Vaimoana Mase is the Pasifika editor for New Zealand's Herald Talanoa section and is dedicated to sharing the stories and voices of our Pacific communities.
Talofa lava, my name is Vaimoana Mase (nee Tapāleao). I’ve been a journalist at the NZ Herald since 2008 and am now the Pasifika editor for the Herald website’s Talanoa section; dedicated to sharing the stories and voices of our Pacific communities. Growing up, I loved to read. That passion for reading soon turned into a passion for writing and storytelling. I was a teenager when the horrifying events of September 11 happened in 2001 and impacted the world. It turned into a pivotal moment in my life too. For weeks, I watched and read all the stories of horror, grief, terror and even hate. But I also read the stories of heroism, bravery, faith and forgiveness. I realised those stories were now a part of our history and I wanted to share such stories too. Some of the most memorable stories I’ve helped to cover include the Mangatepopo canyoning tragedy in 2008, the Samoan tsunami in 2009, the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 and a humbling experience in Vanuatu, in 2019, at the opening of a new eye clinic in Port Vila. Stories like those remind you of the importance of being able to share someone’s lived experience and sometimes require you to put down the pen and, instead, hold someone’s hand. Random fact: I hold two Samoan matai titles, Timuiaipaepaetele and Lealaiauloto, from the villages of Toamua and Lelepa.
![Road rage crash: Innocent motorist killed was much-loved family man](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Road rage crash: Innocent motorist killed was much-loved family man
Jonathan 'Jono' Baker, 49, was a much-loved husband, father and stepdad.
!['Nothing better': Top Waikato surgeon on his life-changing work in Samoa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Nothing better': Top Waikato surgeon on his life-changing work in Samoa
Dr Askar Kukkady is still performing miracles, 20 years on.
![Devil made her kill: Murder-accused author Sia Figiel appears in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Devil made her kill: Murder-accused author Sia Figiel appears in court
The writer is charged with the murder of 78yo Dr Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard.
![Paris Olympics 2024: Teenager due to represent Tonga dies in diving accident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Paris Olympics 2024: Teenager due to represent Tonga dies in diving accident
JJ Rice, 18, was raised in Tonga and often spoke about his love for his island home.
!['I hope there's space for more of our people at the table'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I hope there's space for more of our people at the table'
It started with two friends from South Auckland who had an idea for a new podcast.
!['We saw people still digging in the rubble trying to find their loved ones'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We saw people still digging in the rubble trying to find their loved ones'
Just over two weeks have passed since the devastating landslide killed up to 670 people.
!['I aim to portray a paradise where people aren't judged on their gender or sexuality'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I aim to portray a paradise where people aren't judged on their gender or sexuality'
Proud fa'afafine (transwoman) artist Yuki Kihara has an exhibition with a message.
![Last call for submissions to help support Samoan citizenship bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Last call for submissions to help support Samoan citizenship bill
Submissions close tonight at 11.59pm.
![Celebrated Pacific author charged with murder of fellow writer in Samoa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Celebrated Pacific author charged with murder of fellow writer in Samoa
Preliminary findings showed the victim suffered multiple stab wounds.
!['He is the proudest little Samoan boy ever'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'He is the proudest little Samoan boy ever'
Ask 3-year-old Samson Salima what his name is and he will answer in Samoan - Samasoni.
![Samoan Language Week: Try 'talofa lava' this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Samoan Language Week: Try 'talofa lava' this week
Give "talofa lava" a go in honour of Samoan Language Week.
![Samoans urged to stand up for citizenship bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Samoans urged to stand up for citizenship bill
"Who else will do it, if not us? Samoa mo Samoa."
!['We'll move fast': Government waits for approval to rescue hundreds of Kiwis in Noumea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We'll move fast': Government waits for approval to rescue hundreds of Kiwis in Noumea
Stranded Kiwi describes a lack of communication and an emergency number that doesn't work.
!['Help is coming': Women, children and elderly to be evacuated first from New Caledonia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Help is coming': Women, children and elderly to be evacuated first from New Caledonia
French authorities say an operation to clear the main road was successful.
![Double-fatal fire: Cafe Hanoi executive chef pays tribute to his workers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Double-fatal fire: Cafe Hanoi executive chef pays tribute to his workers
"They weren’t scared of hard work. They would’ve done well."
![NZ's animal-related deaths: 37 people killed in past 15 years - bees, elephant among list](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ's animal-related deaths: 37 people killed in past 15 years - bees, elephant among list
The Coroner has released a list of animals, sharsk and insects that have proven deadly.
