The streets of Massey in Māngere East came alive with vibrant colours, joyful singing, beautiful performances, a showcase of rangatahi (youth) entrepreneurial brilliance, and a wave of community aroha at the Māngere East Cultural Festival.
With $4,000 from the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, incredible teamwork from the Māngere East Community Centre and Library, and support from Ohomairangi Trust, this festival brought the community together in a fun way.
Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says, “There’s something truly special about a festival that’s right on your doorstep—free, run by locals for locals, with delicious kai, awesome entertainment and great weather!
“It's fantastic to see our local community come together at free events like this, delivered by local groups and organisations and supported by our funding, where families, groups, and local services showcase their talents, offer valuable resources, and create a vibrant atmosphere in our open spaces—bringing the best of our neighbourhood to life.”
All the colours of the islands. Image: Māngere East Community Centre.
Pasifika Month wrapped up in March with this standout event.
Hundreds of people gathered to enjoy incredible performances, activities, youth markets, support local vendors, entertainment, games, and get information for the whole whānau. Together, they celebrated the diversity and cultures that make the beautiful Māngere East community shine.
Great attendance from the local community. Image: Māngere East Community Centre.
Special mention to the Māngere East Library whānau for hosting the incredible rangatahi and their start-ups and fundraisers, and for celebrating their entrepreneurial spirit.
Massive shoutout to the amazing rangatahi from Aorere, De La Salle, Auckland Seventh Day Adventist, South Auckland Seventh Day Adventist, and Kedgley Intermediate! They sold out their food stalls and made great sales on everything from handcrafted jewellery to dumplings and banoffee pie.
Centre Manager Hannah Edwards says, "Big thanks to everyone who helped bring the Māngere East Cultural Festival to life! Shoutout to Triple Teez for the bike smoothies, Fair Food for the donation, Banana Boat Entertainment for the tunes, and Ernestina Bonsu Maro as an amazing MC. Also, much love to the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board and Ohomairangi Trust for their support!"
Food stalls and info providers all in one place! Image: Māngere East Community Centre.
Pasifika Month was an exciting, month-long celebration across Māngere Town Centre Library, Māngere Bridge Library, Tōia Library, and Māngere East Library. The month was filled with vibrant storytimes, creative activities, and rich cultural experiences for all to enjoy.
Some snaps from the day. Image: Māngere East Community Centre.
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