Bittersweet Departure for Tauranga Teen Chasing NRL Dream
By Sam Ackerman One of the most promising young sporting talents in the Bay of Plenty is about to leave the country. This isn’t a story about a disgruntled athlete throwing his toys and taking his talents elsewhere - rather a grateful one who plans to represent the region as he chases his dreams. 15 year-old Marley Igasan is taking up a contract with NRL heavy hitters the Brisbane Broncos as part of its contracted elite development squad, his recruitment putting him on a pathway towards rugby league’s big time. It wasn’t a hard decision from a sporting point of view, but it was from a personal perspective. “I look at it as a bit of inspiration,” Igasan says. “I’m the only boy they’ve looked at from this area in my age group. It's a big privilege to be
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RNZ: Sam Ackerman on Nine to Noon
8 July 22 Sam Ackerman talks to Kathryn about a week of sport that hasn't been short of a headline. He breaks down why he thinks the Warriors losing arguably their best player might just be a good thing, looks at the message the All Blacks are sending for the second test against Ireland, wades in to the equal pay debate and questions whether bad boy Nick Kyrios is the best or worst thing for world tennis right now. Listen in here https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018848720/sports-commentator-sam-ackerman
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Arts Leadership Crisis Or Dawn Of New Era? TBI Investigates
This article was created for The Big Idea Change is inevitable. Resistance to that is futile - especially since the early months of 2020. But the creative sector is going through a level of movement among top tier decision-makers, administrators and creative directors which is beyond any usual metric of change. Even in these unusual times. Since we brought up this changing of the guard in The Lowdown a few weeks ago, there have been more and more influential names either announcing their departures from key organisations or trying to slink away in the background. Courtney Sina Meredith is standing down as Director of Tautai, Elyssia Wilson-Heti’s vacating her role as Auckland Pride’s Creative Director and James O’Hara has left his post as Co-Artistic Director of Ne
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RNZ: Sam Ackerman on Nine to Noon
Ackermerc’s Sam Ackerman is a fixture of the RNZ’s highly regarded Nine to Noon shows on Fridays - this week Sam and host Kathryn Ryan delve into what COVID-19 second wave means to sport in Aotearoa and New Zealand Rugby’s reputation under fire from friends and foes. https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018759486
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RNZ: Sam Ackerman on Nine to Noon
Sam Ackerman talks cricket, previewing the India versus Black Caps series, Dame Valerie Adams' comeback, is her legacy on the line? Also how young New Zealanders have fared at the Youth Winter Olympics. listen in: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018731110/sports-commentator-sam-ackerman
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Attention: Sarjeant’s Major boost
A multi-million dollar investment from the Government is the perfect birthday present for a Whanganui gallery’s milestone celebrations. On Friday it was announced that Sarjeant Gallery would receive a $12 million dollar investment from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) for an exciting redevelopment project. This coincided with the Gallery’s 100th birthday celebration, and means there will be plenty of opportunities ahead to inspire the next generation of budding artists. Driving creative industries in the provinces Local artist Glen Hayward says: “There is an extraordinary art community that is connected to Whanganui.” “This will create a space and platform that continues the professional development of the resident artists and encourage quality projects
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RNZ: Sports commentator Sam Ackerman on Nine to Noon
The new national rugby competition for weight-restricted under 85kg players and a look at combat sport with what is happening in UFC and heavyweight boxing. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018735189/sports-commentator-sam-ackerman
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Ink, iron and everything in between: Graham Tipene’s wide influence
Artist Graham Tipene’s involvement in the bringing the Māori world, Te Ao Māori, to Tāmaki Makaurau has made him one of the most sought-after contributors to crown and council led projects. When people refer to Graham Tipene as a tattoo artist, he usually lets it slide. He understands it’s a sweeping term that makes it easier for the layperson to comprehend. That is until they enter his studio. Then he sets them straight on tā moko. “Tā moko has geneology, history, whakapapa and connection to the land and people,” Tipene explains. “Tattooing is sometimes just a pretty picture and skin. We don’t give people a book for them to choose number 25 in red...” Tipene takes his art seriously – and it’s easy to understand why. His designs are both figuratively
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How to unlock your invisible CV
The business world, we are told, is a cut-throat place. Eat or be eaten. With the added threat of automation, there is often trepidation in entering this competitive arena. However, what if your greatest weapon wasn't your proven work record, but your ability for empathy and being, well, a decent person? Let’s call it your “invisible CV” - the talents that make you more hireable and more desirable but have long been difficult to put down on paper. In essence, talking up these skills goes against the typical humble Kiwi personality. The creative sector is a very tightly knit one. What used to be 6 degrees of separation is now more like one, thanks to social media and to Kiwis spreading their wings around the globe. Automation and Artificial Intel
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From the popular to the creative: a night at the Silver Scrolls
In a world of popularity contests and plastic entertainment, events like the APRA Silver Scrolls shine out like a beacon in tribute to creativity. This night inspires artists to push the boundaries and think with no box rather than just outside the box of music. Artistic driven, led, and voted on by peers, creatives are validated on their work and others are inspired. The Silver Scrolls hold a deep history of amazing artists to its name, from the likes of Lorde in recent years to Don McGlashan, Dave Dobbyn, Che Fu and Nesian Mystik inspiring generations of New Zealand music. APRA Silver Scroll winner Marlon Williams recalls “I’ve been coming to the Scrolls on and off since I was 18. I’m no stranger to the excitement and the glory and the incredible list of songwriters th
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