NEW WELFARE LAW PASSED IN AUSTRALIA AFFECTS MIGRANTS FROM NEW ZEALAND DIFFERENTLY FROM OTHER AUSTRALIANSBy Uo Alaalatoa Brown
A new bonus has been created for Australians who gain employment after being on welfare for a set time. All New Zealanders are excluded even pre-2001 (non-citizen) Kiwis (for the first time ever) will not be treated in the same manner as other Australian residents. The Social Security Amendment (Increased Employment Participation) Bill 2014 was passed yesterday (16/06/2014) by both Australian Federal houses. Advocates for New Zealanders living in Australia say the federal Government is again picking on Kiwis in its new welfare bill. A new bonus has been created for Australians who gain employment after being on welfare for a set time, but New Zealanders are excluded, even if they've lived there for over 10 years. To better explain the effect of Australia's welfare laws on our Samoans from New Zealand Le Malae Brisbane's Associate editor Uo Alaalatoa Brown provides these important points. Key Points • Special visas for New Zealand citizens. As a New Zealand citizen, you can live and work in Australia indefinitely. When you enter Australia on your NZ passport, you automatically receive a Special Category Visa (SCV). You don't need to do anything else to live and work there. • You cannot receive the unemployment benefit unless you successfully apply to become an Australian permanent resident. Even after you become a permanent resident, there is usually a 2 year waiting period before you can receive the benefit. • Becoming an Australian citizen. You still need to first successfully apply to become an Australian permanent resident before becoming an Australian citizen. This process involves a points system and you need at least 120 points to be successful. Becoming an Australian citizen does not require you to give up your New Zealand citizenship - you can have dual citizenship. New Zealand citizens can move to Australia to live and work without needing to apply for a visa of any kind (see the exceptions below). When you arrive in Australia and pass through border control, a Special Category Visa (SCV) is electronically assigned if you have a New Zealand passport. This lets you to live in Australia for as long as you need to. There’s actually no mention of this visa at all when you go through Australian border control, it all happens electronically when the immigration official swipes your passport or when you go through the new SmartGate systems being introduced throughout Australian airports. The Australian Immigration web site features this fact sheet about New Zealanders in Australia, which discusses the special visas granted to New Zealanders to allow us to live and work there. Another excellent source of information about special visas granted to New Zealanders travelling to Australia is this page of the Australian High Commission, NZ website. Note that New Zealand permanent residents are not entitled to the Special Category Visa. It applies only to New Zealand citizens. If you are a New Zealand permanent resident you will need to apply for a visa to be able to live and work in Australia. See the Australian Immigration website to research a visa that might apply to you. Exceptions To SCV Eligibility There are two situations where New Zealand citizens may not be able to get a Special Category Visa (meaning you can't simply move to Australia to live and work without making some sort of application for residency). 1. Criminal convictions. If you have criminal convictions you need to apply for permission to enter Australia from the Australian High Commission. Grab the consent form here. Undeclared criminal convictions are taken very seriously by the Australian authorities and can result in deportation and/or imprisonment. 2. Tuberculosis. If you have untreated tuberculosis you may not be allowed to enter Australia. Email [email protected] for further advice. In Summary, When Is It Necessary To Apply For A Permanent Residence Visa? If your situation is not typical, you might need to apply for permanent residency. Our situation of simply wanting to live and work in Australia did not require this, but you will need to if you: • Intend to apply for unemployment or sickness benefits. These benefits cannot be received until two years after successfully applying for permanent residence in Australia. • Intend to become an Australian citizen. • Intend to sponsor family members in their applications for permanent residency. We've also written more about Australian permanent residency and citizenship if this is of interest to you. Becoming An Australian Citizen Although New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia indefinitely, you must still apply to become an Australian citizen. You can find out more about this on our page about Australian permanent residency and citizenship. Key Points • Special visas for New Zealand citizens. As a New Zealand citizen, you can live and work in Australia indefinitely. When you enter Australia on your NZ passport, you automatically receive a Special Category Visa (SCV). You don't need to do anything else to live and work there. • You cannot receive the unemployment benefit unless you successfully apply to become an Australian permanent resident. Even after you become a permanent resident, there is usually a 2 year waiting period before you can receive the benefit. • Becoming an Australian citizen. You still need to first successfully apply to become 2an Australian permanent resident before becoming an Australian citizen. This process involves a points system and you need at least 120 points to be successful. Becoming an Australian citizen does not require you to give up your New Zealand citizenship - you can have dual citizenship. Samoa Independence Day Celebrations are a Big Hit!The various Entertainers included Tahitian, Hawaiian and Cook Island dance groups as well as a Tongan taupou. Multi-cultural performers, Academy of Brothers, Heimana Hawaiian Group and the Frank Frost Taekwondo Academy were crowd pleasers.
