Nesian Productions

In loving memory of Lolomana’ia Filiai also known to many as Lolo.

It is with enormous sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lolo, a deeply respected Tongan leader, champion of the disability community, and a man who holds a very special place in the history of PHAB Pasifika.

PHAB Pasifika exists today because many years ago, three extraordinary Pasifika men, Lolo, the late Tanu Toso and the late Ava Faamoe invited PHAB into their community.

That invitation meant far more than simply opening a door.

These three giants welcomed us into their communities and cultures, introduced us to their people, stood alongside us and guided us in how to serve our Pasifika disabled people and families with respect. They shared their knowledge and connections with us and, importantly, they trusted us.

We have never forgotten the significance of that.

Lolo continued to stand proudly and quietly alongside our people. He didn’t need recognition or to be at the centre of things. His leadership was in his service, his integrity, his relationships and his unwavering commitment to his community and to disabled people.

It is incredibly sad to now have lost all three of these extraordinary men. Lolo, Tanu and Ava each gave so much to the disability and Pasifika communities, and their fingerprints remain firmly on PHAB Pasifika today.

We will always be grateful that they invited us in, walked beside us and helped us understand the responsibility that came with being welcomed into their community. May they rest in peace.

From that invitation, and through their trust and guidance, PHAB Pasifika flourished. From those beginnings, Nesian emerged, continuing the connection, culture, and community that Lolo, Tanu, Ava and a handful of change makers in the room - first shared with us. Nesian will be a reminder of a collective legacy, and we will always honour the foundation they built.

To Lolo’s wife and children, his family, his colleagues at Vaka Tautua, and his many friends and community connections, we send our deepest love and condolences.

Lolo, thank you for opening the door to us. Thank you for your trust, your guidance and your service. We will continue to honour what you, Tanu and Ava entrusted to us.

You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Ofa atu,
from your PHAB and PHAB Pasifika family.

Fa’afetai tele lava to a very good friend of ours, Fonotī Pati Umaga, for inviting us to the world premiere of his documentary, “My Humble Friend, Fonotī Pati Umaga,” at SkyCity Theatre 🎬

It was such an honour to hear more about his journey, from his days as a musician in Kabasa and the Holidaymakers, through the life-altering fall in 2005 that left him paralysed from the neck down, to finding renewed purpose and becoming one of the strongest voices for our Pacific disability community. The experiences that have shaped him, and the heart behind why he continues to advocate so fiercely, came through so powerfully on screen.

Your story definitely has made an impact Pati, and we’re grateful to have shared this special moment with you, and even more grateful that we have you in our circle 💙🌺 We love you brother x We’re so excited to see what else you get up to!

Nesian Turns 4 🔥

Just a throwback to our launch in 2022 🤍

It’s been a week celebrating our beautiful Samoan Language Week 🇼🇸

This year’s theme: E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u, which translates to: From the high mountains are the blessings of the village

It’s a reminder that that no achievement is ours alone. Behind every performance, every story and every opportunity is a village that has guided, supported and believed in us. It’s also a reminder that our village are found in those that walk alongside us, our friends, our families, our ancestors, our communities and each other.

Fa’afetai tele i le tatou nu’u - thankyou so much to our village! Happy Samoan Language Week from us to you ❤️