Fine Mat Creative

29/09/2025

Explore Apia’s hidden gems and favorite spots for self-care, pampering, and pure bliss.

29/09/2025

“How do you return to your roots without losing who you are?”

In A Letter to My Sons, the Breakthrough Generation, Pouli Laurayne Tafa, reflects on her recent journey back to Samoa; a story of identity, courage, and reconnection. As a member of the Breakthrough Leaders Programme by NZ Global Women, her journey bridges leadership, culture, and home, as she reflects on what it means to navigate expectations from both worlds.

Read the full article here:
👉 https://samoalifestyle.com/people/f/a-letter-to-my-sons-the-breakthrough-generation

11/09/2025

Last night I had the absolute privilege of joining the NZ Global Women: Breakthrough Leadership Programme cohort at the New Zealand High Commission Residence, where H.E. Sialei Van Toor and her Deputy Belinda Tafunai graciously hosted us.

It was a special evening of connection and inspiration, hearing from Taulapapa Brenda Latu and Leota Donna Le Tagaloa, who shared their powerful journeys carving out space for themselves as women leaders while staying true to cultural values.

The last 3 days I’ve spent time fellowshipping and networking with the Programme Coordinators and this years cohort of breakthrough leaders who have been on this incredible leadership journey for almost a year now.

It’s funny growing up, I always looked up to strong, successful leaders in business, government, and community development. You never quite imagine that one day your own story might resonate, or even inspire, another leader on their own path of growth.

These wāhine are not beginners. They are already established business, government and community leaders in their own right. To be welcomed into their circle, to share space, stories, and perspectives here in Samoa, was both humbling and uplifting.

Fa’afetai tele lava Maribel, and also to Anya and Noah, for the kind invitation to connect with this year’s Breakthrough Leadership Cohort.

08/09/2025

We love our coffee and its amazing to see Samoa’s cafe scene developing and thriving offering some great coffee! Heres a cute little guide to cafes OUTSIDE of Apia city area by Samoa Lifestyle Magazine

Your stay at Le Ama Luxury Villas in Vailoa offers not just comfort and tranquility, but also easy access to some of Samoa’s best cafés and eateries. Whether you’re after a family-friendly outing, a quiet morning coffee,...

31/08/2025

What an incredible experience it has been to cover the many stories, voices, and priorities coming out of the Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference 2025 (PWWC25) in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 💧✨

I am deeply proud to have played a part in telling the stories and raising awareness of the urgent message of water resilience in the Pacific. As the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands reminded us in his opening remarks: “Water is life, water is dignity, water is resilience,water is our shared future.”

This week has been a powerful reminder of why we do this work; connecting people, policies, and communities so that water security is not just a goal, but a shared future for our region. 🌏

I want to give heartfelt thanks to the outstanding teams I had the privilege to work alongside during the PWWC25:

🙏 My dear colleague Georgina Kekea – Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, former journalist, and respected voice in Solomon Islands media.
🙏 Michelle Maelaua and Gino Oti of SIWA(Solomon Water , who did an exceptional job coordinating all the behind the scenes event logistics and IT services
🙏 The amazing Pacific-Community-SPC Communications team;Nabil, Ray, and Hettie who brought their dynamic energy and elite digital storytelling skills to support PWWA and the Solomon Islands Government throughout the conference.
🙏🏽 The multi-talented Christina G Davison, now a part of the Fine Mat Creative Collective of Pacific Creatives, for her social media content and graphic design support before and during the PWWC25

Working together with shared purpose meant we achieved our collective goal: bringing visibility to the importance of water resilience and security in the Pacific, and highlighting the tireless work of those on the ground ensuring this future for all of us. 🌊💙

18/08/2025

To deliver high quality and innovative communications products that tell your brand story in a meaningful way - we work with a small network of unique creatives who specialise in their respective fields of design. Malo lava to our design partners Hanga Studio, for bringing to life the story behind the Pacific Water and Waterwaste Conference & Expo.

16/08/2025

Not gonna lie ... this week was challenging. But seeing that spark when storytelling pushes people out of their comfort zone and into their creative side - totally worth it.

