Latest news with #Toomalatai
Otago Daily Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Women's health highlighted
An event taking place tomorrow aims to find ways to open up conversations, or talanoa, about important women's health topics. Pacific Island Advisory Charitable Trust (PIACT) and Pacific Trust Otago (PTO) are hosting Moana Lei events tomorrow, at the Hub, Otago Polytechnic, from 6pm-9pm. The events are designed to empower women, offering health information and health checks in a culturally safe and accessible space. In a statement, PIACT community linkage worker and Whanau Ora navigator Aiga Toomalatai said the events were timed around Mother's Day. 'We want to say thank you to our Pasifika mums and women for all that they do, and treat them to an evening of pampering, while offering opportunities to start or keep talanoa, conversations, going about what is important for women and how to keep themselves well. ''We need to look after ourselves.' Pasifika women are over-represented in statistics for screening with Southern women less likely to be screened on time, or screened at all, leading to higher rates of bowel, cervical and breast cancer among Pasifika women. 'There are many reasons for this, and we know one of the key reasons is that Pasifika women put their family first,' Ms Toomalatai said. Women will be treated to pamper stations, free food, prizes and gifts as well as having access to screening and vaccinations at the event. - APL
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Moana Lei Events For Women's Health
Press Release – WellSouth The events are designed to empower women, offering health information and health checks to them in a culturally safe and accessible space. Finding ways to open up conversations, or talanoa, about important women's health topics, Pacific Invercargill Advisor Charitable Trust (PIACT) and Pacific Trust Otago (PTO) are hosting Moana Lei events in May in Invercargill and Dunedin, respectively. Moana Lei is a collaboration between each Pacific provider, WellSouth Primary Health Network and Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand's National Cervical Screening Programme, Southern. The events are designed to empower women, offering health information and health checks to them in a culturally safe and accessible space. Invercargill Moana Lei is on Thursday May 8 from 5-8pm at the PIACT Hall, on 135 Bowmont Street, and in Dunedin at the HUB, Otago Polytechnic on 9 May from 6-9pm. PIACT Community Linkage Worker and Whanau Ora Navigator Aiga Toomalatai says the timing is around Mother's Day. 'We want to say thank you to our Pasifika mums and women for all that they do, and treat them to an evening of pampering, while offering opportunities to start or keep talanoa/conversations going about what's important for women and how to keep themselves well. We need to look after ourselves!' Pasifika women are over-represented in statistics for screening with our Southern women less likely to be screened on time, or screened at all, leading to higher rates of bowel, cervical and breast cancer among Pasifika women. 'There are many reasons for this, and we know one of the key reasons is that Pasifika women put their family first,' says Ms Toomalatai. Women will also be able to get screened and vaccinated at the event. Both PIACT and PTO have held similar, well-attended events before. This year in response to demand, PTO has a bigger venue. PTO Director Health Services Finau Taungapeau says this is to cater to the Pasifika population in Dunedin. 'Our pink event last year was packed and we hope by using the HUB space we can get more women in for the evening to be pampered and to get a chance to talanoa and get health checks.' 'By creating an accessible, fun event, we can break down barriers and provide positive health experiences at the same time celebrating the mums leading up to Mother's Day' At both events, women will be treated to pamper stations, free food, prizes and gifts including pamper packs from Pure Fiji to take home. There will be stations for women to talk to health professionals from WellSouth, PIACT, PTO, Health NZ, Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand and, for those who are eligible, access free HPV screening and vaccinations on the night.
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Moana Lei Events For Women's Health
Finding ways to open up conversations, or talanoa, about important women's health topics, Pacific Invercargill Advisor Charitable Trust (PIACT) and Pacific Trust Otago (PTO) are hosting Moana Lei events in May in Invercargill and Dunedin, respectively. Moana Lei is a collaboration between each Pacific provider, WellSouth Primary Health Network and Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand's National Cervical Screening Programme, Southern. The events are designed to empower women, offering health information and health checks to them in a culturally safe and accessible space. Invercargill Moana Lei is on Thursday May 8 from 5-8pm at the PIACT Hall, on 135 Bowmont Street, and in Dunedin at the HUB, Otago Polytechnic on 9 May from 6-9pm. PIACT Community Linkage Worker and Whanau Ora Navigator Aiga Toomalatai says the timing is around Mother's Day. 'We want to say thank you to our Pasifika mums and women for all that they do, and treat them to an evening of pampering, while offering opportunities to start or keep talanoa/conversations going about what's important for women and how to keep themselves well. We need to look after ourselves!' Pasifika women are over-represented in statistics for screening with our Southern women less likely to be screened on time, or screened at all, leading to higher rates of bowel, cervical and breast cancer among Pasifika women. 'There are many reasons for this, and we know one of the key reasons is that Pasifika women put their family first,' says Ms Toomalatai. Women will also be able to get screened and vaccinated at the event. Both PIACT and PTO have held similar, well-attended events before. This year in response to demand, PTO has a bigger venue. PTO Director Health Services Finau Taungapeau says this is to cater to the Pasifika population in Dunedin. 'Our pink event last year was packed and we hope by using the HUB space we can get more women in for the evening to be pampered and to get a chance to talanoa and get health checks.' 'By creating an accessible, fun event, we can break down barriers and provide positive health experiences at the same time celebrating the mums leading up to Mother's Day' At both events, women will be treated to pamper stations, free food, prizes and gifts including pamper packs from Pure Fiji to take home. There will be stations for women to talk to health professionals from WellSouth, PIACT, PTO, Health NZ, Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand and, for those who are eligible, access free HPV screening and vaccinations on the night.
