Measina Festival Spotlight: Samoa’s traditional arts got a big push at Measina Week, with master weavers warning that modern mats are pulling young people away from learning fine weaving, while the Weaving Society showcased natural materials and techniques for ‘ie toga, ‘ie tasi/‘ie vaivai, ili and siapo. Fire Knife Triumph: Lene Luaono of Gagaifo Lefaga and Tufuiopa took champion honours in the Ailao Afi (Fire Knife) competition, a warrior-linked event that also featured young autistic performers and highlighted the discipline behind the blazing routines. Samoa on the World Stage (Sport): Pickleball success continues as Goretti Su’a won women’s singles 50+ 5.0 gold at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, adding another international medal to Samoa’s growing record. Pacific Film & Storytelling: POP48 is gearing up across Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands, with teams racing to make 4–6 minute films in 48 hours and viewers voting on PCBL platforms. NRL & Samoa Rugby League: Payne Haas says Samoa selection depends on finger surgery after Brisbane’s season ended, while Hull FC confirmed Samoa international Junior Pauga for Super League.
AGP Executive Report
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Measina Festival Spotlight: Samoa’s traditional arts took centre stage this week, with master weaver Repeka Tautala urging young people to keep learning fine mat weaving as modern mats enter Samoa; the Weaving Society showcased techniques and natural materials at the Samoa Tourism Authority Village. Fire Knife Glory: Lene Luaono of Gagaifo Lefaga and Tufuiopa won champion at the Ailao Afi Fire Knife dancing competition, with performances that included young autistic dancers and highlighted the training behind the warrior tradition. Pickleball Win: Goretti Su’a struck gold again at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, adding a second consecutive international gold medal for Samoa in the Women’s Singles 50+ 5.0 division. Sports Round-Up: Samoa’s swimmers are pushing for more medals, with Lushavel Stickland aiming for another podium finish in the women’s 50m backstroke finals after taking bronze in the 50m butterfly. Film & Storytelling: POP48 is bringing Pacific filmmakers together for a 48-hour challenge, with Samoa among the competing teams—an effort to reclaim Pacific narratives and tell stories from authentic perspectives. Rugby League Watch: Payne Haas’ finger surgery puts his Rugby League World Cup chances in doubt, while Samoa’s rugby league pathway continues to draw attention across the region.
Samoan Arts & Culture: Measina Festival spotlight: Master weavers are urging young people to keep learning traditional fine-mat weaving as modern mats enter Samoa, with the Weaving Society demonstrating techniques and natural materials at the Samoa Tourism Authority Village. Fire knife dancing: Lene Luaono of Gagaifo Lefaga and Tufuiopa took champion honours at the Ailao Afi competition, with the event also featuring young autistic performers and highlighting the fitness and discipline behind the warrior-linked art. Sport meets identity: Pickleball win: Goretti Su’a added another international gold at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, backing Samoa’s growing presence on the world stage. Rugby league news for Samoa fans: Payne Haas says Samoa selection depends on finger surgery after his World Cup hopes were put in doubt by an injury, with the tournament starting Oct 15. Film & storytelling: POP48 is bringing teams from Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands into a 48-hour filmmaking challenge, aiming to put Pacific voices and authentic perspectives front and centre.
Samoan Sports Spotlight: Goretti Su’a keeps stacking wins, taking gold at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang for a second straight international title. Samoan Culture & Festival: Lene Luaono of Gagaifo Lefaga and Tufuiopa wins champion at the Ailao Afi “Fire Knife” dancing highlight of Samoa’s Measina Festival 2026, with young autistic performers among the competitors. Samoa Rugby League Update: Payne Haas says World Cup selection for Samoa isn’t guaranteed after surgery is booked for finger issues, with the tournament starting Oct 15. Pacific Rugby Development: Wallabies great Wycliff Palu returns to coach a First Nations and Pasifika side against Tonga President’s XV, part of wider push to grow rugby in the region. Film & Creative Challenge: The inaugural POP48 Film Challenge gears up across Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands, with teams making short films in 48 hours for public voting. Sports Pathways: A Samoa Open standout shows junior golf talent is already there, but experts say the next step is more backing for equipment and high-performance support.