![Ministerial delegation to spend more time in Vanuatu ahead of final leg](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministerial delegation to spend more time in Vanuatu ahead of final leg
The Government has announced a total of $15.5m for climate change and policing in Vanuatu.
![Deputy PM Winston Peters announces multi-million dollar solar upgrade in PNG](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Deputy PM Winston Peters announces multi-million dollar solar upgrade in PNG
Deputy PM Winston Peters leads a whirl-wind trip around Melanesia and Tuvalu this week.
!['Couldn't believe it': Kiwi shoppers left 'deflated' by supermarket prize error](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Couldn't believe it': Kiwi shoppers left 'deflated' by supermarket prize error
"We celebrated our $30 windfall for a few hours yesterday then were very deflated."
![Niueans to consider leader's name change in constitutional reform](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Niueans to consider leader's name change in constitutional reform
The island nation's leader is currently known as the Premier.
![86yo Kiwi man attacked, hospitalised in Italy while on dream tour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
86yo Kiwi man attacked, hospitalised in Italy while on dream tour
Michael Johnson was on a dream opera tour in Italy when he was allegedly attacked.
![Travellers to Samoa advised to get insurance including medical evacuation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Travellers to Samoa advised to get insurance including medical evacuation
Dengue fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people.
![Attacked waiting for bus: Boy left bruised, needing psychological help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Attacked waiting for bus: Boy left bruised, needing psychological help
Police investigating two separate attacks within half an hour at West Auckland station.
![Samoan-Kiwi shares her journey to a special performance at Gallipoli](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Samoan-Kiwi shares her journey to a special performance at Gallipoli
'It’s breathtaking how beautiful the place is, but a tragedy...what people went through.'
![Dengue fever in Samoa: 'Pack insect repellent'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dengue fever in Samoa: 'Pack insect repellent'
Samoa is dealing with more than 200 recorded cases of dengue fever.
!['Your mum will always be your hero, your angel and your mum' - tribute to slain mum of baby girl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Your mum will always be your hero, your angel and your mum' - tribute to slain mum of baby girl
In the face of adversity, there is also generosity.
!['It's about addressing a historical wrong' - Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's about addressing a historical wrong' - Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono
The bill to remove the Citizenship [Western Samoa] Act 1982 is up for its first reading.
![Yolande Ah Chong, 55, remembered for championing Pacific communities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Yolande Ah Chong, 55, remembered for championing Pacific communities
The broadcaster was known for her bubbly personality, humour and passion to help Pasifika.
![Editorial: Comparing Pasifika and Māori university spaces to Ku Klux Klan disrespectful](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Editorial: Comparing Pasifika and Māori university spaces to Ku Klux Klan disrespectful
OPINION: The sign could've been worded better, but the space is not the problem.
![Constable Gerard Pambuai: A voice of Papua New Guinea Pidgin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Constable Gerard Pambuai: A voice of Papua New Guinea Pidgin
Gerard Pambuai's children know when mum is serious - she starts speaking another language.
![Watch: Kiwi student, 13, wows in Samoan speech competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Kiwi student, 13, wows in Samoan speech competition
"When you speak another language, it's powerful." - Bethsharon Mattocks, 13.
![Auckland Secondary Schools' Polyfest celebrates 49 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland Secondary Schools' Polyfest celebrates 49 years
More than 8000 students from 239 Auckland high schools are performing this year.
![Young dad diagnosed with terminal brain cancer after workplace hit to head](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Young dad diagnosed with terminal brain cancer after workplace hit to head
At 32 years old, Rikki Tako is receving daily hospice care.
![Tofaga Meke expected to reel in big crowds at Pasifika Festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tofaga Meke expected to reel in big crowds at Pasifika Festival
Tofaga Meke is among the big names performing at this year's Pasifika Festival.
![Pasifika Festival: Celebrating 32 years of Pacific Island culture, food and music](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pasifika Festival: Celebrating 32 years of Pacific Island culture, food and music
"It’s an opportunity for us to showcase our communities - the colours, sights and sounds."
![Fa’anānā Efeso Collins: An extraordinary man of heart and soul](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fa’anānā Efeso Collins: An extraordinary man of heart and soul
Efeso will be remembered as an extraordinary father, husband and son of Samoa.