Storytelling Skills training with the PMU at MWCSD was productive, fun, and hands-on, from practicing photo composition in the bustling streets of Apia to sharpening interview techniques and shaping stories that connect 🙌

facts + context + emotion = connection💡📸📝

Thank you Mua and Kisa for the photos 📸

07/08/2025

Journalists Association of Samoa JAWS x BBC Media Action 2025 Election Press Club 2: Small Panel, Big Impact

Only two independent candidates fronted up at Day Three of the Pre-Elections Press Clubs but what a session it was! With fewer candidates, the audience had a rare opportunity to dive deeper into who they are, what they stand for, and how they plan to drive change if elected.

Faafetai tele lava:
Falesaopule Vaialia Iosua (Independent)
Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt ( Independent)

Under the theme “The Next Wave: Youth, First-Time Candidates & Samoa’s Changing Political Landscape,” the discussion tackled some of the biggest issues facing our youth today mental health, education, rural development, drug and alcohol abuse, employment, disability inclusion, and more.

A standout moment was the bold proposal for a Ministry of Youth which is a clear signal that the next generation is ready to be heard.

With a record 44 independents running this year, don’t discount the power of independents to shape Samoa’s future, especially if they choose to work together.

Looking forward to tonights 3rd and final Press club with some of the political party senior members, stay tuned

📺 Meanwhile Tune in to TV1 Samoa tonight to carch the Press club 1 with our women leaders

05/08/2025

What an incredible moment to witness and be part of. As the Project Manager for BBC Media Action here in Samoa, it was truly inspiring to help bring together five outstanding women representing three political parties and one independent candidate for our first televised Press Club!

Faafetai tele lava:

Niuafolau Fauolegogo Patu Tanielu ( Independent)
Tonuu Fuamoli Misi - FAST
Fuimapoao Beth Onesemo - FAST
Aeau Tima Leavai - HRPP
Taumainamoe Aufui Tuimalatu Brown - CDRP

Different affiliations, different backgrounds but all united in one purpose: to serve Samoa with their talents, intelligence, leadership, skill, strength, and experience. As a woman and a communications professional, this was a powerful reminder of why representation matters.

Catch the Press Club on TV 1 tonight and hear directly from these women about their vision for our country!

And today… we keep the momentum going! Tonight we meet some of the emerging political leaders young and new candidates stepping up and running for the first time. The future of Samoa is bright. 🌺

02/08/2025

Poolside chats + island breezes = the ultimate reset 🥂😌

Whether you’re sipping, sunning or soul-talking with your besties, this is the kind of space that slows time and fills your cup!!

Happy weekend everyone! ☀️🍹

30/07/2025

Proud to be collaborating with Journalists Association of Samoa JAWS and BBC Media Action to coordinate a series of 2025 Samoa Press Clubs (August 5-7) that aim to foster inclusive dialogue between political candidates and youth/civil societies in the lead up to Samoa Elections. Stay tuned for more information on when each session will be televised!

The Journalist Association of Samoa, supported by BBC Media Action, is bringing Press Clubs to USP Samoa Campus from August 4–7, 2025, to foster inclusive dialogue ahead of Samoa’s General Election on August 29.

🗓️ Daily Event Outline:

Monday, Aug 4
Media Students Workshop
For USP & NUS Media and Communication Students
📍 USP Lodge Conference Centre | 🕙 10am–4pm

Tuesday, Aug 5
SHE LEADS – Press Club
Featuring Women Political Candidates
🎤 Moderator: Saui’a Dr. Louise Mataia-Milo
📍 USP Lodge Fale | 🕕 6pm–9pm

Wednesday, Aug 6
The New Wave – Press Club
Youth & First-Time Candidates
🎤 Moderator: Dr. Folototo Seve
📍 USP Lodge Fale | 🕕 6pm–9pm

Thursday, Aug 7
VISION FOR THE NATION – Press Club
Political Party Leaders
🎤 Moderators: Dr. Folototo Seve & Saui’a Dr. Louise Mataia-Milo
📍 USP Lodge Fale | 🕕 6pm–9pm
🔒 Strictly by invitation only

Event will be Recorded & Televised. STRICTLY NO Livestreaming
Contact: [email protected]

30/07/2025

We are stoked to be working with Le Ama Luxury Villas, who offer private luxury villas that redefine barefoot island living and now. We’re bringing their story to life through curated social media content and strategic management designed to attract their dream guests! Give them a follow and discover what this urban gem has to offer.