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The Community Bulletin Board

This Bulletin Board is for posting messages of interest to the global Rotuman community. It is an appropriate place to ask questions, to make announcements regarding events, to share information and opinions, and to find lost kainaga, friends, schoolmates, etc. To post an item on the bulletin board send your message via email to the webmaster <alanhoward@hawaii.rr.com> We request that messages conform to the rules of Rotuman etiquette (fak gagaja) and show courtesy toward, and respect for, others. As a rule, messages will only be posted when individuals identify themselves by name. Messages will be left on the Board until space limitations require their removal.

 

Copies of Island Legacy: A History of the Rotuman People, by Alan Howard and Jan Rensel, can be purchased from Amazon.com in both the hardcover ($30 USD) and paperback ($33 USD) editions. It is also available at the Barnes and Noble website in hardcover ($36 USD) and paperback ($33 USD) editions, with substantial discounts to B&N members. All royalties from the sale of these books will be used to support the Elizabeth Inia scholarship for students from Rotuma High School.


To all those who are interested in obtaining a copy of the Bay Area California Rotuma Day 2007 celebration, a copy of this high quality product is now available for $25.00USD (shipping and handling included). If interested, send the required amount by money order.

Send it to: Betty Mario
14819 Downey Ave Suite 141
Paramount CA 90723

DVD logo

Filming is in high definition and is 1hr and 28mins long. You will not be disappointed.

25% of proceeds received will be donated to the 7-Stars Club California. Any questions email: hefsunu@hotmail.com [05/08]


Announcing Talanoa Oceania 2008: Mana, Vanua, Talanoa, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 at Centre for Ministry, United Theological College (16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta 2151).

Contacts in Australia:

Seforosa Carroll ( sefc@bigpond.com )
Jione Havea ( jioneh@nsw.uca.org.au )

See flyer (pdf) [05/08]


I am seeking any information or contact details of Ratavavau Maratana Taylor born in Levuka on 13 March 1927 and her sister Ana Luisa Taylor, also born in Levuka on 21 January 1929. I am a younger cousin of theirs and would love to make contact. Ratavavau and Ana have the same grandfather as me, his name is Karaka John Clark Taylor. He was born in the Waikato in Aotearoa New Zealand and was a boatbuilder and journeyed from Aotearoa to Levuka Fiji. Ratavavau's and Ana's mother was Margarita Marina Yafatai.

Noho ora mai na Brya Taylor, Manukau City, Aotearoa New Zealand. My work email address is: brya.taylor@manukau.govt.nz and my phone number is Auckland (09) 2638894 and my home address is 4 Coty Place, Clover Park, Otara, Manukau City. [05/08]

I am Michael Dominiko. My family and I are in search of an uncle whom I have never met but seen in pictures. His name is Fesaitu Filimone. He emigrated to Australia around 1965 (very long time now). He has two other brothers, Korosi and Jimmy Mausio, both of whom have gone to be with the Lord, and an only sister, Asera Fesaitu (my mum--age 65) who presently resides in Suva, Fiji. My dad's name is Mua Dominiko.

The only other unfortunately vague info I have is that he had a son/daughter between 1970 - 1972 and either his spouse or daughter is called Christine.

My contact details are: Email: dominico_mj@hotmail.com or 0545domin@armymail.mod.uk

Phone: Fiji: 00 679 3395578 or 00 679 9766129
Uk: 00 44 7873232180 or 00 1235 543 518

Address: Fiji : Reba Circle, Nadera, GPO BOX 16735, Suva.
Uk : 25160545 LCpl Dominiko MJ, 3LSR, Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6JB.

Ps. Please note that at the moment I am in Fiji on leave till 20th May 08. [04/08]


Congratulations to Jonathan and Iona Mani on your wedding (12th of April). Lotsa hanisi and prayers from the Atalifos & Epelis, esp. from Marlon, Mel & Natasha at Namadi Heights...

Also congratulations to Lisa & Romanu Ralifo on your wedding...best wishes, from the team at FBCL...

And congratulations to proud grandparents Freddy & Masilina Sefeti on the birth of their first granddaughter, Hanisi. Congratulations also to the new mummy, Harieta...may the good Lord continue to guide you and bless you always....lotsa hanisi from Nena Liji in Lumava, Rotuma, Nena Jia & the boys at Northern Press Rd, Nena Fai'noa, Pa Freddy & family in Raiwaqa, Nena Suzie, Pa William and the family in Namadi especially from your cuz Natasha....xoxo

Melinda Saga'itu-Atalifo [04/08]


I am wondering if any one has heard of the New Fong [Niomfaga?] or New Bong family who originated from Rotuma and somehow ended up in Australia amongst the aboriginies. Has any one heard of this family and could you tell me anything about their history? I am from this family line and I am lnterested in family history.

