Elijah Fa’afiu is a Multimedia Journalist for Newstalk ZB and New Zealand's Herald.
I joined NZME in February 2023 after nearly three years with Pacific Media Network. I’m a proud Samoan-New Zealander, born and bred in East Auckland. During my high school tenure, I would dabble in rugby, basketball and touch, while in the classroom, English would become one of my top subjects, helping me develop a strong ability to write and tell stories. My career sporting highlight is being named the Sacred Heart College 5B Back of the Year as a former prop-turned-first-five in 2013. I graduated from AUT in 2018 with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Television and Screen Production, although journalism has offered another enticing avenue for storytelling. Combining my passions for sport and writing, being a journalist allows me to uplift the voices in the sporting community, while becoming enveloped by larger-than-life characters and being a witness to moments that will stand the test of time.
SBW: Why Ardie Savea should be All Blacks captain
Sonny Bill Williams says the loosie's impact could carry into the boardroom.
SBW-Gallen build starts hot with no-show
The former Sharks captain skipped the fight announcement against Sonny Bill Williams.
Sonny Bill's $1m payday as fight with fellow league great confirmed
Williams last fought in a 2020 TKO loss to Mark Hunt.
Indian Panthers: Team CEO responds to concerns about pay delays
The team did not take to the court on Tuesday night in protest of poor treatment.
Double trouble: The Thompson twin threat facing Warriors
Knights props Tyrone and Leo Thompson take on the Warriors in their NRL Anzac Day clash.
Whatever it takes: Warriors half Chanel Harris-Tavita on switch to hooker
Chanel Harris-Tavita joined The Big League Podcast to review the Broncos victory.
Motu to return to ring in new weight class
The Nightmea is back - and she's haunting opponents in a different weight class.
'Don't fill my shoes': Super Bowl winner's message to Kiwi NFL hopefuls
Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman in Auckland to help flag American football's ascent.
'Draw strength from them’: Moana Pasifika's tribute to 2004 Pacific Islanders team
The 2004 Pacific Islanders combined the best players from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
When will Dame Lydia Ko tee off at home again?
She has aced the world of golf but Dame Lydia Ko has been missing on New Zealand courses.
'Not a faith thing': Caleb Clarke on stepping back from fantasy rugby
The All Black is one of four players who have opted out of Super Rugby's Fantasy game.
The former All Black in Mea Motu's corner for world title fight tomorrow
It's not the first time the former midfielder has cornered a Kiwi boxer in a title fight.
‘The lion’s den': Motu embraces unfamiliar territory for world title fight
Mea Motu will compete in the UK for the first time in her professional career.
'I'm locked in’ - Mea Motu's warning as world title fight with Ellie Scotney looms
Mea Motu has sacrificed family time, ready to bring home belts from England.
‘A matter of time’: David Nyika Q&A ahead of world title fight
'I’ve had a red dot on his forehead for so long now,' David Nyika says of Jai Opetaia.
Lulu Sun's rollercoaster season: From Wimbledon joy to injury woes
The 23-year-old is looking forward to her first home ASB Classic this summer.
Meet the South Island school taking on the world in flag football
St Andrew's College Preparatory School's flag football team are off to Florida.
The uncapped Tall Black taking a step closer to the NBA
'I have a good shot at making my dreams come true.'
Why Mikhailovich feels like a winner ahead of world title fight
Andrei Mikhailovich will challenge for the IBF world middleweight title in Sydney tonight
'He's a big boy': The cunning move helping Mikhailovich put pressure on world champ
Under IBF rules, the fighters have to have a weight check on the morning of the bout.
Flag Football Ferns catch case of Olympic fever
The New Zealand women's flag football team have their sights set on the 2028 Olympics.
NFL Academy recruitment camp in Auckland: A game-changer for young athletes
The NFL's global expansion strategy has made its way to Auckland.
‘Exceeded people’s expectations’: U17 basketball team's fairy-tale World Cup run
The team are far from surprised at their dream World Cup run.
Squash great shrugs off retirement thoughts, targets 2028 Olympics
Joelle King has been sidelined since October with back-to-back injuries.
Blues boss defends timing of Aupiki final amid code clash
Having this year’s Super Rugby Aupiki final overlap with other games could be a misstep.
Breakers’ defensive star eyes revenge in sudden-death playoff game
Izayah Le'afa hopes to re-write history at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena.
The advice Sir Wayne Smith gave the Highlanders
The Professor shares what he told the Highlanders coach about team culture.
Why young Breakers star has a point to prove on road to NBA
Mantas Rubstavicius has provided a spark during NZ team's four-game win streak.
Player ratings: The best and worst of the All Blacks (feat a lowly 3)
The Herald's player ratings for the Rugby World Cup final.
‘He’s very missed’: Joseph Parker remembers first pro trainer
Joseph Parker remembers former trainer Chris Martin ahead of his upcoming fight.
Two nines: How the All Blacks rated in semifinal blowout
Here's how the All Blacks rated in their Rugby World Cup semi-final win over Argentina.
Player ratings: The best and worst of the All Blacks v Uruguay
How the All Blacks rated in the 73-0 win over Uruguay in Lyon.
‘A big oversight on my end’: Why boxer David Nyika is withdrawing from the 2024 Olympics
David Nyika admits balancing professional and amateur boxing was a mistake.
'Can't put my finger on it': Daniels reveals mental toll of camp ahead of world title defence
The world heavyweight champion says her latest camp has been the most mentally challenging
‘Best boxer in this country’: Why ‘The Panther’ is ready to pounce on a world title
Jerome Pampellone and trainer Isaac Peach on why a world title shot is within reach.
Q&A: 12 rounds with Joseph Parker and Lani Daniels
Joseph Parker and Lani Daniels on championships, influencers and NZ boxing's golden age.
Why Josh Lord is shocked about his All Blacks recall
Josh Lord on his return to the All Blacks after a long-term knee injury.
'Clear incompetence': Kiwi coach hits out at UFC judges after controversial loss
MMA trainer Eugene Bareman wants UFC judges to be held accountable for their decisions.
The making of a knockout: Behind the scenes of Joseph Parker's fight camp
The Kiwi heavyweight has made radical changes to the way he prepares for a fight.
'Avenge those losses': Parker calls out top contenders after impressive KO win
The Kiwi heavyweight has put his rivals on notice.
One and done: Joseph Parker makes emphatic return
Joseph Parker has made a statement with a first-round knockout win.
Nyika impresses with another knockout win
David Nyika remains undefeated after beating Louis Marsters for the second time.
Five things Parker must do to get career back on track
Elijah Fa'afiu lists five things Joseph Parker must do to win a world title again.
How Nyika found stability in search for cruiserweight glory
The boxer’s road to cruiserweight glory veers into the small rural town of Gatton.
Tyson Fury: Why Joseph Parker can become champion again
Fury is confident his 'brother' can get back to the top.
All Blacks bolter? The Moana Pasifika star in the middle of World Cup tug-of-war
Impressive midfielder is eligible to play for New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji.