In pictures: Thousands turn out for Auckland's Pasifika Festival

4:20 pm on 9 March 2024

The Cook Islands corner at Auckland Pasifika Festival, Western Springs, 9 March 2024, featured teams from throughout Aotearoa, including some performers who had traveled from the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands corner at Auckland Pasifika Festival featured teams from throughout Aotearoa, including some performers who had travelled from the Cook Islands. Photo: RNZ/ Tiana Haxton

Thousands of people have turned up for this year's Auckland Pasifika Festival, to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the Pacific.

Auckland is the largest hub of Pasifika people in Aotearoa with 11 Pacific Island nations represented at festival at the Western Springs venue through cultural and contemporary performances, arts and craft displays and delicious local delicacies.

Performers told RNZ this was an incredible opportunity for them to celebrate their cultures with their brothers and sisters across the Pacific.

A number of MPs, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, have been spotted exploring the various villages.

The family-friendly event finishes tomorrow.

Here are some images from RNZ reporters at the festival.

Cook Islands performers Photo: RNZ/ Tiana Haxton

Dancers from the Cook Islands Photo: RNZ/ Tiana Haxton

The Vaitupu Community represented Tuvalu with pride at this year's Auckland Pasifika Festival.

The Vaitupu Community represented Tuvalu Photo: RNZ / Tiana Haxton

Fijian youth exude pride for their Melanesian heritage at the Pasifika Festival.

Fijian youth exude pride for their Melanesian heritage Photo: RNZ / Tiana Haxton

Photo: RNZ / Tiana Haxton

Auckland Pasifika Festival, Western Springs, 9 March 2024

Photo: RNZ/ Tiana Haxton

A group of Tokelau ladies share the stage with a young one who has expressed great interest in her cultural dance practices.

A group of Tokelaun ladies share the stage with a young one who has expressed great interest in her cultural dance practices. Photo: RNZ / Tiana Haxton