“Over time, it dawned on me that I might not be the only one grappling with those feelings and so what better way to explore them than through talanoa?” – Close to Home Director Hanalei Temese-Foliaki.
Navigating Pacific culture and language in a country like New Zealand often has its own challenges.
Sometimes, more conversation and action is needed that spreads beyond just celebrating language weeks across the country.
As a proud Samoan born and raised Kiwi, Hanalei Temese-Foliaki understood these challenges quite well.
“I carried a quiet shame around not feeling ‘Samoan enough’ because I didn’t know my Gagana,” Temese-Foliaki says.
“But over time, it dawned on me that I might not be the only one grappling with those feelings and so, what better way to explore them than through talanoa?”
Talanoa as translated from Gagana Samoa means to talk or converse. In a deeper sense, the word can be broken down into two words, tala and noa. Tala links closely to tatala, which means to open or unlock. Noa is also the root word for nonoa which translates to, knots.
From this sprung the idea of creating the Close To Home podcast. A personally inspired project by Temese-Foliaki that opens the many knotted questions that linger in one’s mind about culture and language.
Close to Home consists of a four-part podcast series that explores these issues through conversations with Pacific athletes, artists and creatives from across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
Hosted by Temese-Foliaki and filmed in Auckland, each episode invites guests to look beyond their public profiles and speak about the experiences and values that have influenced their journey. The personal moments that challenged them, shaped them and ultimately strengthened their connection to who they are.
Produced by Create08 Limited, it is funded by the Moana Reo Fund.
For Temese-Foliaki, being able to share a space where words are woven steadfastly together made her realise that her journey is not one that’s travelled alone.
“Once we began filming, I realised there was a real gap in the conversation for the Pacific diaspora. Many of our guests are leaders and trailblazers in their respective fields, but what stood out most was the pride they carry in their culture and the honesty with which they shared their experiences,” Temese-Foliaki says.
“We were incredibly intentional about who we invited into these conversations and we couldn’t be prouder to help amplify their stories and encourage the diaspora to continue to embrace the language, practices and values that our cultures hold.”
The first episode has just dropped on online platforms. It features guest Litara Ieremia Allan, who is also the former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands.
In the episode, Litara talks of her journey with Gagana Samoa pre and post-pageant. Discussion also dives into how today’s generation has their own ways of learning culture and language, especially through social media.
And while this cultural knowledge has traditionally been passed down from elders, the technology is shaping how young people absorb and enhance information.
Being able to utilise social media platforms and online streaming with Close To Home, Temese-Foliaki says is the best way to connect with her audience.
“I believe that if we want to connect with future generations in meaningful ways, we need to meet them where they are,” she says.
“Digital spaces and social media are powerful tools, but I think it’s about how we use them to inspire a deeper connection to our languages and cultures that would be most effective.”
She added, “In today’s fast-paced world, Pacific languages can sometimes be seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than an essential part of who we are. These conversations are an opportunity to challenge that thinking and begin unpacking the realities many of our diasporic communities face when it comes to language, identity, and belonging.”
The first episode of Close to Home launched this week with remaining episodes coming out in following weeks.
You can find Close To Home Podcast on:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClosetoHomePoddy
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jIjZYWB8eVwyhrhFoEA?si=92ca5877f1b14f9a
Or even follow their social media platforms for more information
Instagram: @closetohome.series
Facebook: Close to Home