By Helen Lauaki and Uo Alaalatoa Brown
Photos by Helen Lauaki and Uo Alaalatoa Brown Samoan Independence Day celebrations in Logan got off to a great start with 4EB Brisbane Samoa Radio broadcasting live. This year's Independence was hosted by the Samoa Tuufaatasi Brisbane Organisation. The festival began with a marching parade of various community organisations and groups. The Master of Ceremonies was Leautuliilagi M.S.V. Leapai accompanied by Talevu Koleta Galumalemana. The official ceremony commenced thereafter once the VIPs, whom included political dignitaries, sponsors, community elders and religious leaders, were seated. Rev Elder Tu'uga M.A. Stevenson, the Chairman of LMS Pasefika, opened proceedings with a prayer. Following him was the raising of the Samoan and Australian flags, then both national anthems performed by the Tongan Brass Band while the crowd sang.
The political dignitaries attending were Australian Labour Party Member, Federal MP for Rankin, the Hon. Dr. Jim Chalmers, Woodridge MP, Desley Scott, the Australian Deputy High Commissioner for Samoa Mr. Fata B. Kaio and the Deputy Mayor of Logan, Russell Lutton. Both Mr. Kaio and Russell Lutton addressed the audience during the ceremony.
Miss Samoa-Australia, Kristel Leo opened up the entertainment part of the celebrations performing a traditional Samoan siva. By 11am there were at least 500 people that included visitors from other States. By the end of the day the numbers ran in to the thousands. Not only had people of Samoan decent come from all over Queensland, but there were also a large number of non-Samoan festival goers who enjoyed in the festivities.
The food, arts and craft stalls sprawled across the Logan Gardens venue.
The atmosphere was great for the locals. They enjoyed the entertainment and we're happy the program ran smoothly and on time. For the most part things ran well, but no event is without its critics. The entertainment area and stage wasn't visible from where the food stalls were positioned. According to one female visitor from Sydney, "This seems cluttered. I can't even see the stage from here." The food stalls had the usual staple menus of palusami, faausi, taro, green bananas and chop suey. Some stalls added some Australian staples to theirs, like prawns and chocolate mud cake. There were also some international culinary stalls - Dutch pancakes, a Canberra coffee espresso maker and Kiwi delights. One food stall that deserves a mention is Priscilla's Bar-b-que. A family business managed by a lovely mum and waited by her beautiful daughters. It was their first ever and they had a $10 plate of chow mein, chop suey, two green bananas, potato salad, two drumsticks and two lamb chops.
The usual local businesses featured were Runik Polynesia, Enchiro Laei and Island Tastee. It was a typical Queensland winter day of sunshine and blue skies. The day came to a close with the lowering of the Australian and Samoan flags. The flags were then presented to the next hosts of the Samoan Independence Celebrations 2015. The event officially ended with the crowd singing "Lota Nuu" before they dispersed. “Trailing Clouds of Glory Do We Come.” Self discovery is path to self mastery
By Lui Leupolu-Lauaki The title of this article is from a poem my husband likes, which speaks of our individual worth. Countless people in their search for meaning have pondered the questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? Such queries transcend our lives and reach into eternity. I’ve adopted the same line of enquiry to help you make sense of me. Who am I? My name is Lui Leupolu-Lauaki, sixth child of the late chief Leupolu Tamato and Fulisia Meleisea. During the 1950s, Dad and Mum emigrated from Western Samoa to New Zealand, where I was born. Raised in Ponsonby, I was educated at St Patrick’s College, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, and the University of Auckland, graduating MA (Hons). After years of participation in the fitness industry, I followed my passion and became a certified personal trainer, freestyle group fitness instructor, and Zumba fitness instructor. Where did I come from? Leupolu Tamato is the source of my natural strength, and my inspiration for succeeding in life. Dad was a powerhouse of a man, who was greatly feared and respected by all that knew him. For decades, he boxed and worked out in a home gym behind our house. Amazingly, he followed a demanding strength training regime into his 80s.
