "That's our job, to get the best 22 players available after the grand final and pick those guys and head over to England and get the job done for Australia." The rise of Samoa as international rugby league powerhouses poses a dilemma for Australia, but new coach Kevin Walters is up for the challenge. Walters will helm the Kangaroos on a three-Test Ashes tour at the end of this season, but it is doubtful star players Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be on the plane with him. The trio are leaning towards representing Samoa in the post-season Pacific Championships, which will also have implications for next year's World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The reality of the modern game is that many players have heritages from multiple nations, and the desire to honour their families and represent countries and cultures that are dear to their hearts is strong. That fact has made the international game stronger, as 2022 World Cup finalists Samoa, along with Tonga, have demonstrated. Walters wants to have the best players available for Australia, which is understandable, but also is supportive of the Samoan trio. Australia forward Pat Carrigan, a big supporter of players following their heart on international eligibility, said on Tuesday he expected Walters to "get in the ear" of Brisbane teammate Haas to play for the Kangaroos. Walters was asked on Wednesday if he would. "In time I will, but that's probably not a conversation for today," he said. "I just want to explain to those players that are contemplating, I totally understand their situation, but let's get the Kangaroos opportunity in front of them and see where they're at with that. We move forward from there." Tabuai-Fidow, who represented Samoa in one World Cup match in 2022 before getting injured, won the 2024 Pacific Cup with Australia. Fa'asuamaleaui took out the 2022 World Cup with the Kangaroos. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui did play a Test for Samoa in 2019, but has represented Australia in his past seven internationals. Broncos prop Haas has played all his four Tests for Australia. "One thing about the Australian rugby league team is that there's great talent. We know that," Walters said. "So if some players elect to play for Pasifika nations or whatever nation, we've got plenty of depth here in Australia. Obviously we want the best players available. "It's been a terrific State of Origin series with great talent on show from both states, so I'm sure we'll get a very strong 22 to take on the English in October and November." Walters was quizzed on whether he was up for the challenge of dealing with the selection issues ahead. "Yes, certainly ... myself and who else selects the team," he replied. "That's our job, to get the best 22 players available after the grand final and pick those guys and head over to England and get the job done for Australia." The rise of Samoa as international rugby league powerhouses poses a dilemma for Australia, but new coach Kevin Walters is up for the challenge. Walters will helm the Kangaroos on a three-Test Ashes tour at the end of this season, but it is doubtful star players Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be on the plane with him. The trio are leaning towards representing Samoa in the post-season Pacific Championships, which will also have implications for next year's World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The reality of the modern game is that many players have heritages from multiple nations, and the desire to honour their families and represent countries and cultures that are dear to their hearts is strong. That fact has made the international game stronger, as 2022 World Cup finalists Samoa, along with Tonga, have demonstrated. Walters wants to have the best players available for Australia, which is understandable, but also is supportive of the Samoan trio. Australia forward Pat Carrigan, a big supporter of players following their heart on international eligibility, said on Tuesday he expected Walters to "get in the ear" of Brisbane teammate Haas to play for the Kangaroos. Walters was asked on Wednesday if he would. "In time I will, but that's probably not a conversation for today," he said. "I just want to explain to those players that are contemplating, I totally understand their situation, but let's get the Kangaroos opportunity in front of them and see where they're at with that. We move forward from there." Tabuai-Fidow, who represented Samoa in one World Cup match in 2022 before getting injured, won the 2024 Pacific Cup with Australia. Fa'asuamaleaui took out the 2022 World Cup with the Kangaroos. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui did play a Test for Samoa in 2019, but has represented Australia in his past seven internationals. Broncos prop Haas has played all his four Tests for Australia. "One thing about the Australian rugby league team is that there's great talent. We know that," Walters said. "So if some players elect to play for Pasifika nations or whatever nation, we've got plenty of depth here in Australia. Obviously we want the best players available. "It's been a terrific State of Origin series with great talent on show from both states, so I'm sure we'll get a very strong 22 to take on the English in October and November." Walters was quizzed on whether he was up for the challenge of dealing with the selection issues ahead. "Yes, certainly ... myself and who else selects the team," he replied. "That's our job, to get the best 22 players available after the grand final and pick those guys and head over to England and get the job done for Australia."
