Sela Jane Hopgood

Pacific communities editor

Sela Jane covers the issues, events and stories affecting Pacific people across Aotearoa. Contact her at sela@thespinoff.co.nz

Carmel Sepuloni

On the campaign trail with Carmel Sepuloni

The deputy PM on boosting the Pasifika vote turnout, her go-to cafe order and why she doesn't envy Chris Hipkins.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 27th September, 2023

Pacific communities editor

Seugagogo Aoga Amata (Photo: Geoffrey Matautia)

The Sāmoan ECE teachers thriving under a community-led initiative

At the Seugagogo Aoga Amata Pre-School, children are wrapped in their culture and Gagana Sāmoa.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 25th September, 2023

Pacific communities editor

(L-R) Malakai Fekitoa, Manu Tuilagi and Charles Piutau (Image: Tina Tiller)

Family Faith Footy is a World Cup must-watch

A new documentary offers a firsthand look into the experiences of Pacific rugby players.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 4th September, 2023

Pacific communities editor

Ikale Tahi are one of three Pacific nations heading to the Rugby World Cup in 2023 (Image: Tina Tiller)

Why I’m backing Tonga – and only Tonga – this Rugby World Cup

As a New Zealand-born Tongan, I always supported two teams at the Rugby World Cup. But this year, I'm all in on ʻIkale Tahi.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 29th August, 2023

Pacific communities editor

Chris Hipkins on a walkabout at the Ōtara markets, August 2023.

Chris Hipkins’ frantic Ōtara visit is a worrying sign of things to come

The weekend's scenes at Ōtara markets were a world away from previous election campaigns.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 21st August, 2023

Pacific communities editor

The owners of Tupu’anga café, Alipate and Emeline Mafile’o. (Image: Archi Banal)

Central Auckland’s new Tongan cafe, reviewed

Tupu’anga Coffee is bringing a taste of the Pacific to Mt Eden Road.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 20th August, 2023

Pacific communities editor

Tongans wearing the motumotu fine mat at a funeral service. (Image: Tina Tiller)

What to wear to Pacific funerals

'Just wear black' isn't always the rule in many Pacific nations.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 10th August, 2023

Pacific communities editor

Pacific island comfort food. (Image: Archi Banal)

Your one-stop guide to Pacific Island food in Auckland

If you're craving island comfort food, look no further.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 4th August, 2023

Pacific communities editor

Image: Archi Banal

Too many, too young: what’s behind the Pasifika stroke crisis?

The high number of Pasifika people experiencing strokes is a concern, but it’s also a symptom of a much bigger and more complex problem.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 31st July, 2023

Pacific communities editor

‘Growing and developing our Pacific health workforce is key to improving Pacific health outcomes in Aotearoa,’ says Associate Health Minister Barbara Edmond. (Image: Archi Banal)

Why Pacific nurses are in high demand

With shared lived experiences, cultural knowledge and language proficiency, Pacific nurses bring all kinds of benefits to their communities.

By Sela Jane Hopgood | 20th July, 2023

Pacific communities editor