Rugby League & Pacific sport diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese defended Pacific engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau after a heated media exchange over costs and leader attendance, while also announcing $15.6m for Pacific athletes aiming toward Brisbane 2032. Geopolitics at the forum: Several Pacific leaders skipped the PIF leaders’ summit in person, with experts pointing to Beijing pressure behind the no-shows. Samoa in the spotlight: The US and New Zealand backed a US$60m port upgrade for the Cook Islands at Penrhyn, and Samoa’s own sports pipeline got a boost as the Measina Festival rebrands Teuila after 35 years, putting culture and community traditions at the centre. Youth football in Samoa: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Apia with Samoa hosting and two finalists set to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Athletics: Samoa swimmer Lushavel Stickland eyes another medal after bronze in the 50m butterfly, moving into the 50m backstroke finals.
Rugby & Pacific sport: Tonga’s Kaume’a Ofi Trophy match is set for Nuku’alofa on Friday, with First Nations and Pasifika players coached by Wycliff Palu after a week of school visits, backed by PacificAus Sports and a wider push to grow rugby across Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and PNG. NRL & Samoa links: Hull FC keeps recruiting with Samoa international Junior Pauga joining for 2027, while Hull also confirmed Ligi Sao’s move to Bradford for 2027 and Hull’s Ligi Sao switch follows earlier Samoa-related squad reshuffles. Samoa in the spotlight: Samoa’s Measina Festival launches as a new, more culture-led name after 35 years of Teuila, with a week of arts, food, sport, music and performance leading into Miss Samoa. Youth football in Samoa: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa, with hosts Samoa in Group A and Fiji starting their campaign against Vanuatu before a big clash with New Zealand. Sports diplomacy funding: Australia announced $15.6m to support Pacific athletes toward LA28 and Brisbane 2032, adding to earlier rugby league investment in the region. Pacific governance & arts-adjacent culture: Pacific leaders are seeking stronger EU ties as geopolitical pressure fuels pullouts from the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau.
Pacific diplomacy: Pacific ACP leaders at the PIF in Koror urged countries to ratify the EU’s 20-year Samoa Agreement, positioning it as a way to protect Pacific priorities amid rising geopolitical pressure. Sports funding: Australia pledged $15.6m to boost Pacific athletes for Brisbane 2032, with support for training and qualification through major events including the 2027 Pacific Games and LA 2028. Samoa in the spotlight (football): The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Apia, with Samoa hosting and aiming for FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification; Samoa face New Caledonia first. Aquatics: Lushavel Stickland chased another podium finish for Samoa after winning bronze in the 50m butterfly, now targeting the 50m backstroke finals. Arts & culture: Samoa’s Measina Festival launches as a refreshed, culture-first successor to Teuila, with traditional arts, food, sport, music and performance leading into Miss Samoa. Pacific arts funding hit: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main funding source after 40 years, calling the outcome “deeply disappointing” for Pacific artists.
Samoan Sports Spotlight: Lushavel Stickland is chasing another medal for Samoa in the women’s 50m backstroke finals after winning bronze in the 50m butterfly, saying she wants to get under 30 seconds and see the flag on the podium again. Pacific Governance & Arts: A new “Perspectives on Pacific Resilience” series highlights how democratic partnerships can strengthen Pacific sovereignty, from information security to maritime governance. Regional Football: Fiji U-19 kick off the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa against Vanuatu, aiming to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Samoa Culture on Stage: Samoa’s Measina Festival launches as a shift from Teuila, putting culture and community traditions at the heart of a week of arts, food, sport, music and performance. Pacific Arts & Memory: Fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou’s latest exhibition draws on “human zoos” history, using couture and digital imagery to confront colonisation, exploitation and voyeurism. Sport Funding: Australia announces $15.6m to boost Pacific athletes toward Brisbane 2032, with support for major events through 2030.
OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa: Apia is set for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, with Samoa hosting and two finalists earning spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Samoa face New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, with coaches urging fans to pack Taumeasina and back the boys. Measina Festival (culture-first): After 35 years as Teuila, Samoa’s Measina Festival launches with a stronger focus on traditional arts, food, sport, music and performance, plus the Miss Sāmoa finale—aiming to keep culture “treasured” for the next generation. Pacific arts funding shock: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it’s lost its main funding source beyond 2026, calling the decision “deeply disappointing” for Pacific artists and communities it has supported for 40 years. Lindah Lepou exhibition: Fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou’s new work Mata‘AITU at Pātaka Art + Museum draws on her family history and research into “human zoos,” using couture and digital imagery to confront colonisation and exploitation. Sports diplomacy for Pacific athletes: Australia pledges $15.6m to boost high-performance training for Pacific athletes ahead of Brisbane 2032, with support stretching to major regional and global events through 2030. Toa Samoa World Cup squad: Samoa names a star-studded Rugby League World Cup lineup packed with NRL talent, including players who’ve chosen Toa Samoa over Australia, setting up a big opener against England.
