For the second year running, the crowds were dazzled at the Whau Pacific Festival.
The event, once again run by the Whau Pasifika Komiti in partnership with Saintz Dance Academy and funded by Whau Local Board, combines Pasifika workshops, maketi (markets) and celebrations.
Four nights of events were held across Whau, bringing together the best of Pasifika culture, with lots of community support and attendance.
Four days and nights of events
The first night welcomed several workshops embracing all things Pasifika at New Lynn Community Centre, including workshops on Tongan Crafts, Ukulele, Hulanesia, Making Coconut Cream and Siva afi (fire dancing).
On night two, Pasifika film night was held at Hollywood Cinema in Avondale, with interactive gaming as a warm up, followed by two films, Money Honey and WHINA and followed up with a question and answer session with the filmmakers.
Then on day three, Night Markets lit up the New Lynn Community Centre, full of Pasifika arts, crafts and food with stallholders ranging from the young to the old, and live entertainment by the talented Junior Soqeta to keep the crowds entertained.
And the grand finale, on night four, was a Fiafia night held at Kelston Boys’ High School, which included a range of performances and celebrations.
Huge success
Chantelle Huch from Saintz Dance Academy says the event was a huge success.
“For the second year in a row, the festival has produced thrills and spills, entertainment and education in equal measure, and has been a roaring success.
“It included more events and activities than last year and we have had fantastic reception from all attendees.
“This was a collaborative effort, an enormous amount of work goes into putting it together, but it really was worth it all. We want to thank Whau Local Board for providing the funding for the event, which is becoming an essential part of the Pacific calendar for the community.”
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