The Pasifika Festival concluded its second and final day today at Western Springs Park in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, attracting large crowds to celebrate the vibrant culture of the Pacific Islands.
The annual event features a mix of cultural performances, workshops, music and kai, celebrating the traditions of 11 island nations. With eight stages across four zones, the festival unites a dynamic crowd of festivalgoers, performers and stallholders for Pasifika celebration.
Attendees shared their thoughts on the importance of the event itself, the significance of their attire, and the Pacific cuisine, which was at the forefront of the attendee experience.
Pasifika Festival performers Photo: RNZ Pacific/Coco Lance
The importance of the Pasifika Festival
A Cook Islands ukulele group, performing on the Aotearoa stage for the first time, expressed that attending the Pasifika Festival is a must.
"We are Pasifika, so I try to come every year," said 'Papa O'. "Being able to sit on stage, play the ukulele, and sing...it's a beautiful experience."
For many, the Pasifika Festival is a chance to unapologetically celebrate and share Pacific culture, uniting diverse Pacific communities.
Festival attendee Stephen said that he had recently arrived from the UK to travel New Zealand, but met a Kiwi family the day before who "insisted" he go to the festival.
"I met these lovely people the day prior, and they said, while I'm here I have to go see the culture - take me out to the city centre and see, enjoy, learn about different cultures. It's great."
Jep Savali, Festival Director and Group Manager for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said that while not all Pacific countries are involved, it is a goal to work towards in the future.
He added that the festival "is seeing improvement year on year," and is critical in providing avenues for both economic growth and employment opportunities within the community.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins was in attendance, and earlier added that it is important for political leaders to show up to these events.
"I think political leaders have have got a really important job in bringing the community together. That means celebrating our differences."
Kai and cultural attire
Tuvalu performer Gina shared that her cultural attire was handcrafted by the women in her village.
"I'm here for Tuvalu, hosting the shared Tuvaluan stage. What I'm wearing was made by all the ladies in our village for us," she said.
In many Pacific Island cultures, communities come together to create cultural attire, with vibrant textiles and weaving techniques reflecting deep traditions. Gina explained that her titi (skirt) is specifically worn on-stage when she performs.
Tuvalu stage performer at Pasifika Festival Photo: RNZ Pacific/Coco Lance
Food was another highlight, with a range of Pacific dishes like panikeke (pancakes), sapasui (chop suey), 'ota 'ika (raw fish), hāngi, and barbecue.
Samoan stallholder Abby, from True Island Delights, said their goal is to always bring high-quality island food to the festival.
"It's not about the quantity of what we are making, but it's about the quality. That's what we value most in our food," she said.
True Island Delights food stall at Pasifika Festival Photo: Waimirirangi Lee-Reiri
RNZ festival reporter Janay Harding sampled the 'ota 'ika and declared it "Tino reka!" (fantastic): "Fresh snapper, coconut, spring onions... amazing!"
Johnny, another festival-goer, shared that his top picks were the pork ribs and cassava.
"I'm here for the barbecue, and for my family," he said. "It's a bit smaller this year, but I'm here with my nieces, it's their first time and they're enjoying the event."
As the 33rd year of Pasifika Festival concludes, Savali added that the turnaround will see preparations for Pasifika Festival 2026 underway soon.
