This year's Port of Auckland Pasifika Day staff celebration had a distinctive whānau vibe with a strong connection to
cultural roots.
It is the second year the port has held Pasifika Day and it has quickly become a much-loved event on the calendar.
Staff were treated to a beautiful traditional Samoan performance from Ruta Solomona and the Lau Tifa’imoana group along
with a powerful performance from the port’s Tuvaluan staff and their families.
It was a great moment for the Tuvaluan staff who were proud to share their culture with their workmates.
“Having the opportunity to showcase our culture means the world to us, no matter how big or small the occasion is,” says
Tealava Eliesa. “We may be a small Pacific nation, but we have big hearts. We hope everyone enjoyed the performance, as
much as we did. Tuvalu mo Te Atua.”
Distinguished invited guests for the Pasifika Day were former All Black Sir La'auli Micheal Jones and Auckland City
Councillor Lotu Fuli. Delicious Pasifika soul food was also on offer with staff enjoying ‘ota ‘ika, chop suey, taro in
coconut cream, otai and panikeke.
“Everyone was well fed which was important,” says Vanessa Wolfgramm, Port of Auckland Pasifika Outcomes Manager. “The
day is about acknowledging and celebrating the rich and diverse Pacific cultures here at the Port. It’s also a great way
to connect our Pasifika people from across the port to foster a sense of community and belonging at work.”