Media Release
24 February 2009

Celebrate Pasifika in Manukau

Manukau is joining the rest of the Auckland region in celebrating its Pacific diversity with Celebrate Pasifika - a month of Pacific events and culture throughout the region, featuring festivals, exhibitions, theatre, dance, film, music and more.

The Auckland region is home to one of the largest populations of people of Pacific Island ethnicity in the world. Manukau alone is home to 88,000 Pacific people, almost 28 per cent of its 330,000 population. Samoan is the second most spoken language in Manukau, after English. So it is fitting that Pacific talent from across the region will be showcased throughout March during the annual festival.

Once again council’s Arts and Libraries teams are hosting a range of free events.

The council is also a major sponsor of another feature event, the popular ASB Polyfest 2009 being held from 18 to 21 March at Manukau Sports Bowl.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown is delighted to see Pacific culture getting its share of the limelight.

"I take great delight in the strong, vibrant cultures that make up this city. I see our cultural and community diversity as a wonderful economic and social opportunity.

"My vision is about making Manukau the place where everyone is welcomed, valued and supported so they can prosper, contribute, participate and celebrate their cultures and feel they belong.

"I’m also very much looking forward to these events and I encourage all Manukau residents to visit the festival events and learn more about this amazing and talented part of our community. This is an opportunity for our young people to shine.”

Visit www.celebratepasifika.com for a full list of events.

Free Celebrate Pasifika events in Manukau:

MANUKAU LIBRARIES:
Film Screening – Tongan Ninja
Thu, 26 March, 5.00pm – Central Reference Library
- In collaboration with NZ Film Archive – “The film you didn’t know you wanted, until you
wanted it.”
- Bookings are essential, contact Elenoa Moa Sili-Mati on 2628900 ext 8697

Craft and Music Demonstrations:
Tivaevae:
Tue, 3 March, 10.30am – Mangere East Library
Tue, 10 March, 10.30am – Manurewa Library
Tue, 24 March, 10.30am – Otara Library
Wed, 25 March, 3.30pm – Papatoetoe Library
Tue, 31 March, 10.30am – Howick Library

Tapa Printing:
Mon, 2 March, 10.30am – Mangere Town Centre Library

Tongan Musical Instruments:
Mon, 9 March, 10.30am – Mangere Town Centre Library
Mon, 9 March, 3.30pm – Te Matariki Clendon Library

Bilingual Story Time Sessions:
Tokelauan
Wed, 4 March, 10.30am – Mangere East Library
Tongan
Wed, 11 March, 1.30pm – Mangere Town Centre Library
Samoan
Fri, 13 March, 10.30am – Otara Library

Read Aloud Story Time:
Thu, 5 March, check at your local library for times

For the whole family – Read around the Pacific
Contact your local library for more information

Traditional costumes on display
Timetable and more information available at www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz

MANUKAU ARTS

Koloa et al: Your Art is my Treasure
20 February–14 March
Public programme: Curators’ floor talk and koloa demonstration - Saturday, 7 March, 12
noon
Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am–5pm; Saturday, 8am–2pm
Where: Fresh Gallery Otara, Shop 5, 46 Fairmall, Otara Town Centre,
Manukau
Charmaine ‘Ilaiu and Nina Tonga have curated an exhibition of the textile art form ‘koloa’ by members of the Tongan women’s collective Mo’ui aonga Tongan Cultural Centre based in Otahuhu.

The Margin’s Cutting Edge
27 February–22 March
Gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1–4pm
Where: The Gallery, Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa
In this solo exhibition, Samoan artist Theodore Ah Wong uses techniques of cutting away paint and canvas to create his paintings along with striking furniture and design pieces.

Easy Listening on the Lawn
When: Sunday 15 March, 4 – 6pm (If wet or unsuitable weather, concert will
be cancelled at 1pm)
Where: Nathan Homestead Grounds, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa
Allegro's sophisticated sound is full of energy with a lively musical pace. Their repertoire spans the genres of Easy Listening, Jazz, Pop, R’n’B, Soul, 70’s Disco, 80’s though to the Top 40’s! Expect to hear some favourite easy listening tunes from The Eagles through to Shania Twain. You’ll be blown away!

Colour and Contrast
When: 20 March – 11 April
Opening: Thursday 19 March, 6pm
Public programme: Artist’s floor talk - Saturday, 28 March, 12 noon
Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am–5pm; Saturday, 8am–2pm
Where: Fresh Gallery Otara, Shop 5, 46 Fairmall, Otara Town Centre, Manukau
Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi presents new paintings, maquettes and sculptures based on Tongan lalava (sennit binding) – some with traditional, sacred hues and others with exceptional infusions of colour.

ENDS

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