When Elsie Polosovai moved to New Zealand 11 years ago she says no one knew where she was from.
“No one knew where the Solomon Islands were, and they didn’t really care to be honest.”
Since 2006, the Pasifika population in Aotearoa has grown about twice as fast as the total New Zealand population.
According to the 2023 New Zealand census, 442,632 people identify as Pacific peoples.
The representation of Pasifika women and Māori women is the focus of new documentary Myths and Maidens.
Myths and Maidens is about unpacking and reclaiming beauty standards and representation of Pasifika women. It is about sharing snippets of the harsh realities of colourism, fatphobia and classism in our communities.
Polosovai (Choiseul and Malaita Province, Solomon Islands) and Latayvia Tualasea Tautai (of Samoan descent), are two of the stars of the documentary.
When asked about what Pasifika representation for women in Aotearoa looks like, both Polosovai and Tualasea Tautai agreed that it’s multifaceted.
From Pasifika women being seen as community leaders, weavers, cleaners, corporate champions, film-makers, dancers, chief executive, orators, sports people, social workers, doctors, factory workers, politicians, teachers, survivors, advocates — the list is endless.
Tualasea Tautai, 26, said Pasifika women are everywhere.
“No matter what corner of Aotearoa we are in, we are repping what it means to be of the moana. To operate with integrity, to care deeply about community, to serve and to walk like we have thousands of ancestors beside us — because we do.”
She said, in earlier years, Polynesian women were hypersexualised and Melanesian sisters were confined to roles of servitude.
“We can see it in film, in art and postcards of the past. However, there are so many film, media and storytelling giants who have advocated fiercely for the authentic portrayal of our people.
“In the media — they’re starting to catch up and understand we are main characters, not just one-dimensional comic relief.
“Films and shows that are by and for Pasifika women tend to lean into our humanity, layers, our hurt and our joy.”
She said women of the moana tell her favourite indigenous stories.
“It’s incredible — you look at films like Tīna, documentaries like Still Here, short films like E lele le toloa. Pacific women at the centre either behind the lens or in front — our hopes, our resilience, our stories and our joy.”
Tualasea Tautai hoped to see more Melanesia and Micronesia on centre stage. The Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and the many unique stories in those vast communities.
“I have a feeling that’s what’s next. It’s not a matter of speaking for people, just passing the mic.
“I think Myths and Maidens has made a gorgeous start to this and setting the standard, I’m excited to see more.”
Feelings of inadequacy drive sales
She says the beauty industry makes trillions of dollars off of women being made to feel inadequate and she hopes the documentary helps Pasifika women free themselves and redefine what beauty and success look like for them.
“Capitalism and consumerism thrive off us not feeling enough and our proximity to whiteness.
“Then even if you are aligned with Western standards of beauty often you’re deemed ‘not Pacific enough’. Both tropes are a lie.”
Polosovai said if she could tell her younger self something she would tell her that she is beautiful just the way she is.
“If I put myself back in that position, like if I was a little girl, hearing that I’ll probably like, ‘Yeah. And what?’ But it does make a difference. It kind of sinks in over time. I think we as adults really need to start planting the seed with someone when they’re that young.”
“I’m quite proud of how far we’ve come and how open people are now to embracing each other’s cultural identities, especially within the Pacific.”
Both the girls say they are trying to break mainstream stereotypes of Pacific women.
Tualasea Tautai said she is trying to break the stereotypes by simply existing and trying to do so with authenticity and discernment.
“My perspective shifted when I realised that we are an amalgamation of our ancestors’ wildest dreams. These are the same ancestors who navigated the largest ocean in the world thousands of years ago, built complex communities, and were the original entrepreneurs and innovators.”
“I walk into every space knowing that our lineage is one of greatness — greatness that is our birthright.”
Polosovai said she feels free to be herself.
“I feel good in being different and that is something that I’ve just come to terms with over time.”
“I’m grateful that I’m in this headspace of feeling good about myself, it’s a sad journey but I’m glad that I’m here now.”