Samoan Culture & Festivals: Samoa is rebranding its beloved Teuila celebration as the new Measina Festival, with a stronger focus on treasured culture through a week of traditional arts, food, sport, music and performances leading into the Miss Samoa crowning this Saturday. Pacific Arts & Youth Performance: Māfana is giving South Island rangatahi a real stage to connect with Pacific identity, featuring workshops and a showcase bringing Sāmoa, Tonga, Tahiti and more to the spotlight. Samoan Sports Pathways: A nine-year-old Sāmoan golfer is turning heads at the Samoa Open, showing how early support and the right “product” (equipment and high-level people) can help juniors reach the world stage. OFC U-19 Football in Apia: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa with hosts Samoa in Group A, aiming for the two finalists’ qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Pacific Rugby League Spotlight: Toa Samoa has named its Rugby League World Cup squad packed with NRL stars, setting up a big opener against England and plenty of expectation for a Samoan push. Arts Funding Shock (NZ-based): Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it’s lost its main funding source after 40 years, calling the outcome deeply disappointing for Pacific artists and communities. Fashion Meets Art (NZ-based): Fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou unveils Mata‘AITU (voyeur), using couture and digital imagery to confront colonisation and exploitation, including the legacy of “human zoos.”
Samoan Culture Spotlight: The Measina Festival launches in Samoa, shifting the beloved Teuila celebration into a more community-centred week of arts, food, sport, music and performance—ending with Miss Sāmoa this Saturday and a clear push to protect what’s “precious or treasured.” Pacific Sports & Pride: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Apia with Samoa in Group A against New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, with two finalists earning spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Rugby League World Cup Build-Up: Toa Samoa names a star-studded squad for the Rugby League World Cup, including NRL talent and big eligibility talk as fans debate who should wear which jersey. Arts & Identity: Fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou unveils Mata‘AITU (voyeur), drawing on her family history and research into “human zoos” to confront colonisation and exploitation through fashion, digital imagery and ancestral spirit. Regional Arts Scene: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust faces a major setback after losing its main funding source after 40 years, putting future support for Pacific visual artists in question. Music & Performance: Māfana brings 65 South Island rangatahi together through Pacific dance and music, building cultural connection where local platforms don’t exist.
Pacific Youth Arts: South Island rangatahi are finding a Pacific voice through the 15-week “Māfana” show, built because local platforms for Pacific performers are scarce—workshops included Sāmoan sāsā and Tongan ta’olunga, with rangatahi from Samoa and across the region taking the stage at Nelson’s Theatre Royal. Sport—OFC Pathway in Samoa: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Apia with eight teams chasing two World Cup qualifying spots; hosts Samoa face New Caledonia, PNG and the Solomon Islands in Group A. Arts Funding Shock: Celebrated Pacific visual arts organisation Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main funding source beyond 2026 after 40 years, calling the outcome “deeply disappointing” for artists and communities. Fa’afafine & Art: Lindah Lepou’s new work Mata‘AITU (voyeur) at Pātaka Art + Museum revisits colonisation and exploitation, including a researched link to a Samoan child taken to Germany. Regional Politics: Pullouts are hitting the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau, with leaders including Samoa among those absent as foreign interference is blamed.
Olympic Spotlight: PNG weightlifter Dika Toua made history at her fifth Olympics, bowing out in 10th after lifting 167kg total in Tokyo. Arts Funding Shock: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding source after 40 years, calling the decision “deeply disappointing” for Pacific artists and communities. Music & Heritage: Opetaia Foa‘i reflects on “serving the ancestors,” from Te Vaka’s global tours to writing for Disney’s Moana and the billion-stream hit “We Know the Way.” Contemporary Art & Memory: Lindah Lepou’s new exhibition Mata‘AITU (voyeur) revisits colonisation and “human zoos,” including a Samoan child taken to Germany, using couture and digital imagery. Samoa Culture & Tourism: Samoa’s Measina Cultural & Arts Festival 2026 unveils its logo and kicks off Sunday 30 Aug, replacing the Teuila Festival for the low season. Samoan Music Copyright Fight: Tiama’a and a YouTuber clash over AI-made remakes of original songs, with the band pushing for removal from platforms. Rugby World Cup Focus (Samoa): Simi Sasagi says he’ll delay shoulder surgery to chase a Samoa Rugby League World Cup spot. Wayfinding Inspiration: A story on Polynesian wayfinding highlights Hawaiian sailors navigating 1,600 miles without GPS or compass.