![Watch: 'Our eternal Valentine' - Wife's heartbreaking tribute to Efeso Collins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: 'Our eternal Valentine' - Wife's heartbreaking tribute to Efeso Collins
Traffic management will be in place around Due Drop Events Centre this afternoon.
![Politicians among the scores paying respect to Fa’anānā Efeso Collins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Politicians among the scores paying respect to Fa’anānā Efeso Collins
Huge crowds are expected to pay their respects over the next few days.
![Efeso Collins' funeral: Organisers set plans for huge community farewell](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Efeso Collins' funeral: Organisers set plans for huge community farewell
He is currently lying in state until the service on Thursday.
![Opinion: Efeso Collins was the migrant’s dream come true, what our ancestors dreamt of](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: Efeso Collins was the migrant’s dream come true, what our ancestors dreamt of
Many are grieving the man that was, but also the man he was going to be.
![Auckland's trains and hot tracks: Is it 'overkill' or necessary?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland's trains and hot tracks: Is it 'overkill' or necessary?
'We've had hotter days and haven’t seen closures before.'
![A week on island time with Peters and Reti: Name mix-ups, island banter, suits in 32C weather](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A week on island time with Peters and Reti: Name mix-ups, island banter, suits in 32C weather
The ministers visited Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa in a whirlwind Pacific Mission tour.
!['I was a stranger and they took me in' - Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I was a stranger and they took me in' - Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters
The Samoan matai in the New Zealand Government - Winston Peters.
![Winston Peters deemed as 'action man' in Cook Islands climate announcement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Peters deemed as 'action man' in Cook Islands climate announcement
A total of $16.5 million is set to go to the Cook Islands to tackle the climate crisis.
![Govt to give $20m to weather response initiative for the Pacific](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt to give $20m to weather response initiative for the Pacific
Winston Peters made the announcement in Tonga.
![Peters and Reti touch down in Tonga on first leg of Pacific Mission](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Peters and Reti touch down in Tonga on first leg of Pacific Mission
Deputy PM Winston Peters and Pacific minister Dr Shane Reti are on a Pacific Mission.
![Pacific Mission will focus on strengthening ties with region](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pacific Mission will focus on strengthening ties with region
The two ministers will travel to Tonga first, ahead of official talks on Wednesday.
![Kiwi volunteers help assess damaged schools in Vanuatu after Cyclone Lola](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi volunteers help assess damaged schools in Vanuatu after Cyclone Lola
Three months after Tropical Cyclone Lola, dozens of schools remain uninhabitable.
![Funeral director urges Pacific families to save for funerals to avoid going into debt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Funeral director urges Pacific families to save for funerals to avoid going into debt
Ese Tatupu says Pasifika should speak more openly about death - often a taboo topic.
![Teenager dies after New Year's Day shooting in Manurewa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teenager dies after New Year's Day shooting in Manurewa
Two teenagers were found unresponsive in a vehicle in Manurewa on New Year's morning.
![Nineteen people killed on our roads over official holiday period](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Nineteen people killed on our roads over official holiday period
Nineteen families around New Zealand have been affected by road deaths these holidays.
![Witnesses sought after fatal crash, Thames Coast Rd reopened](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Witnesses sought after fatal crash, Thames Coast Rd reopened
People travelling to and from Coromandel township had to go via Whitianga.
![Police seeking witnesses to South Auckland shooting that left two people critical](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police seeking witnesses to South Auckland shooting that left two people critical
Police and emergency services were called to the suburb early this morning.
![Family desperate to find a home after losing everything in blaze](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Family desperate to find a home after losing everything in blaze
The Vunipola family are looking for a house after a fire destroyed their home in Māngere.
![Māngere residents urged to check alarms after fourth property fire in three weeks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Māngere residents urged to check alarms after fourth property fire in three weeks
"This is just tragic stuff, especially coming up to the festive season."
!['Embarrassing internationally': Top Pasifika doctor slams plans to repeal smokefree laws](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Embarrassing internationally': Top Pasifika doctor slams plans to repeal smokefree laws
"We're going to go from the leader of the pack to the tail-end."
![Kiwi crew deliver food, aid and rugby balls to cyclone-hit Fiji](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi crew deliver food, aid and rugby balls to cyclone-hit Fiji
More than 800 food ration packs have been delivered to parts of Fiji hit by Cyclone Mal.
!['I never knew it would be our last phone call': Beauty queen girlfriend pays tribute to lost love](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I never knew it would be our last phone call': Beauty queen girlfriend pays tribute to lost love
David Gasologa, 27, was one of four seasonal workers killed in a fiery crash in Australia.