“Make it good!” was his motto, and I adopted that approach to life. I turned challenges into opportunities. As a child I was sickly, suffering from bouts of pneumonia and regular nose bleeds, which made me anaemic and tired. Thankfully, the discovery of team sports like softball, netball, and volleyball began my lifelong love of exercise. The more I participated, the healthier and happier I became, until even the nose bleeds stopped. At the time, I lived on a steady diet of Pacific Island staples. And though it is out of step with today’s findings on balanced nutrition, I found that as my general fitness improved, foods like taro made me physically stronger. Meanwhile, Dad’s example of hard work and mental toughness drove me to excel at basketball, and eventually I represented Auckland and Western Samoa. I absolutely loved ball. But what I lived for was pitting my skill and determination against guys, in pick-up games across the city. It was my passion for twenty plus years, until I began attending the gym. Why am I here? Both my parents believed that education is the key to opportunity. I recall doing sums and reciting times tables as a pre-schooler. Dad constantly pushed me to surpass my classmates, but more especially the Palagi students. As a result, I developed an intense love of learning, which has continued to open doors for me.
While studying at the University of Auckland, I met and married Ieti Lauaki Jr. In process of time, we have been blessed with five children and five grand-children. We have also emigrated in search of a better life, like our own parents did. I had attended the gym for years in New Zealand, yet it was here in Australia that I broke into the fitness industry. An opportunity arose after our first year on the Gold Coast. I was doing three to four classes, six days a week at Goodlife gym in Helensvale. Because of my consistency and intensity, I was voted gym person of the year, and won a $2,700 scholarship to study and become a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. It started me on my current career path. More recently, I have started instructing Zumba fitness classes, which my whole family enjoy. I help people find their inner “dancer”. But being a personal trainer, I discuss correct technique, have participants warm up and cool down, cue dance steps, and choreograph rigorous routines with strong core movements that work the entire body. Where am I going? My philosophy is: Make health and fitness part of your life. Over the years, I’ve noticed how many Pacific Islanders shun the gym and fitness in general, which saddens me. They say: “I’m not fit enough”, “I don’t like gyms”, and “I can never look like that”. But we can all do something each day to improve our physical well-being.
There is no royal road to good health. No short cut. Low-fat diets, twelve week challenges, boot camps, Cross-fit, Bikram yoga, Zumba- they are all great. But they’re a starting point. Consistent exercise, sensible eating, and adequate rest have always been the key. It’s about making a lifelong commitment to ourselves, because we’re worth it. What happens if we don’t? Pacific Island countries experience some of the highest levels of obesity in the world, which leads to increased hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, and health-related deaths. We need to get a public discourse going; schedule organised forums around Australasia; and have PI celebrities join the campaign. I’d like to see a taskforce set up to inform the Pacific Island community on health issues. It would include health professionals, dieticians, qualified fitness instructors, and social, political, and religious representatives from each ethnic group. The taskforce would run forums, gather and collate data, then make recommendations to civic leaders, and consult governments. Conclusion Who we are and where we come from strongly influences why we are here and where we are going. I thank God for Dad and Mum’s legacy of faith. They went forth bravely, and now I am sharing their life lessons. They showed me that we have time and we have health, but that poor health will seriously impact our quality of life and how long we live. To my PI brothers and sisters, I say: It’s never too late to change. Circumstances may vary, but our wellness issues remain the same. “Make it good” by making fitness a part of life. We owe it to those who came before, and to those who will come after. Manuia. |
The Samoan Play "The Mau and The Visitor" is performed in Brisbane to great reviews.By Helen Lauaki
Producer/Director, Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy’s , “The Mau and the Visitor” debuted in Australia this week at the Butter Factory in Logan, Queensland. Since it began running May 19th, this Play has been well received by Samoan and non-Samoan theatre goers from the main cities here. Lynn Fruean, a schoolteacher from the Gold Coast, commented, “I thought it was a good picture on a bit of our history on stage. I thought it was realistic when [the character] Sinalei took the stage. Her performance was strong and emotional and I felt I was there when it really happened." Tracy Matenga, a native Australian from the Marrago Tribe of Queensland, stated that it was a moving story. She felt the struggles of Samoans during the 1920s to gain their independence similar to that of her own people. McCarthy, who also wrote and stars in the Play depicts the events leading up to the death of Afioga Tama-Aiga Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III through the story of his grandmother whom fell in love with a New Zealand soldier. He weaves this personal family story in to the history of the Samoan political movement, the Mau of Pule.
