Latest news with #CreativeNewZealand
1News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- 1News
Former All Black Keven Mealamu opens up on health and being in arts field
Most people will recognise former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu for his sporting success, but a decade after retiring, he's now dabbling in the world of art as a board member of Crown entity Creative New Zealand. Born and raised in Tokoroa before moving to Auckland for high school, the Samoan rugby player says art has always been a part of his life, growing up with an artist mother and uncles, helping out at school plays and picking art as one of his favourite subjects. But he never imagined this field would be part of his future. 'I always thought I'd be illustrating a few more children's books, which I've been lucky enough to do. I think even governance, I don't think it's something that many people think about doing. I think I feel really very honoured and blessed and privileged to be able to do it.' While navigating the complex ecosystems of governance, having also joined the board of New Zealand Rugby, Mealamu has been on the mend after finding out he has a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular heartbeat. ADVERTISEMENT The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, Mama Hooch rapists appeal, Ukraine's new message to Russia, and Jason Momoa's plans here. (Source: Breakfast) Last year Melamu shared footage on social media showing him collapsing at a gym. He found out he had the condition after two heavy training bouts in preparation for a charity boxing event in 2022. 'Sometimes when I look back, I think to myself, 'what was I thinking?' But it's probably that mentality of coming out of professional sports, just loving the opportunity to challenge yourself,' Mealamu tells RNZ'S Culture 101. Since then, he's undergone medical procedures and been in and out of hospital. 'I had one done before Christmas and it had been in rhythm. But I found out a couple of weeks ago it's gone back into AFib again. 'I don't have the symptoms where some people find it really hard to walk or just comes on really spontaneously. But I'm able to control mine.' Keven Mealamu with his Blues teammate Jerome Kaino and the World Cup at Twickenham in 2015. (Source: Photosport) ADVERTISEMENT Bringing a lens that connects people Mealamu's ultimate dream to be an All Black was always a clear vision in his head. But he knew he couldn't just sit and wait around – someone had to pay the bills, he says. So while chasing a professional rugby career, he took on an apprenticeship opportunity that came via his school coach for sign writing. To get to his workplace, he remembers he would bike from Māngere to Ōtara, which he considered part of his training as well. 'I can't remember how many times I'd get a flatty and have to be shamefully walking my bike all the way home. So when I had the opportunity to go into rugby, it was probably one of the cool things. I was like, 'yes, I don't have to bike to work anymore'.' Now he sees how the two fields – art and sport - align in that they can both have an impact on the community. Keven Mealamu carries the ball during his last Test - the All Blacks World Cup final win against Australia in 2015. (Source: Photosport) ADVERTISEMENT 'You can feel the passion in what both art and sport do. You can feel the passion in who's presenting it,' Mealamu says. 'You look at one of the most influential rugby players around in the world at the moment, Ardie Savea, and just the way he expresses himself and the way he carries himself, there's a strong cultural bit to him as well.' Being at helm is a big part of who he is, he says, having captained the All Blacks three times and remaining a key part of the leadership group for more than a decade. 'I think what I do bring to the [Creative New Zealand] board is an authentic Pacific Island New Zealander leader. So that lens, I think, is really important. A lens that has been through community all the way to the very top of my sport but also work well with other leaders and community.' But if there's something he's wistful about, it's the fact he didn't join earlier. 'I just wish I was on earlier to be able to share that moment with my mum, because as proud as I am being able to have both my parents around as I became an All Black, this one also would have been something that she would have been really proud of as well.'