South China Morning Post
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Study Buddy (Challenger): Bringing Samoan fire knife dancing to Hong Kong
Content provided by British Council Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below: [1] Masoe Hogan Toomalatai is bringing fire knife dancing, a traditional Samoan art form, to Hong Kong. Driven by his love and passion for his culture, Toomalatai teaches children and adults in the city to twirl, nimbly throw sticks and handle flames. [2] Toomalatai, 41, moved from Samoa to Hong Kong in 2007. The island country in the south-central Pacific Ocean has a rich culture, and he is determined to share it as a tribute to his heritage. 'I started fire knife [dancing] when I was nine,' he said. 'Most of my family are entertainers and fire knife performers. We have a dance group.' [3] Toomalatai established Seiileafi Fire Knife Hong Kong in April last year, a school offering Polynesian dance and fire knife dance classes. The fire knife dance is a Samoan performance art that evolved from warrior displays where dancers used flame-bladed knives to showcase their skill and cultural heritage. Polynesian dance encompasses diverse styles across the Pacific islands – including Hawaii and Tahiti – and is characterised by rapid hip movements and expressive gestures. [4] Toomalatai serves as the school's creative director. So far, it has drawn 30 people of different ages and backgrounds to join private sessions and regular classes across the city. His wife, Katrina Dalino, is the school's managing director. She is originally from the Philippines, and they met in Hong Kong. [5] Dalino recalled the initial challenges they faced, particularly misconceptions about the art. 'When you say fire knife dancing, [people] automatically think it's going to be quite dangerous for kids,' she said, noting that the school has strict protocols and thinks of safety not only for children but also for adults. The art form is for everybody and any age group, she said. [6] Dalino also stressed that it was a 'step-by-step' process, and no one could just come in and become a 'fire knife warrior' immediately. 'The most difficult thing for me is to make [people] understand that you do not get in and play fire knife straight away. It takes some time to learn this very beautiful art and for you to master it.' [7] For Dalino and Toomalatai, the bonds they have built with their students over the past year has been the most satisfying part of the experience. When they first started, there was less communication, Dalino said. 'They just saw us as their fire knife-dancing teachers. But now we are very close ... and have different relationships with each and every one of our students. [They are] very special to us,' she said. [8] Toomalatai – who is 185cm tall and weighs 108kg – has had a unique experience. 'You know I'm Samoan. I'm a bit bigger, and I look different. They always think of me as a huge person with tattoos,' he said. 'But they also saw the strength that I have for them. They want to be carried [by me] everywhere.' Source: South China Morning Post, March 29 Questions 1. Why does Toomalatai teach others fire knife dancing, according to paragraphs 1 and 2? 2. The word 'nimbly' in paragraph 1 suggests that fire knife dancing requires … movements. A. heavy, tight and rigid B. quick, precise and graceful C. varying, erratic and sporadic D. none of the above 3. According to paragraph 3, fire knife dance was initially used to … A. demonstrate combat prowess. B. honour ancestral spirits. C. memorialise important ceremonies. D. establish a social hierarchy. 4. In paragraph 5, what is an assumption many people have about fire knife dance? 5. What does 'any age group' in paragraph 5 suggest about the nature of the dance classes at Seiileafi Fire Knife Hong Kong? 6. Find a phrase in paragraph 6 that refers to a 'structured approach to learning over time'. 7. According to paragraph 7, how has the relationship between students and their teachers at the dance school evolved? 8. Based on your understanding of paragraph 8, how might Toomalatai's students initially perceive him, and why? 9. Which section of a lifestyle magazine is this article most likely to appear in? A. language and folklore B. travel and destinations C. pop culture commentary D. performance arts Children learn how to twirl and throw sticks in the air at a fire knife dancing class in Tin Shui Wai. Photo: Dickson Lee Answers 1. Toomalatai wants to preserve and share his culture and pay tribute to his heritage and family, who are entertainers and fire knife performers. (accept all similar answers) 2. B 3. A 4. People usually assume fire knife dancing is too dangerous, especially for children. 5. The classes are designed to be inclusive and accessible to individuals of all ages. 6. a step-by-step process 7. The relationship has evolved from one with limited communication and a purely teacher-student dynamic to one with a close personal connection. (accept all similar answers) 8. Students may have viewed Toomalatai with awe and fear as he is tall, large and has tattoos. 9. D
South China Morning Post
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
A Samoan's mission to bring the ancient fire knife dance to Hong Kong
Driven by his love and passion for the Samoan culture, Masoe Hogan Toomalatai is bringing the ancient art of fire knife dancing to Hong Kong by teaching children and adults how to twirl, nimbly throw sticks and handle flames. Advertisement Toomalatai, 41, moved from Samoa, an island country in the south-central Pacific Ocean, to Hong Kong in 2007, where he is committed to sharing his culture as a tribute to his family legacy. 'I started fire knife [dancing] when I was nine. Most of my family are entertainers and fire knife performers. We have a dance group,' he said. 'When I moved to Hong Kong 17 years ago, I was thinking of starting a new performing art here. That is my passion for sharing our Samoan culture to the world,' he said. Masoe Hogan Toomalatai says he started fire knife dancing when he was nine. Photo: Dickson Lee Toomalatai established Seiileafi Fire Knife Hong Kong in April last year, which offers classes for Polynesian dance and fire knife dance. He said he believed the art would help build participants' confidence and foster cultural exchanges between people with different backgrounds.
