Kiribati youth performing at the Wellington Pasifika Festival 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Wellington's Pacific community came together to honour their rich cultural heritage at the Wellington Pasifika Festival over the weekend.
With sights, sounds, and flavours evoking the essence of the Pacific, participants embarked on a journey through the diverse island nations of Te Moana Nui O Kiva.
Drawing in a crowd of over 15,000 people annually, the event holds significant importance in preserving cultural ties to their homelands.
"It's incredibly important so that we can make sure our identity is solid," Brienela Tauira Kisona, the Mistress of Ceremonies, said.
"We do that by surrounding ourselves with people that identify with the same cultures, to ensure that we are continuing our Pacific traditions and cultures."
Representatives from Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia showcased their crafts, cuisine, and captivating performances, highlighting the significance of the festival.
Solomon Islands community vice-president Selwyn Teho said the event provides an opportunity for all.
"It's a day where we come and share our cultures with other Pacific countries too and then we share it with the whole Wellington community."
The Solomon Islands community performed with pride at the Wellington Pasifika Festival 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Teho also emphasised the importance of youth involvement in cultural preservation, expressing pride in seeing different generations unite on stage.
"Seeing our new generation and the older generation together on the stage is just really amazing" he said, adding: "It means a lot to us."
Echoing similar sentiments, the Porirua Samoana Methodist Youth Group said having family support at cultural events was special.
Vaioleni Aiono led a team of first-time performers on stage while their parents cheered them on from the audience.
"It's very special especially for our young girls who are first time performing so they do get stage fright and so its good to have our mums and dads here to support our young kids while we celebrate our culture with everyone here," Aiono said.
Samoan youngsters grace the stage, many for the very first time! Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
PMN radio personality Susnation Seta, alongside Cook Islands champion dancer Caroline Bishop, engaged attendees in traditional dance forms of Ura Kuki Airani.
Seta expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share Pasifika heritage.
"The crowd and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It is an absolute honour to be celebrating Pasifika excellence at a festival like this."
Another special guest was international opera tenor, Benjamin Fifita Makisi.
The Wellington-born Samoan-Tongan singer has returned from Europe and has been enjoying performing at community events back home.
He said performing Polynesian songs overseas is always well received and he was proud to bring the experience to his hometown.
"It was really nice to come and showcase it (Opera) back home," Makisi said.
"Events like this is a really good way to outreach to the community and to our own people."
International Opera singer Ben Makisi performs in his home town. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Saturday's resounding success underscores the enduring vibrancy and value of Pacific Island heritage in Aotearoa.
The Wellington Pasifika Festival yet again left attendees eagerly anticipating next year's event.
Flags flying high at the Wellington Pasifika Festival 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
The crowd follows along with traditional Cook Islands dancing. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
The crowd follows along with traditional Cook Islands dancing. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Tane Tuvalu celebrate their culture at the Wellington Pasifika Festival 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Fire dancers from Tautua Dance Samoa wow the crowd. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
A cultural Fijian performance at the Wellington Pasifika Festival 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
The Solomon Islands community performed with pride at the Wellington Pasifika Festival 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