![Samoa issues public health notice as NZ enters fifth Covid wave](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Samoa issues public health notice as NZ enters fifth Covid wave
With close ties to New Zealand, Samoa is urging its public to get a Covid booster.
![Fiji dodges a bullet as Cyclone Mal weakens, but big clean-up ahead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fiji dodges a bullet as Cyclone Mal weakens, but big clean-up ahead
Fijian authorities are working to clear fallen trees on roads after a harrowing night.
![Chef Michael Meredith: How selling pancakes in Apia turned into a career in food](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chef Michael Meredith: How selling pancakes in Apia turned into a career in food
"That’s probably one of my first ever food memories."
![Incoming Govt looks unlikely to have any Pasifika MPs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Incoming Govt looks unlikely to have any Pasifika MPs
National's Angee Nicholas was set to be the sole Pacific MP in Government.
![Three people killed in Vanuatu during devastating Tropical Cyclone Lola](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Three people killed in Vanuatu during devastating Tropical Cyclone Lola
Residents in Vanuatu are picking up the pieces after Tropical Cyclone Lola.
![Vanuatu bracing for TC Lola: 'We're praying the cyclone will turn'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Vanuatu bracing for TC Lola: 'We're praying the cyclone will turn'
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said officials are monitoring Lola.
!['When we touched down, we were in tears': Tongan church group stranded in Israel back in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'When we touched down, we were in tears': Tongan church group stranded in Israel back in NZ
A Tongan-Kiwi church group stuck in Israel has finally made it back to Aotearoa.
![New Pacific MPs in Parliament: 'My intention is to bring the hood'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Pacific MPs in Parliament: 'My intention is to bring the hood'
Angee Nicholas, Fa'anana Efeso Collins and Lemauga Lydia Sosene are proud Pasifika MPs.
![Tongan Government organises aircraft to evacuate Kiwi-Tongan church group](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tongan Government organises aircraft to evacuate Kiwi-Tongan church group
Kiwi-Tongan church members praise Tongan officials for helping get them out of Israel.
![Former Māngere MP Aupito William Sio leaves behind 'massive' shoes to fill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former Māngere MP Aupito William Sio leaves behind 'massive' shoes to fill
Two strong Pasifika women are among the candidates running in the Māngere electorate.
![Tonga steps up to help Kiwi church group stuck in Israel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tonga steps up to help Kiwi church group stuck in Israel
A total of 54 church members from New Zealand arrived in Israel days before the attack.
!['Praying to get out': Kiwi church group stranded in Jerusalem amid conflict](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Praying to get out': Kiwi church group stranded in Jerusalem amid conflict
'I'm not going to feel safe until I touch New Zealand soil.'
![Last minute White Sunday shopping in full swing among Samoan community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Last minute White Sunday shopping in full swing among Samoan community
Parents are out and about shopping for White Sunday, a special day celebrating children.
!['Robbed of a son': Parents' grief for man killed during night out with mates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Robbed of a son': Parents' grief for man killed during night out with mates
Tofi Matagi, 25, had just started working after arriving from Niue a few months ago.
![NZDF releases names of WWII Pacific coastwatchers yet to be formally recognised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZDF releases names of WWII Pacific coastwatchers yet to be formally recognised
The Defence Force is looking for the families of World War II Pasifika coastwatchers.
![Google backs more diversity in mainstream newsrooms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Google backs more diversity in mainstream newsrooms
Ensuring more indigenous voices are heard in journalism and story-telling.
![William Kiri Cuthers among WWII Pacific coastwatchers recognised 80 years on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
William Kiri Cuthers among WWII Pacific coastwatchers recognised 80 years on
"The old man would be...happy other families are starting to celebrate their ancestors."
![Pasifika mothers, daughters, wives urged to get tested to help save lives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pasifika mothers, daughters, wives urged to get tested to help save lives
Around 180 people get cervical cancer in New Zealand and die from the disease each year.
!['They're not afraid': Young staff member left terrified after armed robbers storm shop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They're not afraid': Young staff member left terrified after armed robbers storm shop
A staff member at a vape store put his hands up as a hammer was waved at him.
![Watch: Miss Samoa wows talent category with siva afi fire dance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Miss Samoa wows talent category with siva afi fire dance
Miss Samoa Moemoana Schwenke's mother is Miss Samoa 1997-1998 Maryjane McKibbin-Schwenke.