Champions of the Pacific
A weekly sports show exploring the triumphs, struggles and passions of the Pasifika athlete. Wednesdays at 9:40pm or via shortwave and digital broadcast from early Wednesday on RNZ Pacific.
Episodes
December 1, 2021 • 15 mins
A weekly show celebrating the best of Pacific Island sport.
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December 1, 2021 • 15 mins
From representing Samoa on the football field to becoming FIFA's first chief women's football officer. Sarai Bareman is on a mission to put women front and centre of the football world stage. The former Samoa representative tells us how a holiday in Samoa set her on the path for a career in the sport, and her dreams for women's football in the Pacific.
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December 1, 2021 • 5 mins
Pacific nations are gearing up for a boost after World Rugby decided that players will be allowed to switch national teams from next year.
Prior to the new change, once a player had represented a country at international level, they couldn't turn out for another - unless they utilised an unintended sevens loophole.
We talk to Manu Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua, 'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu, and a former All Black who says he...
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November 24, 2021 • 14 mins
A weekly show that talks to the stars and unsung heroes of Pacific Island sport.
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November 24, 2021 • 6 mins
It's no secret that Fiji is packed with sporting talent. All over the world Fijians can be found running, jumping, tackling and shooting with the best of the best.
But when it comes to roles off the field, particularly in the nation's more popular sports, it's overseas coaches and administrators that dominate leading roles.
Sainimili Saukuru tells us what she's doing to see more locals leading the way.
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November 24, 2021 • 7 mins
Sosaia Tulikihakau is one of the few Pasifika football referees in Aotearoa.
The 21-year-old has been recognised by the community as a champion for diversity and inclusion in football, selected as a finalist for the Counties Manukau Sporting excellence awards for Referee of the Year.
We talk to Sosaia about his football journey and his hopes to see more Pasifika in the game.
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November 17, 2021 • 16 mins
A weekly show that celebrates the best of Pacific Island sport.
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November 17, 2021 • 28 mins
The World Rugby Council will consider a proposal next week to change the sport's eligibility rules to make it easier for players to switch their international allegiance.
Think Lima Sopoaga lining up for Manu Samoa or Charles Piutau playing for Tonga.
So will it happen? Or will Pacific Island nations once against be given rugby's cold shoulder?
Former 'Ikale Tahi captain Inoke Afeaki and Pacific Rugby Players Welfare CEO, f...
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November 17, 2021 • 12 mins
More than 100 people drown in New Zealand waters each year and one Pasifika family is on a mission to educate the community about keeping safe when making a splash.
The Fuluifaga Chan Foung aiga - mum Aanoali'i Rowena, dad Mike and their daughter Helena - talk to us about their experiences as surf lifeguards at Te Henga, Auckland's Bethells Beach and we discuss what more can be done to ensure people are being safe in and arou...
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November 10, 2021 • 16 mins
A weekly show that explores the world of Pacific Island sport.
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November 10, 2021 • 12 mins
She was the last woman to captain the Samoa women's rugby team at a Rugby World Cup, now she's doing everything she can to help them return to the games biggest stage in 2022.
Cynthia Ta'ala-Timaloa talks to us about the obstacles the Manusina face to compete and qualify next year, and reflects back on her time with the team as both a player and now assistant coach.
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November 10, 2021 • 5 mins
Mariner Fagaiava-Muller talks to Johnnie Timu, the Pasifika owner of Brown Pride gym in South Auckland, about the struggles of running a business during lockdown, and how they're keeping the community moving.
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November 3, 2021 • 16 mins
A weekly show that talks to the stars and unsung heroes of Pacific Island sport.
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November 3, 2021 • 9 mins
Ray Sefo is a six-time Muay Thai World Champion and eight time K-1 World Grand Prix Finals tournament participant who turned his love and passion for the sport into a lifestyle.
The proud Samoan talks about the explosion of mixed martial arts, what he thinks about the Pasifika talent coming through the ranks, and could we see him fighting in the ring again?
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November 3, 2021 • 12 mins
After more than 100 days apart, members of the Cook Islands Olympic team are finally back home with their friends and family.
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October 27, 2021 • 15 mins
A weekly show celebrating the best of Pacific Island sport.
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October 27, 2021 • 22 mins
The Northern Mariana Islands is not letting a global pandemic affect their preparations for hosting the Pacific Mini Games in 2022.
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October 27, 2021 • 6 mins
Abigail Tere-Apisah is the undisputed Queen of Pacific Island tennis. This month she added another accolade, after being inducted into the Georgia State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
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October 20, 2021 • 15 mins
A weekly sport show celebrating the best of Pacific Island sport.
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October 20, 2021 • 8 mins
Aaron Mauger is Moana Pasifika's new head coach for their inaugural season in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The 45-Test All Black has Samoan, Tahitian and Cook Island heritage and has inked a three-year deal with the new franchise, who will play their home matches at Mount Smart Stadium until 2028.
He tells us what he's looking forward to the most, and what fans can expect to see in their debut season.
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