Pacific Empowerment

In this episode, we sit down with Merenaisi Waqavakatoga to explore the spiritual side of Fijian culture and traditions, including practices believed to have pagan or demonic origins.

We also investigate the fascinating question: Are Fijians descendants of the Israelites? We discuss Fijian ancestry, the Lapita people, biblical history, and the possible connections between ancient Israel and the people of Fiji.

Join us as we uncover history, challenge cultural beliefs, and put Christ over culture.

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What is salvation? What does it really mean to be saved? Can a born-again Christian fall back into sin? Can you lose your salvation? Is "once saved, always saved" truly biblical?

These are some of the most debated questions in Christianity today. In this episode, we dive deep into the Bible to examine what God's Word really says about salvation, repentance, perseverance, and eternal security. Together, we'll explore key passages often used on both sides of the debate, study the original Greek meanings of important words, and examine the context of each passage to better u...

In this episode, I discuss spiritual warfare, the recent backlash over the Samoan podcast, and how God has shown me that our true battle is not against people, but against evil. I also share my thoughts on the book I'm currently reading, A Divine Revelation of Hell, and why no worldly pleasure is worth risking eternity with Christ.

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Sign the Petition to ban tou'a and protect women and children.            https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns

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In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Solomone Koroi shares his personal journey of being trapped in kava addiction, how it affected his marriage and family, and the devastating impact he has seen kava have on many families in Fiji.

Solomone opens up about the reality of addiction, the struggles it brought into his home, and how it almost cost him everything. Most importantly, he shares how Jesus Christ transformed his life, set him free from addiction, and restored hope, purpose, and healing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we pray this...

In this powerful episode, a former Samoan tattoo artist, Mua Posala, shares his journey from running a successful tattoo business to giving it all up after accepting Jesus Christ.

He talks about learning the art through family traditions in Samoa, the lifestyle that came with money and worldly success, and how his life and marriage were transformed when he found Christ. He explains why he now believes tattoos are demonic, discusses the meaning of culture, and challenges Pacific people to examine their traditions through the lens of the Gospel.

This is a raw and honest...

IS TOU'A HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

In this episode, we tackle one of the most difficult questions facing our communities today.

Drawing on the testimonies of former tou'a women, we explore the connections between family pressure, money, power, sexual exploitation, and the expectation that young girls serve men in faikava settings.

We discuss why human trafficking is not only about crossing borders, but also about exploitation, vulnerability, and who benefits while others carry the risks. We also examine the experiences of women who were pressured into tou'a at a young age, sent overseas...

What is the church? Is it a building, a denomination, or the people of God?

In this episode, we explore what the Bible actually teaches about the church and respond to the common claim: "It's not the church, it's the individual." Through Scripture and biblical examples, we discuss accountability, leadership, repentance, and why calling for reform is not attacking the church.

We also provide an update on our proposal to ban tou'a in church faikava and discuss the responsibility of church leaders to protect the vulnerable and uphold biblical standards.

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In this episode, I sit down with Fiji Senior Methodist Minister, Reverend Wilfred Regunamada, to discuss his personal battle with kava addiction. We talk about how kava affected his life, family, and ministry, the journey that led to his recovery, and the movement he is now leading to help others struggling with kava addiction. A powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, faith, and hope in the Pacific.

You can follow Wilfred's journey on his Facebook page, Na Vei Buli Vou - The Journey.

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In this episode, Akanesi Kaufusi speaks directly to the wives of faikava men and any wives struggling emotionally in their marriages. 

We discuss emotional neglect, boundaries, healing, supporting husbands with unhealthy habits, and why women should never lose themselves trying to fix a man who refuses to change. 

Akanesi also shares some of her own experiences and lessons from celebrating 12 years of marriage.

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Sign the Petition to ban tou'a and protect women and children.            https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaign...

In this episode of the, we discuss the shocking rates of domestic violence and sexual abuse against women in the Pacific and ask the hard question: Why do so many Pacific men treat their wives badly?

