Pasifika Day is a free, family-friendly cultural community festival celebrating the diverse Pacific cultures present on Waiheke Island and the wider Hauraki Gulf community.
The event is organised by Waiheke Livingwaters Church and Waiheke Youth Centre as a community wellbeing initiative that brings together local residents, churches, youth, elders and families in a safe and inclusive environment.
Attendees can expect a relaxed village-style atmosphere where they can experience Pacific cultures through music, dance, food and community connection. The event will include:
Traditional cultural performances (Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands, Fijian and Māori)
Live music and MC entertainment
Pacific food stalls and BBQ
Community organisation information tables
Children’s games and craft activities
Youth participation and volunteer opportunities
Traditional storytelling across the Pacific
Seating and shaded areas for families and kaumātua
Finale professional fire dance ceremony
The event is alcohol-free and focused on positive community engagement, Pasifika cultural sharing and inter-generational connection.
This is a family event suitable for all ages, including:
children and youth
families
elders/kaumātua
wider Waiheke residents and visitors
A children’s activity area and quiet rest space will be available outside the hall for younger children and caregivers.
Programme / Outline (approximate timetable)
7:30am – 10:00am
Event set-up, stallholder arrival and safety briefing
10:00am
Welcome and opening karakia & powhiri
10:15am – 12:00pm
Morning cultural performances and children’s activities
12:00pm – 2:30pm (Peak period)
Main cultural performance programme and food service
2:30pm – 4:30pm
Community participation performances, music and youth items
Final performances, acknowledgements and community engagement
Closing thanks and announcements
Transport and access
The venue is accessible by local Waiheke bus services operating between Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Oneroa, Ostend and surrounding areas.
Visitors arriving via the passenger ferry from central Auckland can take the local bus from Matiatia to Surfdale/Ostend.
Public street parking is available near the venue.
Attendees will be encouraged to carpool, walk, or use public transport due to limited parking.
No road closures are required and traffic management is not anticipated.