Pasifika returns to Western Springs Park
Pasifika returns to Western Springs Park on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March, as the world’s biggest celebration of
Pacific Island culture and heritage celebrates its 24th birthday.
The festival welcomes people from all backgrounds to explore a slice of island paradise in the centre of Auckland.
The free, family-friendly festival presents the colourful sights, sounds and tantalising tastes of the Pacific in
villages representing different Pacific Island nations.
Each village has its own performance stage, featuring traditional and contemporary performances, and market stalls where
festival-goers can purchase delicious food and handmade crafts, and there are a range of activities for kids and
grown-ups alike.
The Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Tonga and Tokelau are all represented
in the festival.
For the first time this year, MOTAT, Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology, is coming on board as host to the
Pan Pacific village. Visitors to the village will find authentic Pacific Island products that are not defined to one
specific village.
Mayor Len Brown says Auckland is renowned for its Pacific influences, with its large Polynesian and Pacific Island
population.
“New Zealand is a Pacific nation, and nowhere in New Zealand is that more strongly expressed than in Auckland. Pacific
Island Aucklanders are an important and well-established part of our diverse population, which is reflected in Pasifika
being one of our longest-standing and most loved annual festivals, giving all Aucklanders and visitors to the region the
opportunity to share this celebration.”
Proudly supported by AMI Insurance, Pasifika Festival forms part of the Auckland’s summer event programme. It is being
delivered for the second year by Orange Productions on behalf of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development’s
(ATEED) and Auckland Council.
Other sponsor include Mai FM, Tip Top, Air New Zealand, Nui FM, MoneyGram and more.
To find out more about Pasifika Festival 2016, go to:
Facebook – What’s on in Auckland
Instagram – @PasifikaFestival_AKL
ENDS