We dive into culture, faikava, fatherhood, biblical masculinity, and what the Bible actually says about how husbands should love their wives. I also share personal lessons from my own marriage and practical solutions for families, churches, governments, fathers, and husbands to help break these generational cycles.

A wife should feel peace around her husband, not fear.

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In this episode of the Pacific Empowerment Podcast, I dive deep into the impact of father absence on children, especially within Pacific communities.

Drawing on international studies and real-life experiences shared by women in the community, I discuss the emotional, psychological, and social effects of absent fathers on children.

This is a much-needed conversation about why fathers matter, why children need present and loving leadership, and how the choices adults make today can shape future generations.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the history and evolution of Touʻa in Tongan faikava culture.

Was Touʻa originally a male role? How did it change over time from sacred ceremony into modern faikava settings? Drawing from academic research, oral history, and historical records, we explore the three types of faikava identified by Futa Helu and discuss how war, migration, and social change transformed the role of Touʻa in Tongan society.

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In this episode, we go deeper than culture and tradition to uncover the true origins of kava. Where did it come from? What beliefs shaped it? And why does its history matter today?

We explore ancient Tongan stories like Kavaʻonau and ʻAhoʻeitu, revealing a world rooted in pagan beliefs, sacrifice, hierarchy, and spiritual systems very different from what many people follow today. From stories involving sacrifice and cannibalism to the role of kava in royal ceremonies connected to divine ancestry, this episode challenges the idea that kava is simply harmless tradition.

In this episode, I explore what happens when culture is placed above God, and why that becomes idolatry.

After sharing that kava is classified as a drug, someone responded, “We know it’s true… but it’s our culture.” That statement reveals a deeper issue: knowing the truth is not enough if we refuse to change.

Drawing from Scripture, I unpack how idolatry is not just about statues, but anything we prioritise, defend, or refuse to let go of, even when it goes against God.

This episode challenges us to reflect on what we are tru...

In this episode, we unpack what addiction really is, what leads to it, and why early exposure to substances matters more than people think. From brain development to environment and culture, we break down how habits are formed and how they can shape a person’s future.

We also confront a growing issue in our communities - young children being introduced to kava. Is kava really a “better alternative” to alcohol?

This episode challenges the normalisation of substance use among youth and asks the hard questions:

This episode is about my estranged relationship with Pacific media - featuring some interesting interactions, a few receipts, and screenshots that speak for themselves 👀

I also react to a recent faikava and tou’a video posted by ABC Pacific, breaking down what’s being highlighted…and more importantly, what’s being left out.

I share real testimonials from women who have experienced sexual assault after faikava, stories that deserve to be heard, not ignored. If we only tell the “good side,” we fail the very people who need protection the most.

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Kava has long been a central part of Pacific culture, but its history goes deeper than many realise. In this episode, we explore how kava was traditionally used in spiritual systems, including rituals, divination, and communication with ancestors. We also look at how missionaries viewed these practices and why they attempted to eliminate kava in some regions, with varying success across the Pacific.

Drawing on historical research and modern perspectives, this episode examines both the cultural significance and the social impact of kava today, raising important questions about its place in contemporary Pacific life and Christian practice.<...

As Queen Salote College celebrates its 100th anniversary this week, I take a trip down memory lane and reflect on my years at the college.

In this episode, I share the good, the bad, and the ugly of my high school years at Queen Salote College. From memorable moments and school events to addressing rumours and stories that have resurfaced, I’m giving my honest reflection on that chapter of my life.

High school experiences shape us in many ways, and this episode is my chance to tell my side of th...

In this episode of the Pacific Empowerment Podcast, we explore the concept of patriarchy and ask an important question: who makes the rules, and who do those rules benefit?

Looking at history, from the women’s suffrage movement to global examples of women challenging restrictive systems, we unpack how patriarchal structures have shaped societies and influenced the roles women are expected to play. Throughout history, courageous women have questioned these systems and pushed for change, proving that progress often begins when people refuse to accept the status quo.

We then bring the conversation in...

