Keep up with the kava movement!

This week we're also celebrating Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa- Samoan Language Week (31 May–6 June). This year's theme is a beautiful proverb: E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u- "From the high mountains are the blessings of the village." Kava has always been a drink of community and gathering, so it feels right to raise a shell to gagana Sāmoa and the culture it carries.

What's on?

We've been running our monthly open-mic nights since November 2025, under the theme 'Speak Life'. The world can feel uncertain right now, and at times as though real change is out of reach. 'Speak Life' is our answer to that - a third space for people to gather, share, offer each other uplifting words, and simply pause and be present for a moment.

Our next Open Mic Wednesday 17th June, 8pm to 10pm, and and our guest feature is none other than Dani Kionasina - author of Tusitala & Tusiata.

Dani Kionasina is a writer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist from West Aukalani, Aotearoa. Her bloodlines are Samoan, Irish, Welsh, and Scottish. She is the author of Tusitala and Tusiata, and the editor of Moana: Voices of Our Ocean. As the Founder and Director of Tagata Atamai, Dani platforms, publishes, and nourishes creative storytellers through her unique lens as a queer indigenous wahine.

The event is free and open for everyone to join in! We will have a writing workshop for the first hour of the open mic, which will warm us into the second part of the evening - sharing over the mic!