Tapu Vā

We talanoa with sexual health promoter Samora about her upbringing and her own experience with coming out as her authentic self. She shares her expertise on the relationship between sexual health and Pasifika culture, highlighting how thoughts and attitudes around the connection between the two are strongly influenced by faith, pride and image. Samora also shares some important advice for Pasifika parents who are interested in learning more.

Tapu Vā - Samora

The Lowdown

In 'A Body Apology', 16-year-old Angelina Faupula addresses the struggles that we face to accept our bodies with their flaws and differences, the impact of a society that tells us that only their version of 'perfect' is acceptable. 

In 'A Body Apology', Angelina Faupula addresses the struggles that we face to accept our bodies with their flaws and differences, the impact of a society that tells us that only their version of 'perfect' is acceptable.

A Body Apology - Angelina Faupula | The Lowdown Aotearoa

A Body Apology - Angelina Faupula

Iho u’afa sisu kalaisi
in his name 
formless yet formed us 
in his image

But the image I see is not what I like 
And these thighs i see are too big 
And this face i have is not small enough 
And the stomach that I have is not small enough
Expect me to trust a mirror that only sees skin deep 
A mirror that responds only with what it sees 
But doesn’t learn how i've carried myself 

Confusion stench 
Wondering why people mock 
Gods greatest creation 
Judgemental outcomes of envious lions 
And tigers claw scratches 
On our hips 

The reflection of the sea 
Embedded deeply into my skin 
That rips through 
This sacred temple 

Sacred 
‒‒a word only given to women 
To hide the fact they do not want you to see all of them 
Tremble in fear incase giving pieces of them will break a part of us 

To camouflage this God given gift 
they replace with hate they have for this body 
The same body that's carried the weight of my heart 
Even when my legs were giving up 

But even still
We criticise this imperfection that makes even the angels jealous 
My body scarred with more comment than scars 
I’ve apologised more times in my head then i have out loud 
But i get you’ve never gotten an official apology 

So I apologise to this body that was made by god
But still somehow not made to feel like it was enough
I apologise to this body for the moments I have forgotten to give gratitude
To the quiet times it has held me up

I apologise to this body for all the lies that I took as truths

My body is not an apology
And I will no longer apologise

Brown Girls Have Sex Too creator and sexual health educator Anatola joins us to talanoa more about her mahi facilitating safe spaces for conversations around sexual health. She shares more about her interview with RenewsNZ, in which she addresses misconceptions about the hymen and debunks sex myths like the white sheet ceremony, which have been practised in some Tongan and Kiribati communities since colonial times and more. Anatola also encourages more young Pasifika women to consider roles in sexual health spaces because there is such a demand for them in the field.

Tapu Vā - Anatola

A group of Pasifika from the 09’ Tāmaki Makaurau join us to talanoa about sexual health. They cover a wide range of topics, including some common Pasifika myths and their relationship with colonialism, their own experiences with ‘the talk’ and the sexual toxic traits prevalent in our Pasifika sports communities. The group also delves into an overarching theme of changing the narrative surrounding how Pasifika approach sexual health, as well as some ideas for removing the stigma or tapu from the subject so it can be openly talked about.

Tapu Vā - Auckland Talanoa

We’re joined by Matt, who gives us insights about his mahi as a sexual health promoter for Te Kaha O Te Rangatahi. Matt shares about the concept of consent and how it should be addressed more often because it can be a grey area in our Pasifika communities. Matt emphasises the importance of discussing healthy communication and relationships in order to create that vā, that ‘safe space’ for whānau and future generations. He also has a special message at the end for his teenage self about sexual health.

Matt, a sexual health promoter from Te Kaha O Te Rangatahi, shares insights on promoting sexual health in Pasifika communities. Learn about consent, healthy communication, and creating safe space for whānau and future generations.

Tapu Vā: Matt Talks Sexual Health | The Lowdown Aotearoa 

Tapu Vā - Matt

Three Pasifika District Health Board workers from Hastings join us to share their views on sexual health. They talanoa about the idea of reframing cultural beliefs, such as the Samoan word ‘tautua’ (service to aiga or any individual to a greater cause), in a way that suits sexual health, the difference between discussing the topic with parents vs. schoolmates and the barriers to discussing sexual health within your whānau, as well as ideas on how to overcome them.
 

Join three Pasifika District Health Board workers from Hastings as they discuss their views on sexual health. Learn about reframing cultural beliefs, discussing sexual health and whānau and schoolmates, and overcoming barriers to promote sexual health. 

Tapu Vā: Pasifika Workers Talk Sexual Health | The Lowdown Aotearoa 

Tapu Vā - Hastings Talanoa

Arataua Media 

We kōrero all things pēpi! From baby making songs, to being hāpu to parenthood and big responsibilities. Our panellists are joined by Māori midwife Tawera Trinder who tohatohas more about her mahi and delves deeper into tradional Māori birthing practices, lullabys and gives advice for first time expecting parents. 

Join our panellists and Māori midwife Tawera Trinder as they discuss traditional Māori birthing practices, lullabies and offer advice for first-time expecting parents.

Let's Talk about Ai: Hurō! We’re Having a Pēpi! | The Lowdown Aotearoa

Let's Talk about Ai - Hurō! We’re Having a Pēpi!

Did you know we’re actually in a Syphillis epidemic here in Aotearoa? Our panellists take time to kōrero about all the important stuff you need to know in order to keep yourself safe. 

Join our panel as they discuss the ongoing Syphillis epidemic in Aotearoa and share important information on how to protect yourself. From syptoms to treatment options, this episode of Let's Talk About Ai is a must-watch for anyone seeking to stay informed about sexual health. 

Let's Talk About Ai: Syphilis | The Lowdown Aotearoa 

Let's Talk about Ai - Syphilis 

Our panellists break down sexual orientation on this episode of AI. And, with the help of special guest Te Rangitutaki Rolleston we learn about pronouns, how to be come a good ally and some helpful tips to help our e hoas.

Our panellists break down sexual orientation with the help of special guest Te Rangitutaki Rolleston. Learn about pronouns, how to be a good ally and tips for supporting our e hoas.

Let's Talk about Ai: Sexual Orientation | The Lowdown Aotearoa 

Let's Talk about Ai - Sexual Orientation

It’s all about AI this episode. We get to talking fanny flutters, sex toys and find out who on our panel is a giver or reciever. We connect with Terri Ewart, somatic therapist/educator who shares with us interesting facts and figures around foreplay, trauma and tips to have a better sex. 

On this episode of Ai, our panellists discuss fanny flutters, sex toys and foreplay. Somatic therapist/educator Terri Ewart shares interesting facts and figures and offers tips for better sex.

Let's Talk about Ai - AI 2-0 | The Lowdown Aotearoa 

Let's Talk about Ai - AI 2-0 

Pere shows us his vagina moulding talents, we address insecurities and hear some thought provoking insights from our Rangatahi Talks around self-love, body positivity and shame. Talented wāhine Awatea Wihongi also meets with us this episode to kōrero about her experience growing up, confidence building advice and shares more details about her song "Huraina”.

In this episode, we explore the topic of insecurities with some thought provoking insights from our Rangatahi Talks around self-love, body positivity and shame.

Tapu Vā - Samora

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