Arts Funding Shock: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it’s lost its main CNZ funding source beyond 2026, calling it a “turning point” after 40 years supporting Pacific visual artists. Cultural Memory in Art: Fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou’s new exhibition, Mata‘AITU (voyeur), draws on research into “human zoos” and colonisation, using couture and digital imagery to confront exploitation. Music & Identity: Opetaia Foa‘i reflects on “serving the ancestors” through Te Vaka and Moana work, sharing how his lineage across Samoa, Tokelau and Tuvalu shapes his music. AI vs Copyright: Tiama’a faces an AI-music fight after a YouTuber refused to remove an AI remake, while the band says Samoan language and cultural legacy are being mishandled. Samoa Rugby at a Crossroads: World Rugby says Samoa’s international schedule won’t change for now, but Lakapi Samoa warns “no more Manu Samoa” if sanctions follow a governance review. World Cup Focus (League): Simi Sasagi says he’ll delay shoulder surgery to chase Samoa selection for the Rugby League World Cup. Community & Sport: Grace Tooley wins a GirlBoss Innovation Award for Mana Malosi, shorts designed to help sportswomen feel confident while menstruating. Festival Spotlight: Samoa’s Measina Cultural & Arts Festival 2026 unveils its logo and opens Sunday 30 with church performances, crafts, entertainment, and fautasi racing.
Samoan Arts & Culture: The Measina Cultural & Arts Festival 2026 logo was unveiled in Apia, with leaders saying the event is about protecting Samoa’s identity and values as it replaces the Teuila Festival and kicks off Sunday 30 August with church performances, stalls, crafts, sports, horse racing, fautasi races and the Miss Samoa Pageant. Fashion & Identity: Multi-disciplinary fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou unveiled “Mata‘AITU (voyeur)” at Pātaka Art + Museum, linking her couture-art practice to whakapapa and a painful 1895–2026 history that includes a young boy taken from Samoa to Germany. Music & Rights: Tiama’a is pushing back against AI-made remakes of its songs after a YouTuber refused to remove an unauthorized version of “Atulaolao le Vasa,” sparking a dispute over takedowns and reinstatement. Rugby & Community (Arts-adjacent): World Rugby says Samoa’s international rugby schedule won’t change for now, but Lakapi Samoa’s CEO warns “no more Manu Samoa” if a proposed review isn’t accepted and sanctions follow. Sports Spotlight: Christina Harris, a 63-year-old New Zealander, won Samoa’s 10km ocean swim at the Pacific Open Water Challenge.
Fa’afafine Art & Identity: Lindah Lepou’s new multi-disciplinary work Mata‘AITU (voyeur) at Pātaka Art + Museum revisits her family whakapapa through couture, black mannequins and digital imagery, tackling colonisation, exploitation and voyeurism. Music & Rights: Tiama’a is pushing back against AI-made remakes of its original songs, after a YouTuber refused to remove an AI version of “Atulaolao le Vasa,” reigniting the fight over Samoan-language cultural legacy and copyright. Cultural Festival: Samoa’s Measina Arts & Cultural Festival 2026 logo was unveiled by Deputy PM Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, with the PM framing Measina as Samoa’s “utmost treasure” and a tourism-season replacement for Teuila. Rugby Governance: World Rugby says Samoa’s international schedule won’t change for now, but Lakapi Samoa CEO Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun warns “no more Manu Samoa” if the government rejects a World Rugby review and sanctions follow. Sports for the Arts Crowd: Simi Sasagi says he’ll delay shoulder surgery to chase the Rugby League World Cup while also confirming he’ll represent Samoa again. Community & Youth: A U15 netball squad trained at Naboro Prison Complex ahead of an International Netball Festival in Christchurch. Auckland Arts Calendar: Karangahape Art Weekend returns as a free three-day “one giant gallery” event (18–20 Sept).