He chronicles the events leading up to the Black Saturday march in 1929 through dialogue and starts with the forming and leadership of the Mau by Namalau'ulu Mamoe Lauaki, the tragic Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918, the imprisonment of Mau leader, Olaf Nelson in NZ and the challenges of the new leader, his ancestor, High Chief Tupua Tamasese. The Bi-lingual Play illustrates the Samoan Oratory with Matai cultural traditions and the influences of NZ English. McCarthy came to NZ with his family when he was six years old, but his parents continued to speak and teach him Samoan. He says, "I had to work hard to keep the language. I always spoke Samoan at home but then English when in school." He not only understands but writes the traditional High Chief formal language. Though it might seem fragmented to non Samoan speakers, Pulotu's Samoan and non-Samoan characters speak English at certain key times to move the story along. This should help non-Samoan patrons understand what’s happening and keep the story line flowing in sequence.
Self-funded, Pulotu has used a local Brisbane production crew to help make it look the best it could given the limited resources. Lyn says, “given the background of experience with the production, they did a fantastic job.” With the exception of himself and his partner, Aumua Tofa Te’o, he recruited local Brisbane actors, Christine Api, Damon Tua, Josh Scott, Dee Tua, Stephanie Sione and Simon Ah Him. The acting talents were great and helped bring the Play to life, especially given the short amount of time the local cast rehearsed before performing. Christine Api gave an outstanding performance of her character, Sinalei, Pulotu’s Grandmother. The supporting cast members also gave good performances. Aumua Tofa Te'o is a well-known NZ actress starring in advertisements and films. Her presence, accompanied by the Playwright gave the performances and story depth. Pulotu is a professional comedian and had been part of the international successful duo, 'The Brownies'. If you're expecting some of his comical brilliance, you won't be disappointed. His flare for comedy and ad-libbing came through on queue to the delight of the audience. Pulotu said, “when writing the Play I wanted it to be something that the next generations of Samoans living in Western cultures would know about their history.
Plays and TV are a great way to share our Samoan history to a Western audience.” He also stated that for this Play to really capture the essence of the time and what happened it must evoke every emotion in people. "A good play will do this. And that's why when I wrote it I wanted it to be dramatic as well as humorous."
Carol Fong-Taumoli of the Gold Coast said, “it is a powerful story and you experience every emotion. One minute your laughing and the next your crying. I loved it.”
Sunday night was the last show here in Logan. Next week they will be in Melbourne. Pulotu says that they will be taking his Play to Sydney, afterwards. Samoan Play from new Zealand well received in Australia. "Black Faggot" is a hit."Black Faggot" Review by Uo Alaalatoa Brown . The Auckland and Melbourne 2013 Fringe Festival Award Winning Play was at the Brisbane Powerhouse this past week, ending on Saturday, February 22nd.
Written by Kiwi-Samoan Playwright, Victor Rodger, "Black Faggot" is a well-articulated, humorous and poignant set of monologues performed by two actors in multiple roles. Rodger's whose mother is Kiwi of Scottish decent and father is Samoan wrote the play when he saw a homophobic rally in Auckland. Being a gay growing up in NZ, he has set the play in Auckland's Pacific Island Communities. Actors, Iaheto Ah Hi and Taofia Pelesasa give brilliant performances and portrayals of men conflicted with their sexual orientation. Dealing with denial and acceptance, the story illustrates a brilliant weave of the characters' experiences with family and friends. It conveyed a powerful message about the struggles of Faafafine (Gay Samoan men) growing up in NZ, spicing the script with humour which hyped up the audience.
There were also moments of sadness and compassion for the characters. One should have an open mind when watching as the Play gives people the opportunity to see how one lives and deals with this type of challenge. (Rating is R16. Contains strong coarse language and raw material not suitable for young children and the faint-hearted.) |
Academy Award Winner Igelese Ete brings his play "Malaga, the Journey" to Brisbane.By Helen Lauaki and Uo Alaalatoa Brown. Photos by Helen Lauaki and Uo Alaalatoa Brown
"Malaga: the Journey" is a musical production written by Samoan born, New Zealander, Igelese Ete who is internationally renowned for his work as Music Choir Master on the "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack, which won an Academy Award. He is a sought after music director worldwide and has chosen to produce this Musical for 350.org, an international Environmental Group founded in the USA. With a Branch in Sydney, Climate Activist for the South Pacific, Koreti Tiumali has been with 350.org since May, 2012. Koreti said, "Our Pacific is the first to be impacted by climate change. Some of our islands have only 8 to 15 years left." She refers to the fact that already these islands are sinking. When she was in NZ last year, she asked Igelese to produce a Musical to share the message about the fate of our islands and what affect growing climate change has had on the Region.
