The journey of having malofie or pe’a, the Samoan traditional full body tattoo, is a life changing journey for those who undertake it and one not to be taken lightly. Host of NIU FM’s NiuNights show Soomalo Iteni Schwalger has recently returned from Samoa.

The journey of having malofie or pe&rsquo;a, the Samoan traditional full body tattoo, is a life changing journey for those who undertake it and one not to be taken lightly. Host of NIU FM&rsquo;s NiuNights show Soomalo Iteni Schwalger has recently returned from Samoa.

Pacific Media Network

The malofie journey of an afakasi

We’re back for Week 3 of Talanoa Ako, continuing the conversation with teacher Karl Vasau from Rowandale School, Auckland, and Oliana Eniata from St Paul’s College, Auckland.


The New Curriculum (What parents need to know)
Schools are making learning clearer for teachers, students, and parents.
Starting in 2026, all schools will begin using new guides for English, Te Reo Rangatira, Maths & Statistics, and Pāngarau.


With these changes, instead of confusing reports, schools will show: • where your child is at now • what they can do • what they need to work on next.


Teachers will also use new assessment tools that align with classroom learning.
Alongside these classroom changes, NCEA is being updated—your child’s school will keep you informed about the process, and new Level 1 standards have already started being introduced.
In this episode, we explain it simply so you know how to support your child at home.

Listen now on Spotify and iHeartRadio, or watch the full discussion on YouTube.

 

We&rsquo;re back for Week 3 of Talanoa Ako, continuing the conversation with teacher Karl Vasau from&nbsp;Rowandale School, Auckland, and Oliana Eniata from St Paul&rsquo;s College, Auckland.
 The New Curriculum (What parents need to know) Schools are making learning clearer for teachers, students, and parents. Starting in 2026, all schools will begin using new guides for English, Te Reo Rangatira, Maths &amp; Statistics, and Pāngarau.
 With these changes, instead of confusing reports, schools will show: &bull; where your child is at now &bull; what they can do &bull; what they need to work on next.
 Teachers will also use new assessment tools that align with classroom learning. Alongside these classroom changes, NCEA is being updated&mdash;your child&rsquo;s school will keep you informed about the process, and new Level 1 standards have already started being introduced. In this episode, we explain it simply so you know how to support your child at home.
Listen now on Spotify and iHeartRadio, or watch the full discussion on YouTube.
&nbsp;

Pacific Mornings Talanoa Ako Back to School Series Week 3 (English)

PMN News  13 February 2026

Talanoa Ako: Back to School Series – Week 2 | Goals & Aspirations


Kicking off Week 2 of Talanoa Ako with one of the educators who knows our rangatahi well. Lui Lorenc-Lafou St Patrick’s College, Wellington.


As the New Year unfolds, this is a powerful time for families to pause, reflect, and set clear goals with their children. In this episode, we focus on goals and aspirations, why they matter, how to talk about them at home, and practical ways parents and caregivers can support learning beyond the classroom.

 Parents and caregivers play a critical role in keeping young people motivated, confident, and engaged at school. Talanoa Ako creates space for open, honest korero that strengthens the partnership between home and school.

Our children’s futures start with the conversations we have today.


 Listen now on Spotify and iHeartRadio & 531piyoutube

Talanoa Ako: Back to School Series &ndash; Week 2 | Goals &amp; Aspirations
 Kicking off Week 2 of Talanoa Ako with one of the educators who knows our rangatahi well. Lui Lorenc-Lafou St Patrick&rsquo;s College, Wellington.
 As the New Year unfolds, this is a powerful time for families to pause, reflect, and set clear goals with their children. In this episode, we focus on goals and aspirations, why they matter, how to talk about them at home, and practical ways parents and caregivers can support learning beyond the classroom.
&nbsp;Parents and caregivers play a critical role in keeping young people motivated, confident, and engaged at school. Talanoa Ako creates space for open, honest korero that strengthens the partnership between home and school.
Our children&rsquo;s futures start with the conversations we have today.
 &nbsp;Listen now on Spotify and iHeartRadio &amp; 531piyoutube

The malofie journey of an afakasi

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