Tagata Pasifika - 7 March 2015

In this March 2015 episode of long-running magazine-style show Tagata Pasifika, Sandra Kailahi explores the factors that lead some young pasifika mothers to abandon their newborns. Then hosts Marama T-Pole and Tom Natoealofa interview actor Teuila Blakely, who had her son at 17, about what it was like being a teenage mother, and what needs to change to support others in that situation. Also featured are stories about the Samoan King’s son converting to the Mormon faith, and allegations New Zealand has been conducting surveillance on its Pacific neighbours.

Once a young woman finds herself in this situation we should actually reach out, support, nurture her, and also nurture this new child that is a valuable member of our community.

– Teuila Blakely, on the need to support teenage mothers

Key Cast & Crew

Tom Natoealofa

Presenter

Teuila Blakely

Subject

Marama T-Pole (née Papau)

Presenter

Ngaire Fuata

Producer

Stephen Stehlin

Executive Producer

Mervyn Aitchison

Sound Mix