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Topless hakas and wild celebrations – how rugby legend is bringing winning culture to Chelsea's billion pound youngsters
FROM doing a topless haka in the Chelsea dressing room to punching the dugout in celebration of the Club World Cup win, you can see the passion that Willie Isa brings to the Blues. The former world champion rugby league star, 36, started in the Advertisement 8 Willie Isa was named Chelsea's player support and development officer earlier this year - and is already very much at the heart of what's going on at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty 8 Isa is a world championship-winning legend of rugby league Credit: Getty 8 Isa has gone viral in recent months for his hilarious antics at the Blues - including performing the haka in the dressing room Yet the viral videos of the Samoan demonstrate Isa is already very much at the heart of what is going on at Stamford Bridge. It comes as no surprise to Isa's former boss at Wigan Warriors that he has become so popular, so quickly in his new life in a new sport. In February 2024, head coach Matt Peet led Wigan to victory in the World Club Challenge. And Isa, who had been at the club since 2016, was the 'cultural architect' who set the standards on and off the field that underpinned the triumph. Advertisement READ MORE SPORT STORIES Peet told SunSport: 'It can sound vague I think, like wishy-washy words, when you talk about culture and standards. 'But it comes back to what are you willing to accept and what are you not willing to accept. 'And who's going to set where the line is and acknowledge when things fall below standard. 'Willie was someone who would be driving the cultural side of the environment, standards, behaviours, attitude, just 24/7. Those people are so important. Advertisement Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'We all knew he'd be an addition to any environment. So it's just fair play to Just weeks after Isa became a world champion with Wigan in February last year, he suffered an horrific injury. Simons wants Chelsea move as Villa block Rogers exit | Transfers Exposed A fractured fibula and dislocated ankle put him out for months, but even then - especially then - he made sure he continued to contribute. Advertisement In the autumn, after Wigan had lifted the Challenge Cup and Super League without him on the field, Isa said: 'I was elevated a few years back as a leader and, with the injury, I wanted to play a part in the team in some other way. 'The one-to-one stuff I love but also leading in the group. I make sure our principles stay intact as a club in performance and as people.' Isa returned to training but never to matches before Chelsea offered him the chance to show his off-field skills were transferable to a different sport. You could say Isa was to Wigan what James Milner was to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, with the former Kop boss saying Milner was absolutely vital in setting the tone and standards which propelled the Reds back to the top. Advertisement It is a comparison which Peet agrees with and Isa would appreciate. Because, after joining Widnes Vikings in 2012, he became a committed Liverpool fan. He was in Madrid to watch Klopp's side win the Champions League in 2019 and long-term partner Gemma Bonner plays for the Reds' ladies side. 8 Isa was spotted pounding on the dugout in celebration at the Club World Cup 8 Isa is in a relationship with Liverpool Women's star Gemma Bonner, left Credit: Getty Advertisement But now Isa finds himself working for one of Liverpool's big rivals. The average age of a Chelsea starter last season - 24 years and 36 days - was the youngest in Premier League history. And Peet believes Isa is the perfect role model, mentor and confidant for Peet said: 'Any young player, they want to be challenged to improve. They want to be shown the way to lead your life as a professional, in high performance. Advertisement 'But first and foremost, they want to know that there's a genuine care there. 'That's what Willie will be good at. He'll put his arm around those that need it, but it won't be a softly, softly approach. 'It'll be driving them to be the best they can be. 'Whatever age group, whatever walk of life these players and staff are from, Willie will have a good way of engaging with people, building relationships and trust with everyone really.' Advertisement That was certainly the case at Wigan, as Peet recalled: 'The story I like telling about Willie is we were having a team culture discussion one morning. 'We asked all the players to talk about something that a team-mate had done for them which no one else knew about. 'There were 25 people in the meeting that shared and probably over half of the people mentioned Willie. 'Giving them a lift to training. Borrowing them some money. Allowing them to stay at his house rent free when things had gone wrong for them... Advertisement 'Or when they had moved over from another country, just catching up with the lads for a coffee or doing things for their families. 'You would think, in a meeting like that after a while, certain people would be friends with some groups more than others. 'But it was really evident that Willie was a good team-mate to a cross-section of the team.' 8 Isa has swapped the oval ball for the round ball Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Isa has brought his Samoan haka from the rugby pitch to Chelsea's dressing room Behind his strapping physique and competitiveness, Isa really is a man for all seasons. Peet said: 'He's interested in his sport, no doubt. When he was in the rugby club he was 100 per cent rugby league, but then at the weekend he'd go watch Gemma or Liverpool. 'He also had a diverse range of interests. What he'd read about, what he'd talk about, politics, social issues. Advertisement 'I know that weekly he'd visit homeless shelters. Not as an appearance, they wouldn't even know he was a professional athlete. He'd just go and do it off his own bat. 'He's just an interesting guy. He's happy to have a conversation about a range of subjects. 'It'll be seen as a team role that he has, linked to culture and environment. But it's really built on individual connections and that's where Willie will excel.' By all accounts, Isa is really making an impression at Chelsea. Advertisement He is a daily presence at the club's training ground in Cobham and part of the backroom staff for every match. A popular figure. A leader of men. And, just months after swapping an oval ball for a round one, part of a world championship-winning team again. 8
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Topless hakas and wild celebrations – how rugby legend is bringing winning culture to Chelsea's billion pound youngsters
