Talanoa Toko

“Ke 'Alu ke 'Omai. Go out into the world in order to give back.”

Help us make a podcast that normalises the practice of Talanoa.

We are 8 training actors of Māori and Pasifika descent, attending Toi Whakaari: National Drama school, shaking the mud off our roots through multiple creative pathways in order to reciprocate opportunities back into our communities. The Kaupapa of Talanoa Toko (Talk to me Brother) is to normalise the practice of Talanoa among our young Pasifika & Māori brothers whilst uplifting our Rangatahi to pursue a career in the arts. The spectrum of Talanoa includes Voting, identity rooted in the Pacific diaspora, masturbation and many other uncomfortable, awkward topics that tend to be swept underneath our Fala (Mat). This also serves as an entry point into the arts industry both domestically and internationally, whilst opening a medium of conversation where we can bask in the fullness of our brown skin.

If we are fortunate enough to raise the funds required, the utilisation of the equipment will prosper multiple dreams into fruition. We board the same Waka (Canoe) but seek to travel multiple ‘Awas (Rivers) in acting & writing (Albert Latailakepa, Seiyan Thompson Tonga, Uatesoni Filikitonga, Gideon Tanielu-Smith & Kaisa Fa'ataui), Music (Lanakila Opetaia-Tiatia), design in fashion alongside establishing and prospering Pasifika entrepreneurship (Brett Taefu & Kasi Valu).

Our creative collective:

• Kasi Valu: Project manager, Actor & Writer
• Seiyan Thompson-Tonga: Co founder & Actor
• Gideon Tanielu-Smith: Co founder & Actor (absent)
• Brett Taefu: Actor & Fashion Designer
• Lanakila Opetaia-Tiatia: Actor & Musician
• Uatesoni Filikitonga: Actor & Musician
• Albert Latailakepa: Actor, Musician & Writer
• Kaisa Fa'atui: Actor & Writer

Design & Videography

Vain Creative

• Petone Groom: Industrial, UX designer & Videographer
• Tavai Taefu: Industrial designer & Photographer
• Havea Latu: Designer for social innovation & Videographer
• Ash Aiono: Graphic designer

Marketing Team

Toi Whakaari: National Drama School

Marketing specialists & event organisers:

• Fe'ao Katoa: Operations manager & Co producer
• Brianne Kerr: Marketing & Communicating Specialist
• Nitika Eruati-Satish: Student Outreach & Recruitment Specialist - Engagement

It has taken a village to get us to where we are now and we are so close to having these dreams come true.

So, please join our village, it is your support towards Talanoa Toko that will help enable a fruitful harvest from the seeds planted by our ancestors.