From Savai‘i to Tāmaki Makaurau to Melbourne: A Legacy of Love, Faith and Music
However, on my regular phone calls with Mum and Dad, they always reminded me of the gift that I was blessed with, making a point of telling me that my gift was not meant to be kept hidden, and that I needed to share it, so others could be blessed too.
Co-founder of Lagi-Maama Academy made a Member of NZ Order of Merit for services to culture and the arts
We profile one of our Pasifika people acknowledged in this years Queen’s New Years Honors List 2022
Kolokesa Uafā Māhina-Tuai works for Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy, an educational and cultural organisation she co-founded in 2018.
Her knowledge of Tongan culture and background in art history, anthropology, museum and heritage studies has inspired her cultural and arts advocacy, curatorial practice and writings. Jan 2022.
Curious patterns - Kai Brennert
“What is art in Moana Oceania? Another personal favourite: A few years ago when I lived in Aotearoa, I had the honour of meeting Lagi-Maama’s brilliant Toluma‘anave Barbara Makuati-Afitu and Kolokesa U. Māhina-Tuai. In this multi-year project, they have facilitated a range of tok stori gatherings to learn more about the various indigenous worldviews of what art is. If you’ve ever been curious about what art and culture may mean in Nauru, Tonga, the Solomon Islands or Kiribati, please find a quiet place and take some time to explore these incredible rich discussions by people from all around Moana Oceania. It’s just wow.”