People of Papatoetoe - Community Stories

Taro Patch Creative
Aug 7
2 min read

Who are you and where do you come from?

Talofa lava, my name is Jeremiah Fale, known musically as Hales. I’m of Samoan descent with roots in the villages of Fagae'e, Foailuga, Lefaga and Vailoa.

I have always been tied to the people and places that shaped me, especially Papatoetoe.

I’m a musician, mentor, and educator. I write and perform under the name Hales, and I also teach music, mentor rangatahi, and run creative projects in the community. I’ve worked with platforms like Polynesian Music Network and Te Māngai Pāho to bring more Pacific voices into the spotlight.

I see my role as a bridge. I create, but I also teach. I perform, but I also listen. I try to make space for others to step forward, especially our young ones. I want to be proof that you can come from here, sound like us, and still make moves in your own way.

What does Papatoetoe mean to you?

To me, Papatoetoe means home, but more than that, it’s movement, memory, and community. It’s where I learned how to navigate life, how to hustle, and how to find joy in the everyday. It gave me my first audience, my first sense of independence, and the early sparks of creativity.

Those early years walking through Hunters Plaza, visiting aunties after school, and being surrounded by different cultures taught me how to connect with people. That sense of groundedness is still in my music today.

Some of my fondest memories are the walks after school to my aunty’s house with my friends, cutting through the shops, dodging snacks, catching jokes, and just being kids. It’s those small moments that really stick, they were fun, real, and formed the backdrop of my South Auckland childhood.

What's your fire?

Connection. I’m here to connect, with people, with culture, with story. I want to make music that means something, share stories that reflect who we are, and show our young people that there’s power in their voice.

I’m proud of being able to stay true to who I am through it all. Proud of releasing music that represents where I come from, proud of the people I’ve collaborated with, and proud of every kid who’s come up to me and said, “Bro, that song hit.” That’s the win right there.

Favourite quote?

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs (my birthday twin)

Papatoetoe is special because....

Papatoetoe is full of life. You’ve got Island takeaways, Indian stores, discount shops, and new builds all on the same block. It’s layered. It’s colourful. It’s Southside, but with its own unique spice. Everyone’s repping something, but we’re all tied together by this place we call home. That’s what makes it Pap.