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FROM doing a topless haka in the Chelsea dressing room to punching the dugout in celebration of the Club World Cup win, you can see the passion that Willie Isa brings to the Blues. The former world champion rugby league star, 36, started in the brand new role of player support and development officer for the Premier League club only in February. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Willie Isa was named Chelsea's player support and development officer earlier this year - and is already very much at the heart of what's going on at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty 8 Isa is a world championship-winning legend of rugby league Credit: Getty 8 Isa has gone viral in recent months for his hilarious antics at the Blues - including performing the haka in the dressing room Yet the viral videos of the Samoan demonstrate Isa is already very much at the heart of what is going on at Stamford Bridge. It comes as no surprise to Isa's former boss at Wigan Warriors that he has become so popular, so quickly in his new life in a new sport. In February 2024, head coach Matt Peet led Wigan to victory in the World Club Challenge. And Isa, who had been at the club since 2016, was the 'cultural architect' who set the standards on and off the field that underpinned the triumph. READ MORE SPORT STORIES Gotta be kitting Fans baffled at bizarre kit quirk during Lionesses semi-final with Italy Peet told SunSport: 'It can sound vague I think, like wishy-washy words, when you talk about culture and standards. 'But it comes back to what are you willing to accept and what are you not willing to accept. 'And who's going to set where the line is and acknowledge when things fall below standard. 'Willie was someone who would be driving the cultural side of the environment, standards, behaviours, attitude, just 24/7. Those people are so important. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'We all knew he'd be an addition to any environment. So it's just fair play to Chelsea for identifying him. They had obviously done their homework.' Just weeks after Isa became a world champion with Wigan in February last year, he suffered an horrific injury. Simons wants Chelsea move as Villa block Rogers exit | Transfers Exposed A fractured fibula and dislocated ankle put him out for months, but even then - especially then - he made sure he continued to contribute. In the autumn, after Wigan had lifted the Challenge Cup and Super League without him on the field, Isa said: 'I was elevated a few years back as a leader and, with the injury, I wanted to play a part in the team in some other way. 'The one-to-one stuff I love but also leading in the group. I make sure our principles stay intact as a club in performance and as people.' Isa returned to training but never to matches before Chelsea offered him the chance to show his off-field skills were transferable to a different sport. You could say Isa was to Wigan what James Milner was to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, with the former Kop boss saying Milner was absolutely vital in setting the tone and standards which propelled the Reds back to the top. It is a comparison which Peet agrees with and Isa would appreciate. Because, after joining Widnes Vikings in 2012, he became a committed Liverpool fan. He was in Madrid to watch Klopp's side win the Champions League in 2019 and long-term partner Gemma Bonner plays for the Reds' ladies side. 8 Isa was spotted pounding on the dugout in celebration at the Club World Cup 8 Isa is in a relationship with Liverpool Women's star Gemma Bonner, left Credit: Getty But now Isa finds himself working for one of Liverpool's big rivals. The average age of a Chelsea starter last season - 24 years and 36 days - was the youngest in Premier League history. And Peet believes Isa is the perfect role model, mentor and confidant for Enzo Maresca's youthful squad. Peet said: 'Any young player, they want to be challenged to improve. They want to be shown the way to lead your life as a professional, in high performance. 'But first and foremost, they want to know that there's a genuine care there. 'That's what Willie will be good at. He'll put his arm around those that need it, but it won't be a softly, softly approach. 'It'll be driving them to be the best they can be. 'Whatever age group, whatever walk of life these players and staff are from, Willie will have a good way of engaging with people, building relationships and trust with everyone really.' That was certainly the case at Wigan, as Peet recalled: 'The story I like telling about Willie is we were having a team culture discussion one morning. 'We asked all the players to talk about something that a team-mate had done for them which no one else knew about. 'There were 25 people in the meeting that shared and probably over half of the people mentioned Willie. 'Giving them a lift to training. Borrowing them some money. Allowing them to stay at his house rent free when things had gone wrong for them... 'Or when they had moved over from another country, just catching up with the lads for a coffee or doing things for their families. 'You would think, in a meeting like that after a while, certain people would be friends with some groups more than others. 'But it was really evident that Willie was a good team-mate to a cross-section of the team.' 8 Isa has swapped the oval ball for the round ball Credit: Getty 8 Isa has brought his Samoan haka from the rugby pitch to Chelsea's dressing room Behind his strapping physique and competitiveness, Isa really is a man for all seasons. Peet said: 'He's interested in his sport, no doubt. When he was in the rugby club he was 100 per cent rugby league, but then at the weekend he'd go watch Gemma or Liverpool. 'He also had a diverse range of interests. What he'd read about, what he'd talk about, politics, social issues. 'I know that weekly he'd visit homeless shelters. Not as an appearance, they wouldn't even know he was a professional athlete. He'd just go and do it off his own bat. 'He's just an interesting guy. He's happy to have a conversation about a range of subjects. 'It'll be seen as a team role that he has, linked to culture and environment. But it's really built on individual connections and that's where Willie will excel.' By all accounts, Isa is really making an impression at Chelsea. He is a daily presence at the club's training ground in Cobham and part of the backroom staff for every match. A popular figure. A leader of men. And, just months after swapping an oval ball for a round one, part of a world championship-winning team again.
