THANK YOU ALL FOR 2013! #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear

2013 has been a wonderful year and I must say it has gone by quickly. I am looking forward to spending Christmas and New Years with my family. It is always a special time for us.

Just a note, this is my final blog post for 2013. A new blog will be created in 2014 by which most of the contents of this blog will be transferred over to. It is exciting and I am looking forward to the new blog going live next month. I will keep you all posted.

This year has provided me with many different opportunities and I am grateful. I would like to take this moment to acknowledge people who I have had the honour and privilege to work alongside this year.

I would like to extend my gratitude and respect to my research supervisors Dr Meaola Amituanai-Toloa and Professor Stuart McNaughton. Their guidance and support throughout my journey with my post-graduate studies have been invaluable. I could not have made it to this point without their professional leadership, kindness and encouragement. I am truly grateful to you both! Malo ‘aupito!

Also, to my creative family, the South Auckland Poets Collective who I have been with since 2010, thank you all for the memories, the laughter and the learning experiences during my time with you all.  I will miss writing and performing alongside you guys but I know that this is not a farewell as we will always remain connected as a creative family. You will always have my support. See you all in the new year! Much love and respect to you all xox

In addition, I would like to thank the Auckland Central Branch of PACIFICA Inc as well as the National Executive of PACIFICA Inc. I am honoured and humbled to have served on both teams this year. I am very thankful for the opportunities to have worked alongside you all.  Malo ‘aupito!

The following people each provided me with a fantastic opportunity to perform my spoken word poetry this year: South Auckland Poets Collective, Yolande Ah Chong from Radio 531pi, ‘Emeline Afeaki from Affirming Works, Anne Fitisemanu from Manukau District Health Board, ‘Anahila Suisuiki from the Labour Party, Rose Fata-Leone from McCauley High School,  John Fale from Foundation of Youth Development, Grace Taylor from Niu Navigations, Reverend Mua Pua-Strickson, Noma and Matt Salapu (aka Anonymouz), Greg Callinan from Toi Ora Live Art Trust, Dagmar Dyck from the Tongan Research Association, Dr Meaola Amituanai-Toloa from the Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland, Pania Schwenke the President for the Auckland Central Branch of PACIFICA and Charlie Pome’e from Three Houses Down. I am deeply honoured and utterly grateful to each of you. Thank you for supporting my work and allowing me to share it within and around our communities. Malo ‘aupito xox

To the special guests that I have featured this year; Luka Lesson, Courtney Sina Meredith, Hinemoana Baker, Rizvan Tu’itahi, Olive ‘Asi, Reverend Mua Pua-Strickson and Jahra Rager, thank you for sharing your words of wisdom, inspiration and positivity on this blog. I truly appreciate your time. Honoured and humbled, malo ‘aupito xox

To my family and friends, thank you for being the source of strength, love and joy in my life! I have you all to acknowledge and thank for teaching me that all blessings come from God. I love you all!

To all the readers of this blog, you made the visits exceed 100,000 this year! Thank you all for reading, for commenting, for emailing me with your feedback and for sharing the posts. Many thanks to you all xox

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Here is one of my faves from Tamar Braxton’s (love her #SheDidThat lol!) Christmas Album, “Away in a Manger/Little Drummer Boy”. Press play on the audio link below and enjoy! See you in the New Year on the new blog! #LookAtGod