On Tuesday afternoon the Canberra Raiders had the honor of participating in the inaugural Pacific Sports Talanoa, a unique event hosted by the New Zealand High Commission.
This gathering brought together the Raiders playing squad and staff alongside the Pacific Diplomatic Corps, Australian Government representatives, and key stakeholders to celebrate the unifying power of sport across the Pacific region.
The concept of Talanoa - a Pasifika term for conversation, storytelling, and the sharing of ideas - provided a perfect setting for an open dialogue on the role of sports in connecting cultures, building stronger communities, and fostering inclusivity.
Raiders NRLW player Madison Bartlett moderated a panel discussion featuring Club Captain Joe Tapine, the High Commissioners for Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea along with Mr Mark Tattersall (DFAT First Assistant Secretary for the Polynesia, Micronesia, and Development Division).
As a team with strong Pacific connections through our players, the Raiders are proud to be part of this conversation about how sport transcends borders and cultural differences
The event at the New Zealand High Commission served as a platform to discuss key Pacific priorities, with a special focus on how sports impact on health and the economy in communities across our Pacific region
For the Raiders, the experience was a valuable reminder of how the game goes beyond the field. It reinforced that Rugby League has the power to create meaningful change, promote unity, and inspire a sense of belonging across cultures.
We are proud to have been part of such an impactful event and look forward to continuing our role in supporting positive change through the power of sport.
