Emerging Leaders Pacific Dialogue 2010!!!!!

We are seeking high calibre men and women who are already on a path to senior leadership to apply for the Emerging Pacific Leaders’ Dialogue (EPLD) 2010 that is scheduled to take March 2010.

This intensive, exciting and intellectually demanding program will bring together 120 individuals to examine, discuss and report on current strategic issues across the Pacific.

Leaders in the Pacific region need to have clear vision and strong skills to address the complex challenges of globalization and interdependence and be mindful of the importance of preserving the values that bind people and communities.

The Emerging Pacific Leaders’ Dialogue is committed to inspire and uplift outstanding individuals with proven leadership experience or high leadership potential so that they may contribute to

* leadership and governance in the Pacific region

* the long term development and stability of the region

* promotion of regional understanding and co-operation through an improved network of key relationships across sectors and nations

The Emerging Pacific Leaders’ Dialogue (EPLD) 2010 is an event of national and regional significance scheduled to take place in March 2010 which will strengthen the capacity of the region’s future leaders to manage challenges collaboratively, positively and creatively.

Participants will come from: Australia, Cook Islands, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Other Pacific countries and territories may also be invited to participate.

More info: www.epld2.com

May 09' Pasifika Woman of the Day!: Dame Whina Cooper

Dame Whina Cooper

A leader in her own right Maori activist Dame Whina Cooper revolutionized the rights for all Maoris by engaging in issues such as land rights and social justice and actively protesting for these issues to protect and preserve the Maori culture and its people. As the daughter of tribal chief, Heremia Te Wake, Cooper identified with her father's role as a leader and became more than just a leader within the Maori culture but a influential woman that would carry on a legacy that would live through the roots of the land and its people. Cooper led her first protest at the age of 18 concerning the draining of a local swamp. This would then jump start her on a journey of being more than just an activist but a mother to her people. In 1951 she would become the first president for the Maori Women's Welfare League through which she fought for issues such as health care and an increased role for women in native Maori rights. 

Dame Whina Cooper, you are more than just an inspiration but a woman of great strength and courage. Defying the old ways you brought forth a generation of Pasifika women that would look to all your accomplishments and achievements and be proud of all the hard work and efforts that you have put forth in seeing the Maori culture thrive. 

On the behalf of all Pasifika women we honor you in all your work and give acknowledgement to the amazing role you played in reminding us Pasifika women what we are made out of.

Malo Aupito,

Elisiva Gallardo

:2009 S3 Pacific Music Awards:

The finalists for the 2009 S³ Pacific Music Awards have been announced with Ladi 6 and Nesian Mystik both named in four categories each.Ladi 6 is a finalist for her highly anticipated and long awaited debut solo album, ‘Time is Not Much’ in the Best Pacific Female Artist, Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist and the S³ Best Pacific Music Album categories.

She is also a finalist in the APRA Best Pacific Song category for her catchy single, ‘Walk Right Up’. An MC as well as a renowned vocalist, Ladi 6 is known for her energetic live performances, sublime soulful vocals and conscious lyrics. Nesian Mystik is a finalist for their album, ‘Elevator Musiq’, in the Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artitst, Radio 531P1 Best Pacific Group and the S³ Best Pacific Music Album categories.Number 1 smash hit, ‘Nesian 101’, has earned the band a place as finalist in the APRA Best Pacific Song category.

Their cultural backgrounds unite a remarkable diversity of Polynesia in bringing together Maori, Tongan, Samoan and Cook Island ancestry leading to the group becoming one of the biggest names in New Zealand music.Altogether 12 artists and groups have been announced as finalists at a function in Manukau City tonight (16 April) hosted by His Worship Mayor Len Brown and the Manukau City Council.

Also up for more than one award are Angela Afeaki and Devolo.Angela Afeaki is a finalist for Best Pacific Female Artist with her album ‘Tongan Rendezvous’ and the APRA Best Pacific Song award for her single ‘Happy Happy Tonga’. Devolo is in the running for the NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist and the Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist award with his album ‘Heaven & Hell’.

The full list of finalists for the 2009 S³ Pacific Music Awards is:

BEST PACIFIC FEMALE ARTIST

Ladi 6 ‘Time is Not Much’

Angela Afeaki ‘Tongan Rendezvous’

Iva Lamkum ‘Iva Lamkum EP’

NZ MUSIC COMMISSION BEST PACIFIC MALE ARTIST

Devolo ‘Heaven & Hell’

Mareko ‘White Sunday 2: The Book of Mark’

Vince Harder “Strobelight”

NIU FM BEST PACIFIC URBAN ARTIST

Devolo ‘Heaven & Hell’

Ladi 6 ‘Time is Not Much’

Nesian Mystik ‘Elevator Musiq’

RADIO 531PI BEST PACIFIC GROUP

Cydel “There’s A Place”

Horsemen Family ‘My Shout’

Nesian Mystik ‘Elevator Musiq’

APRA BEST PACIFIC SONG

Angela Afeaki “Happy Happy Tonga” (A. Afeaki/W. Afeaki/J. Afeaki)

Ladi 6 “Walk Right Up” (K. Tamati/B. Park)

Nesian Mystik “Nesian 101” (Atai/Manukau/McNulty/Reeder/Rikiau/Strickson-Pua)

BEST PACIFIC GOSPEL ALBUM

St Pauls Methodist Church Otara ‘2008 Choir’

South Auckland Community Church Band ‘Set Us Free’

Oyster Music – various artists ‘The Gospel According to….’

S³ BEST PACIFIC MUSIC ALBUM

Angela Afeaki ‘Tongan Rendezvous’

Ladi 6 ‘Time is Not Much’

Nesian Mystik ‘Elevator Musiq’

Source: Spasifik Magazine