Half way there, five days to go and we are in Niue

4 March 2012

Half way there, five days to go and we are in Niue

Fakaalofa lahi atu. We are halfway through our countdown to one of the biggest celebrations of Pacific culture in Auckland.

We visited Aotearoa, paddled to Tonga, swam to Fiji, sailed to the Cook Islands, took a dip in Tokelau and today it is all about Niue.

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Event Producer Ole Maiava says Niue’s village at Western Springs Park is well worth a visit.

“This year 10 pacific villages are set up around the park. At the Niue village you have the chance to see an artist in action, taste yummy food, and watch traditional performances.

“Well-known local artist Palalagitoa (Lagi) Manetoa will demonstrate his skills. Lagi portrays Niue heritage arts and culture through painting, carving, songs and performances. He is an expert in the use of the Niue language through these arts and cultural activities. Examples of his wooden carvings are at the Pacific Business Trust, Otahuhu, and the Arts Centre, Otara Shopping Centre.

Lagi will also represent through his art, the Festival themes of the noddy tern and the gardenia.

Lock it in your calendar, dust off your sunnies and be part of Pasifika Festival 2012.

Notes for editors
• Interviews are available with artist Palalagitoa Manetoa.
• This year Pasifika celebrates 20 years of celebrating Pacific culture in Auckland.
• Friday 9 March, 7pm - 9pm, the Pasifika Festival Opening Night Concert will feature guest artists and performances from 10 different cultures.
• Saturday 10 March, 10am - 5pm, Pasifika Festival Day will see the park transformed into 10 villages from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tokelau, Niue, Tahiti, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Aotearoa. Each village will offer food, art, dance and music.
• Entry is FREE, and for the first time the park will be fenced with six entrances located on Great North Road (x2), Motions Road, Stadium Rd, and near Western Springs Stadium and Auckland Zoo.
• Visit: http://www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika for more information.
Ends

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