Samoa Rugby Governance: World Rugby says Samoa’s current international schedule won’t change for now, but Lakapi Samoa CEO Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun warns “no more Manu Samoa” if the government doesn’t accept a proposed World Rugby review—after the state withdrew recognition and funding from Lakapi Samoa and backed a rival union. Rugby League World Cup: Canberra Raiders centre Simi Sasagi says he’ll delay shoulder surgery to chase a Rugby League World Cup spot and confirm he’ll represent Samoa again. Women’s Rugby (Samoan talent): Black Ferns debuts for Samoan teenagers Amarante Sititi and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a came with tries as New Zealand thrashed Australia 66-19. Va’a (Youth): 13-year-old Handel Tupu Fua made the semifinals at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore. Arts & Culture (Samoa): The Measina Arts & Cultural Festival 2026 logo was unveiled in Apia, with the festival set to replace the Teuila Festival in the low season. Music & Rights (Samoan band): Tiama’a is pushing back against AI-made remakes of its songs, after a YouTuber refused to remove an unauthorized version. Community Arts (regional): Auckland’s Karangahape Art Weekend returns as a free three-day “one giant gallery” celebration of contemporary art and music.
Samoan Arts & Culture: The Measina Arts & Cultural Festival 2026 gets its official logo reveal in Apia, with leaders framing the event as Samoa’s “utmost treasure” and a new low-season tourism push replacing the Teuila Festival; the 30 August opening includes church performances, stalls for food and crafts, traditional and modern entertainment, sports games, horse racing, fautasi longboat races, and the Miss Samoa Pageant. Samoan Music & Rights: Tiama’a’s fight against AI-made copies heats up as the band calls for unauthorized remakes of its original songs to be removed, after a YouTuber reinstates a track following the band’s non-response window. Sports & Identity: Simi Sasagi says he’ll delay shoulder surgery to chase the Rugby League World Cup while confirming he’ll represent Samoa again. Community & Creativity: Auckland’s Karangahape Road prepares to turn into a free “one giant gallery” for the Karangahape Art Weekend (18–20 September), blending contemporary art, live music, talks, workshops, and studio visits across the precinct. Va’a Spotlight: 13-year-old Handel Tupu Fua makes a strong Junior 19 V1 500m debut at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships, reaching the semifinals.
Rugby & Identity: Samoa’s rugby future is under pressure as World Rugby says there are no immediate changes to Samoa’s international schedule, while Lakapi Samoa CEO Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun warns “no more Manu Samoa” if the government doesn’t accept a proposed World Rugby review and sanctions follow. Samoan Talent Spotlight: Black Ferns debutants Amarante Sititi and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a both scored in a 66-19 win over Australia, with Sititi’s try capping a big day for the family of former Manu Samoa captain Lemalu Semo Sititi. Sports Business & Culture: A Pasifika teen, Grace Tooley, turned period pain on the rugby field into a business, winning the GirlBoss Innovation Award for Mana Malosi. Arts & Festivals: The Measina Arts & Cultural Festival 2026 logo was unveiled at STA Fale, with the festival set to replace the Teuila Festival and run from Sunday 30 August, featuring church performances, crafts, fine arts, horse racing, fautasi races and the Miss Samoa Pageant. Music & Rights: Tiama’a is pushing back against AI-made remakes of its original songs, after a YouTuber refused to remove an unauthorized version. Voyaging & Learning: Polynesian wayfinding is celebrated through Hawaiian sailors’ 1,600-mile open-ocean trip to the Bay of Islands using stars, swells, birds and cloud cues—no GPS or compass. Community Arts: Karangahape Road Art Weekend in Auckland launches a free three-day contemporary art celebration (18–20 September), inviting people to treat the precinct like one big gallery.
Measina Arts & Cultural Festival 2026: Samoa’s Measina logo was unveiled at STA Fale by Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, following a keynote by Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, with the festival set to replace the Teuila Festival and open Sunday 30 August with church services, performances, food and handicrafts, fine arts, sports games, horse racing, and the fautasi longboats plus Miss Samoa. Samoan Music & AI Rights: Tiama’a is pushing back against AI-made remakes of its original songs, after contacting a YouTuber over an unauthorized version of “Atulaolao le Vasa,” with the band saying many AI versions mispronounce Samoan language and YouTube later reinstated the track. Va’a Talent Spotlight: 13-year-old Handel Tupu Fua made a strong international debut at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore, reaching the Junior 19 Men’s V1 500m semifinals after winning his repechage. Rugby Union Uncertainty: World Rugby says Samoa’s current international schedule won’t change for now amid the ongoing Lakapi Samoa review dispute, while Lakapi Samoa warns “no more Manu Samoa” if sanctions follow. Sports-to-Stage Inspiration: Vodafone Samoa honoured Commonwealth medalists Seine Stowers (gold) and John Lautafi Tafi (silver) with prize packages after their Glasgow 2026 weightlifting wins.
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