Debra Austin <debra.austin@optusnet.com.au> [4/08]


Fiji Arts logo

10th Festival of Pacific Arts in Pagopago, American Samoa
20th July – 2nd August 2008

CALLING FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Festival of Pacific Arts brings together artists from the 27 Pacific nations and is a festival that focuses on the promotion and protection of the indigenous cultures of the Pacific. It is a celebration of the diverse cultures as well as a platform for reviving traditional heritage links throughout the Pacific.

The Fiji Arts Council is coordinating the Fiji delegation to the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts and is calling for artists to submit expressions of interest. We are seeking artists who will represent Fiji with integrity and purpose to ensure that the high level of diversity and quality of the Visual and Performing Arts of Fiji is embodied.

The Fiji Arts Council is calling on interested person(s) to submit proposals, a brief Curriculum Vitae and portfolios for one or more of the following exhibitions:

1. Fine Arts – Painting, Sculpture
2. Adornment & Ornamation
3. Film submissions – Documentary, Feature films, short films
4. Photography

For further information, please call Ana on 3311 754 or e-mail us at fijiartcouncil@unwired.com.fj.

Closing dates for interested person(s) is Friday 28th March 2008 at 4.00pm


Hatana Ink, owned and operated by Tiu Yee in Laie, Hawai'i, creates T-shirt designs inspired by Rotuman and other Polynesian themes.
Visit their website at http://www.hatanaink.com/

Update 21 April 2008: We finally have a Rotuma design - it's simple for now it represents the creation of Rotuma and has a volcanic eruption behind Split Island.

Hatana Ink designs

Hatana Ink donates 5% of all sales to help support and educate the children of Rotuma. [2/08]


Are you descended from John Nelson Morris and his wife Lucy Wild? If so then you will be interested in learning of a mailing group that has been set up for members of this family to stay in contact with each other. The group is called 'MORRISFIJI' and can be found by visiting the home page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MorrisFiji/

The group is for the discussion and sharing of information regarding the MORRIS family on the islands of Fiji and Rotuma. The family are descended from John Nelson MORRIS & his wife Lucy Wild (who both originated from England and settled on the Fijian islands in 1876). Descendants include Percy Atherton MORRIS, a founder of the 'Morris Hedstrom' chain found in the Pacific Islands.

If you are descended from the MORRIS family, then please subscribe to this list. You will be able to share any MORRIS family history research with other members; share family birth, christening, marriage, death and burial details; information on family events; changes of address and generally just keep in touch with each other. Family newsletters can also be sent, photographs exchanged, you can even arrange family reunions and many other things besides. Maybe you have access to Fijian or other relevant records, or would be willing to do some research on behalf of other group members. If so this group is just the perfect way of keeping in touch if you are interested or connected to the MORRIS family.

We look forward to you becoming a member of this group, and we would ask that you encourage other people you know who also have MORRIS links to Fiji and Rotuma to join this list as well. By joining this list, every message you send will be automatically sent to other members, ensuring that contact is maintained. Why not send a message telling us who you are, and how you link to the MORRIS families on Fiji and Rotuma. Thank you and ENJOY! [02/08]


The Rotuman Language website has a new look, so check it out. We have added clips from The Land Has Eyes and the Sina and Tinirau story with the audio. I would appreciate hearing your comments on what we have done so far, as well as your suggestions as to what else you would like to see on the site.

I have had two university students who have worked with me on this project, doing the technical work while I do the linguistic work. Right now I don't have a student helping me, so I cannot add to the website. I am, however, still working on recording stories, studying the grammar, and so on.

I have been thinking about how I might involve some more of you in helping maintain the Rotuman language and culture. There are many other possibilities besides the website. I'd like to apply for some grant money to help increase the fluency of overseas Rotumans in their language. One idea I had was to train people to teach the language in after-school or weekend classes in your communities. Maybe we could develop lessons that could be accessed on an Ipod. Or, we could just start communicating via e-mail or a blog in which we write in Rotuman.

So this should give you something to think about.

