An Island Upbringing Coming Full Circle at Hemp Connect
An Island Upbringing Coming Full Circle at Hemp Connect
Talofa lava,
It is Samoan language week this week – and boy have I loved diving into the Samoan culture this week. Everything about this culture is so beautiful, loving and most of all, really fun!
My background in Pacific Island culture actually comes from my childhood, where I spent 12 years growing up on the wonderful island of Rarotonga. I was heavily involved in Cook Island dancing as a kid, and then moved to New Zealand where I was able to learn how to siva and sasa. The sasa takes working as a team to a whole new level – being in time, using the beat and energy to bring a whole auditorium to life in a way I had never experienced before. I am so grateful to my friends that taught me to enjoy this unique and exciting style of performance.
To this day, I have really strong relationships with the friends I made in Rarotonga. In fact, one of my best friends has recently moved to Wellington from overseas to work with us all at Hemp Connect. Jess and I grew up building shelters on the beaches in Arorangi, making dams in the rivers, and coming up with fun games to play with our friends, and now we get to work together along with the wider Hemp Connect whanau to build a company. Some days I feel like things have come a long way, but really in some ways, things haven’t changed at all 😊
I hope everyone takes some time this long weekend to enjoy time with friends and family and have a break!
Alofa tele atu!
Em
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