The Musical is a series of poignant, factual visual imagery fused with theatrical and melodic sounds that weaves a beautiful story of the Pacific Islands' plight of destruction and evokes heart felt emotion and a deep desire to want to help spread the message. If Western companies do not stop destroying the lands and resources of the Pacific islands as well as depleting the Ocean floor, eventually there will be no more islands in the South Pacific. Kiribati and Tokelau are two of the islands that scientists have reported have a life span of 8 to 15 years.
Emma Soloai, the Organiser for the Production in Australia stated that even in Samoa the effects of climate change have impacted on Samoan produce. "The size of certain fruits that were once as big as mangos now only grow to the size of grapes." Emma's mission is to bring the Production of Malaga back to Australia and present it, nationally as it is a production that is worth its merit on a professional stage. She is grateful to Local Council members and sponsors who have made it possible for them to present this Production to our Pacific and Multi-Cultural Queensland communities.
One audience participant, Loviani Kaitu'u stated that she had been a fan of Igelese's work since the epic Lord of The Rings" musical score in which he worked with Howard Shore and film director, Peter Jackson. She said of 'Malaga', "wow, I just felt for the people of our Islands. The story moved me and their voices, so powerful." The music ensemble for the finale was so moving that it received a standing ovation from the audience. Ete is currently working at the South Pacific University in Fiji but he has worked on the sound score for "The Hobbit" and plans to work in Hollywood in the future on an animation feature Disney is currently writing. The feature is a South Pacific story and it will take place in the South Pacific.
In speaking of 'Malaga' he said, "Malaga means the Journey and so it's also a story about the journey of these young people performing. Their journey from where they've come from and how they see the world from their island homes and how they've been affected." The young cast are a Tropical blend of talent from the islands of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Rhituman, Kiribati, Tokelau, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.
As young and unskilled they began, through the tutor ledge and training of Ete and the other South Pacific University Professors, they could rival an Australian XFactor Top Ten finalist group. The University Professors who worked with Ete on this production are also a Tropical Mix. The co-music director for "Malaga: the Journey" is Jakki Leota who is Samoan. Another music contributor, Calvin Rore who also conducts one song in the musical is from the Solomon Islands. The Creative Director on the production is Damiano Logavau from Fiji. Peter Espiritu the Choreographer is Hawaiian-Samoan. The last Queensland Show will be at the Hope Center Church in Kingston on Saturday, August 23rd. Celebrating International Women's Day in brisbane and Logan City.By Uo Alaalatoa-Brown and Helen Lauaki
BRISBANE, The Pasifika Women's Alliance celebrated the International Women's Day in Banyo, North Brisbane on Saturday, March 8th. The venue was packed to capacity and all Pacific Island nations were represented. There were various Guest speakers including a female pilot, Doctor, Health and Organisation leaders recognised and awarded for raising awareness on effects of climate change in Kiribati islands. There was also an opportunity for women to share their testimonies of the days workshops and the feeling was uplifting and thought provoking. Women from the Samoan group discussed the challenges of our Culture living in Australia. Some aspects mentioned were that of our language not continuing with the next generation and also communication barriers for children and their parents. It was a great day for Pasific Women to share their stories, enjoy each other's company, network and plan for next year's View more pictures below in Slideshow. LOGAN CITY, Logan City celebrated in style at Mayor, Pam Parker’s High Tea Event. There were women of all cultures who came from different groups, organisations and top posts to commemorate International Women’s Day. They all arrived adorned in beautiful colours to a well-packed and beautifully decorated Logan Entertainment Centre, today.
Organisational and political leaders were amongst the fabulous women attending the event. In the morning, they enjoyed the fun filled exciting entertainment which included performances by top Opera Singers.
The main guest speaker, Hon Bronwyn Bishop-MP gave an eloquent speech. The opportunities that are here for women in Australia are without limit. The high standards we have in our society are because we have women participating and that is because we don't say we're only going to have one half of our population participating. What this also says is, if we let women participate fully, we will just double the competition for men and a lot don't like that. Fabulous MC Judy -a radio host- kept everyone in a gay and joyful mood. I was in a room full of women from all walks of life. I met a lot whose contributions have made a big difference making the world a better place. It was just an inspiring day all round for Sisterhood.
“There are a lot more celebrations continuing this month. God Bless All Women in the World!! And Bless All The Beautiful Men Supporting their Women!” |