Media Release

15 February 2017

Pasifika celebrates its 25th Birthday

Pasifika celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and with more than 220 performance groups and 60,000 visitors expected at Western Springs Park on 25-26 March, it is a celebration not to be missed.

The free, family-friendly festival is a great way to experience the diverse cultures of our Pacific whanau, without leaving Auckland.

Western Springs Park will be transformed into 11 villages representing different Pacific Islands from Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Tonga and Tokelau.

Each village has their own performance stage featuring traditional and contemporary performances and market stalls selling delicious food and handmade crafts. There will also be sponsors’ areas with photo booths, plenty of games, giveaways and activities for all ages.

Pasifika first began as a joint council and community initiative in 1992 to celebrate Pacific Island cultures and bring Pasifika communities together, and over the years has featured fashion shows, theatre performances, a pop opera and sports competitions. Today’s village concept was introduced in 1998.

To celebrate 25 years and acknowledge all those who have contributed to the festival, there will be an entertainment showcase from 4-6pm on Saturday 25 March (Samoan Village), including performances by Ura Tabu Dance Company, social media stars Resonate performing their ‘Moana mash-up’ and cultural groups from Auckland schools.

Resonate will also return on Sunday morning at 10am, at the Fijian Village, to perform in the choral celebration with other Pacific choral groups.

Mayor Phil Goff says Pasifika holds a special place in Auckland’s social and cultural life.

“Auckland is the world’s biggest Pacific city, with strong ties to the islands, and Pasifika has become part of our culture and identity.

“I’m proud that Auckland celebrates its diversity through the coming together to embrace Pasifika.”

Proudly supported by AMI Insurance, Pasifika Festival is one of Auckland’s four major cultural festivals, along with the Auckland Lantern Festival, Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival and Auckland Diwali Festival. It is being delivered for the third year by Orange Productions on behalf of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development’s (ATEED) and Auckland Council.

Other sponsors include Mai FM, Air New Zealand, Edgewater Resort, Charlie’s Drinks, Paesfika Proud and more.

To find out more about Pasifika Festival 2017, go to:
• www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika
• Facebook – What’s on in Auckland
• Instagram – @PasifikaFestival_AKL

Notes to editor:

• The 25th anniversary Pasifika Festival is at Western Springs Park, on Saturday 25 March (10am - 6pm) and Sunday 26 March (10am - 4pm) 2017.

• This year the festival is being held two weeks later than usual to fit in with other events happening in Auckland.

• More than 60,000 visitors are expected over the two days.

• Approximately 220 performance groups (both local and international)

• More than 200 food and craft stalls

• A special 25th Anniversary Showcase performance featuring Ura Tabu Dance Company and vocal group Resonate will be held on Saturday 25 March, 4-6pm (Samoa Village)

• Resonate will return on Sunday morning at 10am, at the Fijian Village, to perform in the 25th anniversary choral celebration with other Pacific choral groups.

• Applications for stallholders and performers remain open until 10 March 2017. To apply, go to www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika

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