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
All Black great on last year's gym collapse
Former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu, 46, has given an update on his heart condition after collapsing at the gym last year and opened up on what it means to be on the board of Creative New Zealand. Most people will recognise Mealamu for his sporting success, but a decade after retiring, he's now dabbling in the world of art as a board member of Crown entity Creative New Zealand. Born and raised in Tokoroa before moving to Auckland for high school, the Samoan rugby player says art has always been a part of his life, growing up with an artist mother and uncles, helping out at school plays and picking art as one of his favourite subjects. But he never imagined this field would be part of his future. 'I always thought I'd be illustrating a few more children's books, which I've been lucky enough to do. I think even governance, I don't think it's something that many people think about doing. I think I feel really very honoured and blessed and privileged to be able to do it.' Whilst navigating the complex ecosystems of governance, having also joined the board of New Zealand Rugby, Mealamu has been on the mend after finding out he has a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular heartbeat. In September last year, Mealamu shared footage on social media showing him collapsing at a gym. He found out he had the condition after two heavy training bouts in preparation for a charity boxing event in 2022. 'Sometimes when I look back, I think to myself, 'what was I thinking?' But it's probably that mentality of coming out of professional sports, just loving the opportunity to challenge yourself,' Mealamu tells Culture 101. Since then, he's undergone medical procedures and been in and out of hospital. 'I had one done before Christmas and it had been in rhythm. But I found out a couple of weeks ago it's gone back into AFib again. 'I don't have the symptoms where some people find it really hard to walk or just comes on really spontaneously. But I'm able to control mine.' Bringing a lens that connects people Mealamu's ultimate dream to be an All Black was always a clear vision in his head. But he knew he couldn't just sit and wait around – someone had to pay the bills, he says. So while chasing a professional rugby career, he took on an apprenticeship opportunity that came via his school coach for sign writing. To get to his workplace, he remembers he would bike from Māngere to Ōtara, which he considered part of his training as well. 'I can't remember how many times I'd get a flatty and have to be shamefully walking my bike all the way home. So when I had the opportunity to go into rugby, it was probably one of the cool things. I was like, 'yes, I don't have to bike to work anymore'.' Now he sees how the two fields – art and sport - align in that they can both have an impact on the community. 'You can feel the passion in what both art and sport do. You can feel the passion in who's presenting it,' Mealamu says. 'You look at one of the most influential rugby players around in the world at the moment, Ardie Savea, and just the way he expresses himself and the way he carries himself, there's a strong cultural bit to him as well.' Being at helm is a big part of who he is, he says, having captained the All Blacks three times and remaining a key part of the leadership group for more than a decade. 'I think what I do bring to the [Creative New Zealand] board is an authentic Pacific Island New Zealander leader. So that lens, I think, is really important. A lens that has been through community all the way to the very top of my sport but also work well with other leaders and community.' But if there's something he's wistful about, it's the fact he didn't join earlier. 'I just wish I was on earlier to be able to share that moment with my mum, because as proud as I am being able to have both my parents around as I became an All Black, this one also would have been something that she would have been really proud of as well.'
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Former All Black opens up about heart health issues after collapsing last year
Former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu, 46, has given an update on his heart condition after collapsing at the gym last year and opened up on what it means to be on the board of Creative New Zealand. Most people will recognise Mealamu for his sporting success, but a decade after retiring, he's now dabbling in the world of art as a board member of Crown entity Creative New Zealand. Born and raised in Tokoroa before moving to Auckland for high school, the Samoan rugby player says art has always been a part of his life, growing up with an artist mother and uncles, helping out at school plays and picking art as one of his favourite subjects. But he never imagined this field would be part of his future. 'I always thought I'd be illustrating a few more children's books, which I've been lucky enough to do. I think even governance, I don't think it's something that many people think about doing. I think I feel really very honoured and blessed and privileged to be able to do it.' Whilst navigating the complex ecosystems of governance, having also joined the board of New Zealand Rugby, Mealamu has been on the mend after finding out he has a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular heartbeat. In September last year, Mealamu shared footage on social media showing him collapsing at a gym. He found out he had the condition after two heavy training bouts in preparation for a charity boxing event in 2022. 'Sometimes when I look back, I think to myself, 'what was I thinking?' But it's probably that mentality of coming out of professional sports, just loving the opportunity to challenge yourself,' Mealamu tells Culture 101. Since then, he's undergone medical procedures and been in and out of hospital. 'I had one done before Christmas and it had been in rhythm. But I found out a couple of weeks ago it's gone back into AFib again. 'I don't have the symptoms where some people find it really hard to walk or just comes on really spontaneously. But I'm able to control mine.' Bringing a lens that connects people Mealamu's ultimate dream to be an All Black was always a clear vision in his head. But he knew he couldn't just sit and wait around – someone had to pay the bills, he says. So while chasing a professional rugby career, he took on an apprenticeship opportunity that came via his school coach for sign writing. To get to his workplace, he remembers he would bike from Māngere to Ōtara, which he considered part of his training as well. 'I can't remember how many times I'd get a flatty and have to be shamefully walking my bike all the way home. So when I had the opportunity to go into rugby, it was probably one of the cool things. I was like, 'yes, I don't have to bike to work anymore'.' Now he sees how the two fields – art and sport - align in that they can both have an impact on the community. 'You can feel the passion in what both art and sport do. You can feel the passion in who's presenting it,' Mealamu says. 'You look at one of the most influential rugby players around in the world at the moment, Ardie Savea, and just the way he expresses himself and the way he carries himself, there's a strong cultural bit to him as well.' Being at helm is a big part of who he is, he says, having captained the All Blacks three times and remaining a key part of the leadership group for more than a decade. 'I think what I do bring to the [Creative New Zealand] board is an authentic Pacific Island New Zealander leader. So that lens, I think, is really important. A lens that has been through community all the way to the very top of my sport but also work well with other leaders and community.' But if there's something he's wistful about, it's the fact he didn't join earlier. 'I just wish I was on earlier to be able to share that moment with my mum, because as proud as I am being able to have both my parents around as I became an All Black, this one also would have been something that she would have been really proud of as well.'
