- Whau Pasifika Festival returns with nine events over nine days, celebrating Pacific culture and unity.
- Supported by Whau Local Board, the events include debates, fashion, film, workshops, and cultural performances.
Whau Pasifika Festival is making a vibrant return—bringing nine events over nine days in a powerful celebration of kotahitanga (unity).
The event, once again run by the Whau Pasifika Komiti and funded by Whau Local Board, combines powerful cultural storytelling, fashion, film, and fresh perspectives on Te Tiriti.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas says the board is proud to continue its support for the event.
“Whau Pasifika is all about Kotahitanga—bringing our diverse communities together to celebrate the strength, creativity, and beauty of Pacific cultures.
“It’s a vibrant showcase of talent, tradition, and connection that we’re incredibly proud to support.”
The festival starts with Whau Schools Debates from Thursday 26 June, providing a platform for local students to debate challenging topics for Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa. It wraps up with Fiafia Night on Saturday 5 July, an evening of song, dance, and cultural celebration that brings the community together in true Pasifika spirit.
Below are some highlights of the festival. You can also check out their Facebook page.
Te Kawerau ā maki Presents
5.30pm Wed 2 July
West Auckland mana whenua will give a presentation about their iwi, invite Q&A, before a screening of The Haka Party at The Hollywood.
Tagata O Le Moana Understanding Te Tiriti
3pm to 5.30pm, Sun 29 June
Online workshop, introduction to Te Tiriti from a Pasifika lens.
Nesian Threads Fashion Show
5pm to 8pm, Thursday 3 July, Mode Fabrics warehouse Avondale.
Featuring established designers and local Cokana sewing academy students, followed by a runway of the different textiles of the Pacific Islands, some made locally, e.g. Sulu Sisters from New Windsor sharing Fiji textiles, and our Samoa textile coming from Falelalaga Cultural Centre, Manurewa.
West Siva Afi Whānau Competition
1pm to 3pm, Sat 5 July
New comp for Junior, Intermediate and Senior Siva Afi dancers!
Caring for Creation Makeki
1pm to 9pm, Sat 5 July
Pacific Vision Aotearoa host this year’s Makeki, aiming for a truly zero waste market that celebrates locals and Pacific flavours.
'Rites of Courage' and 'Tinā'
11.30am, Fri 4 July at The Hollywood (part of the 12hr PolyFilms Marathon)
Audio described films for blind and low vision whanau, both written and directed by Miki Magasiva.
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