Hanisiof,
Marit Vamarasi [02/08]


LajeRotuma is in need of legal advice regarding its constitution and registration as a charitable trust in Fiji. A constitution was drafted in 2002 and was reviewed by a core group of volunteers last year, but we are looking for a lawyer who would be willing to volunteer his or her legal services in order for us to complete the registration by March 2008. LajeRotuma is committed to preserving Rotuma's pristine environment through the efforts of a group of dedicated volunteers. We would be most grateful if a lawyer who shared our goals would assist us in achieving them.

Monifa Fiu <mfiu@wwfpacific.org.fj> [02/08]


Announcing Pacific Blue Freight Services from Oakland, California to Suva and Lautoka, Fiji.

  • Freight pickup from residence for a flat fee of $45.0
  • Serving all northern California cities.
  • Shipping schedule is final & cargo will ship whether container is full or not.
  • Call numbers at the bottom for shipping schedules and cargo pickups.
  • We can also fax or e-mail your Bill of Lading to your relatives.

Komera Naivaluvou 209 275-8326
Emma Tuitubou 510 860-1388
Luke Tuitubou 510 367-7646 [11/07]


My name is Etika Vaurasi Mesulama. My father is Irava Etika Mesulama, who is the son of Mesulame Semese of Itu'muta, Rotuma. I currently reside in Los Angeles, CA and would like to start a Rotuman Club/get together group for the sake of keeping in touch with our culture and heritage, and also to be able to socialize and be more involved in our island's activities. Any ideas or feedback would be welcome, I am open to suggestions.

I am organizing the first get together for interested Rotumans in the Southern California Region on Saturday, 17 May 2008 at:

Rowley Park
13220 Van Ness Blvd
Gardena, CA 90249
PH 310-217-9650

If you are coming from 405 South to 105 East, exit on CRENSHAW turn left on 120TH Street, then turn right on VAN NESS, turn left on a small street, 132nd Street, ROWLEY PARK is on the VAN NESS cross street with 132nd Street.   If you are coming from 105 West, exit on CRENSHAW turn left on CRENSHAW turn left on EL SEGUNDO Blvd, right on VAN NESS left on 132nd Street.

This will be a kick off BBQ/Potluck function, all interested please contact me at 310-936-8274 or email me at Etika_Mesulama@yahoo.com

Etika Mesulama
Relationship Associate
Wells Fargo Bank Beverly Hills RCBO
433 North Camden Drive, Suite 505
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel: (310) 285-5889
Mobile: 310-936-8274
Fax:(310) 278-6344
EFAX:(866) 512-6457
MAC: E2105-050
Etika.Mesulama@wellsfargo.com [04/08]


Our business is looking for Rotumans who own their own business or are qualified in the following areas: lawyer, plumber, electrician. As we are a Rotuman business, we would like to offer them the first opportunity before we look elsewhere in Sydney.

If you qualify, we would greatly appreciate your contacting us.

Faiaksia

Henry Alfred
Automotive Engineering Specialist
Unit 29/72-80 Percival Rd
Smithfield NSW 2164
Ph: (02) 96096916
Fax: (02) 96092814
Email: autoesnz@bigpond.net.au [08/07]


Noa'ia 'e Mauri! My name is Henry Alfred, grandson of Jieni and Fagmaniua Fabiano from Maftoa, Itumuta and Faga and Matapule Alfred from Itumuta and Noatau. I grew up in New Zealand and migrated to Australia in 2003 with my family. I've worked in a well-known automotive industry in Auckland and Sydney for several years and decided to open my own business at the beginning of the year in automotive mechanical engineering. I graduated with a Certificate in Automotive Engineering at UNITEC Institute of Technology in Auckland, NZ and recently at TAFE-Sydney, Australia in automotive vehicle bodybuilding, fabrication and vehicle body designs. To the Sydney Rotuman community and friends requiring automotive repairs, please feel free to contact me.

Fai'ak'sia,
Henry
e-mail: autoesnz@bigpond.net.au [06/06]

Automotive Engineering Specialists
Unit 29/72-80 Percival Road
Smithfield NSW 2164
Ph: (02) 96096916
Mob: 0408954344
ABN: 92130253076
Workshop licence no: 42780

RTA Authorise Safety Restraint Fitting Station-BUCKLE UP FRONT & BACK

The following websites have information on automotive repairs and road safety in NSW

Fitting on a windscreen
First hotrod in shop

 

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