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Make The Most Of The Coast With The Creative Communities Scheme
Press Release – Kapiti Coast District Council To be eligible for funding, projects need to have an arts or cultural focus and take place within the Kpiti Coast. Applications open Wednesday 16 July and close at 5pm Monday, 11 August. Kāpiti Coast District Council is thrilled to announce that the first round of the Creative Communities Scheme 2025/26 is open for applications. The twice-yearly scheme is funded by Creative New Zealand to support local arts and cultural projects. This round has about $23,000 available to share across projects that create opportunities to create or celebrate the Kāpiti Coast's fabulous cultural scene. Funded projects must take place between 16 September 2025 and 16 September 2026. Council arts events coordinator Nerita Clark says individuals and organisations are able to apply for funding. 'The scheme means we're able to support a range of inspirational projects that really add to the vibrancy of the district,' Ms Clark says. 'The recipients of our most recent round of funding have been working on exciting projects, from inclusive art or dance classes, to writing workshops or retreats, children's theatre, exhibitions and arts exchange, as well as an innovative, multimodal programme of weaving, dance and workshops. 'We're open to all kinds of arts projects, and welcome anything that creates opportunities for our local communities to get involved, but especially projects that support diversisty and encourage cultural or youth participation. 'We're delighted to administer this scheme in partnership with Creative NZ, so our community has the opportunity to participate in local arts and nurture emerging talent. 'The Creative Communities Scheme recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and it's enduring sucess shows that the arts are truly valued. 'It's fantastic to be albe to support grassroots arts projects, and we're always excited to see applications for new projects that will inspire creativity on the coast,' Ms Clark says. To be eligible for funding, projects need to have an arts or cultural focus and take place within the Kāpiti Coast. Applications open Wednesday 16 July and close at 5pm Monday, 11 August.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Make The Most Of The Coast With The Creative Communities Scheme
Kāpiti Coast District Council is thrilled to announce that the first round of the Creative Communities Scheme 2025/26 is open for applications. The twice-yearly scheme is funded by Creative New Zealand to support local arts and cultural projects. This round has about $23,000 available to share across projects that create opportunities to create or celebrate the Kāpiti Coast's fabulous cultural scene. Funded projects must take place between 16 September 2025 and 16 September 2026. Council arts events coordinator Nerita Clark says individuals and organisations are able to apply for funding. 'The scheme means we're able to support a range of inspirational projects that really add to the vibrancy of the district,' Ms Clark says. 'The recipients of our most recent round of funding have been working on exciting projects, from inclusive art or dance classes, to writing workshops or retreats, children's theatre, exhibitions and arts exchange, as well as an innovative, multimodal programme of weaving, dance and workshops. 'We're open to all kinds of arts projects, and welcome anything that creates opportunities for our local communities to get involved, but especially projects that support diversisty and encourage cultural or youth participation. 'We're delighted to administer this scheme in partnership with Creative NZ, so our community has the opportunity to participate in local arts and nurture emerging talent. 'The Creative Communities Scheme recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and it's enduring sucess shows that the arts are truly valued. 'It's fantastic to be albe to support grassroots arts projects, and we're always excited to see applications for new projects that will inspire creativity on the coast,' Ms Clark says. To be eligible for funding, projects need to have an arts or cultural focus and take place within the Kāpiti Coast. Applications open Wednesday 16 July and close at 5pm Monday, 11 August.
