Nine’s Wide World of Sports has announced it is partnering with Talanoa Consultancy to engage in higher cultural competency for Pasifika athletes in sports broadcasting.
The partnership is an industry first and the brainchild of dual-code New Zealand international, Sonny Bill Williams, to aim for better engagement, support and understanding of Pacific athletes, their families and the wider community.
Wide World of Sports rugby league and rugby union commentary teams will engage in cultural competency sessions, broadcasts will have 24/7 advisory services available, and Pacific research and development will be undertaken to optimise skills and knowledge for broadcast teams.
Dr David Lakisa is the managing director of Talanoa Consultancy, “Talanoa” is a Pan-Pacific term for exchanging ideas, skills, stories and experiences, and he was Australia’s first Pacific Islander Coaching and Development Officer in 2007. Dr Lakisa also has a PhD in managing Pasifika migration in the sporting workplace.
Williams, who is a Wide World of Sports expert commentator, said: “As a proud Samoan man I am so excited that Nine and Stan Sport are working with Dr David Lakisa.
“It’s important for everyone outside of the Pacific community to understand and appreciate our beautiful cultures. For me every challenge I face in my life is to inspire my Pasifika brothers and sisters, and sport is such a powerful platform to do this.”
Dr Lakisa said: “We are thrilled to enter this important and much-needed shared knowledge space together with Nine’s Wide World of Sports and Stan Sport. The partnership and synergy couldn’t come at a more opportune time considering Pacific sporting prowess is making an indelible imprint in rugby football codes.”
Brent Williams, director of sport at Nine’s Wide World of Sports, said: “Multiculturalism plays an integral part in Australian sport, particularly across rugby league and rugby union where the Pacific nations are so strongly represented at all levels.
“Our partnership with David is about education and building a stronger connection that will assist us in gaining a deeper understanding of the Pasifika communities and cultures.
“Sonny has been an inspirational leader in his community for many years and we are incredibly proud to be involved and show our support through this initiative.”
Upcoming international tests on Channel 9 AND 9NOW
Rugby League Pacific Tests
Women’s International – New Zealand v Tonga: Saturday, June 25 – LIVE from
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. Live and Free on Nine and 9Now.
New Zealand v Tonga: Saturday, June 25 – LIVE from Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. Live and Free on Nine and 9Now.
Samoa v Cook Islands: Saturday, June 25 – LIVE from Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Live and Free on Nine and 9Now.
Papua New Guinea v Fiji: Saturday, June 25 – LIVE from Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Live and Free on Nine and 9Now.
Rugby Union Tests
Wallabies v England: Saturday, July 2 – LIVE from Optus Stadium, Perth.
Live and Free on Nine and Stan Sport.
Wallabies v England: Saturday, July 9 – LIVE from Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Live and Free on Nine and Stan Sport.
Wallabies v England: Saturday, July 16 – LIVE from Sydney Cricket Ground.
Live and Free on Nine and Stan Sport.
Bledisloe Cup 2022
Wallabies v All Blacks: Thursday, September 15 – LIVE from Marvel Stadium, Melbourne. Live and Free on Nine and Stan Sport.
All Blacks v Wallabies: Saturday, September 24 – LIVE from Eden Park, Auckland. Live and Free on Nine and Stan Sport.
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Top image left to right: Dr David Lakisa and Sonny Bill Williams