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Letitia Shelton, who grew up in Fiji and now serves across Fiji and Australia to have a bold and honest conversation about sexual abuse, exploitation, and the silence that often surrounds it in Pacific communities. We unpack the realities of power, sex, and money, and how these forces can be misused within culture, community spaces, and even church settings.

We also discuss her work addressing the harms of pornography and its impact on families, young people, and relationships, while challenging church leaders to step up and truly protect the...

In this episode, I take an honest look at the tou’a practice, focusing on the difficult topic many avoid, the tou’a who willingly engages in relationships with married faikava men.

I share real testimonials from wives who were cheated on, betrayed, or even abandoned when their husbands ran away with tou’as, revealing the deep emotional trauma and lasting impact on women and children left to suffer in silence.

I also address the troubling silence from some Tongan churches, questioning where the accountability and moral leadership are when families are being destroyed.

This...

In this episode, I unpack the disturbing patterns behind Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, including the children’s photos and artwork found throughout his home, and what they reveal about how predators normalize their obsession.

Then I turn the lens closer to home.

I read real testimonials from women who were sexually abused in certain faikava environments when they were young. The patterns are chillingly similar: grooming, silence, power, and protection.

This is not about attacking culture.
 This is about exposing predatory behaviour and protecting our children.

Listener discretion advised.

Sup...

In this episode, Akanesi Kaufusi launches the Ban Tou‘a campaign, calling for the protection of women, children, and families in faikava spaces.She shares the challenges she has faced online, the Pacific-wide support behind the movement, survivor testimonies, and why legal reform in Tonga is urgently needed.Learn about Pasifika Empowerment’s mission and how you can help create lasting change.

Let’s get the 50,000-signature target reached soon.The quicker you sign and the more you share, the faster change happens.This is your chance to have your voice heard.

Sign the petition and le...

This episode marks my final podcast for 2025 as I take a short break over Christmas and New Year, before returning after the holidays.

In this episode, I reflect on my journey throughout the year - the growth of the podcast, the ups and downs, and the challenging but necessary conversations around kava and tou'a issues. I share what this season has taught me about resilience, gratitude, and staying grounded in purpose.

I also share more faikava testimonies sent to me, continuing to raise awareness and encourage honest...

⚠️ Disclaimer
This episode is for awareness and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified doctor before testing or taking any medication.

In this week’s episode, Kori Tameifuna shares her Tongan husband’s journey with chronic Hepatitis B - a silent health issue affecting many Pacific families. We talk about how the virus is passed down, why those born in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s should get tested, and the serious impact it has on the liver. We also discuss how kava and alcohol can worsen liver health without...

This week, I sit down with Lizzie Wong to break down 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and what it means for Pacific Island people. We talk through this year’s theme on ending digital violence and why online abuse is now one of the biggest threats facing Pacific women and girls.

I also share my own experience with cyberbullying, and together we unpack the different forms of online harassment that many Pacific women face today. We discuss real solutions, practical safety tips, and how our communities can create safer digital spaces for our sisters, da...

In this powerful episode, Akanesi dives deep into how God has been speaking through Scripture - revealing that not all traditions passed down through generations come from Him. Using the recent Catholic shift away from the belief that Mary is “Co-Redeemer” as a starting point, she explores how even long-held religious traditions can change when they don’t align with biblical truth.

Akanesi shares a personal testimony about how God has been speaking through the exact same Scriptures again and again, revealing a powerful message for the Pacific.

This episode directly confronts harmful Pacific practices that c...

In this powerful new episode of Pacific Empowerment, host Akanesi dives into the truth behind the release of the Epstein Files, and why this moment matters for our Pacific communities.

In this episode, we uncover who Jeffrey Epstein really was, what happened behind the luxury and influence, and the links to presidents, royalty, and elites. Most importantly, we confront the dangerous similarities in our own Pacific communities, especially in faikava spaces where some men believe culture and connection can protect abusive behaviour.

This conversation is a reminder to us all:
 No title, no s...