Iva Pacific Arts
21 January, 2009
Media Release

The 9th annual Pacific Arts Festival of Christchurch is on again from Wed 4 Feb - Sat 7 Feb, 2009.

Celebrating Pacific Arts in Aotearoa this year's line up includes guest Herbs Unplugged,Maori songstress Toni Huata, Dunedin Reggae band Koile, artists Lonnie Hutchinson, Andy Leleisiu'uao, Stone Maka, and Raphael Stowers, Cerisse Palalagi.

Iva-Pacific Arts (‘Iva’ meaning nine in Samoan) has been running since 2001 and marks a historical milestone for Pacific Underground, the performing arts collective of Christchurch. Starting out as a Theatre Company back in 1993, the hosting of this festival really changed the focus of the organisation in it’s delivery of services, but in doing so still has the organisation contributing largely to the landscape of Pacific Arts in New Zealand.

“We hadn’t projected a 5 or 10 year plan we took on the festival, that’s for sure, but we’ve managed to develope a unique event where we still host some of the worlds most honoured and prolific Pasifika artists, and in an environment that’s warm and inviting. Our location in the Arts Centre adds to that.” Says the Festival Director, Pos Mavaega

“We’re small, and proud that Christchurch has warmed to the festival also and our series of events reflects that. Last year when our funding and resources were down, we pulled one of our busiest crowds at our Family Day, and that was with a 100 percent local line up. No headliners, just all local Pasifika acts, it is fantastic. This year we’re back on track so we’re offering a great mix headliners, and local stars.” Says Mavaega.

Celebrated NZ Reggae legends Herbs Unplugged will give a long overdue show in Christchurch for Iva-Pacific Arts, the annual the 9th Annual Pacific Arts Festival at Legends Bar on Sat 7 Feb, Waitangi Weekend.

Featuring four original members of the band Dilworth Karaka, Tama Lundon, Morrie Watene and Thom Nepia the four will bring their greatest hits from Herbs’ 30-year music career. The November 2008 release of the album “Light of the Pacific’ that celebrates the 30 year milestone includes a string of hits such as French Letter, Long Ago and Sensitive To A Smile - a song that won them Best Album and Songwriters at the NZ Music Awards in 1987.
Samoan Poet Tusiata Avia will launch her second book called 'Bloodclot' concerts can be seen by local bands Niu Seila, Neon Sophora, Restoration and D'sendantz with local tattoo artist Aki Aupa'au.

To honour the signing of the Waitangi Treaty, the annual Pacific Arts festival of Christchurch will join the Christchurch Art Gallery in their celebrations with screenings of “Rain of the Children” by Vincent Ward, and entertainment in the outside courtyard.

Headlining the entertainment is Maori songstress Toni Huata known for her stunning vocal stylings in Te Reo Maori, who recently returned from the 10th Pacific Arts Festival in American Samoa with 120 other artists from New Zealand. Toni was joined by King Kapisi, Teremoana, Pacific Underground and Chuck Upu supported by Steve Rangihuna. Joining Toni is Kapa Haka by Mareikura, poems by Ben Brown and an insight into the history of Waitangi by Larry Thompson.

Weaving, Poi and Jewellery making workshops at the Canterbury Museum return and the closing party of 2 exhibitions 'Bite Me' and 'Baby You Can Drive My Car' at Our City O-Tautahi will mark the official opening of the festival.

The popular Family will highlight Pasifika music and entertainment as well as arts and crafts and plenty of food. The final day of the 9th annual Pacific Arts Festival of Christchurch will celebrate and showcase performances from local bands and groups as well as guest artists from around Aotearoa. Dunedin Pacific reggae band 'Koile will share the headline spot with Maori songstress from Wellington Toni Huata. 'Koile who have just returned from playing gigs at the Parihaka Peace Festival and in Wellington are on the verge of releasing their debut album. Their bouncy sound with tight harmonies and songs sung in the languages of Tonga, Tokelau and Cook Islands will bring a smile to your face rain or shine.

Once again, the Canterbury Museum hosts our Iva-Pacific Arts Workshops. On Wed 4 and Thurs 5 Feb from 10am – 2pm, Samoan master weaver Misa Emma Kesha returns for the 9th time to teach weaving in the Visitors Lounge in the workshop “Master Weaver”. Maria Godinet Watts will take a session on making Pacific jewellery in the “Pacific Adornment” workshop on Thurs 5 Feb, from 10am – 2pm. The popular workshop of traditional Maori poi-making returns on Sun 8 Feb at 10am – 1pm in “Ko Te Patu o te Poi – The beating sound of the Poi” with Reihana Parata and Morehu Flutey of the weaving collective Korowai Tahi. Bookings are essential ph 366 9429 ext 817 or email discovery@canterburymuseum.com

At the Dux de Lux on Wednesday 4 Feb at 6pm, Apra/Amcos and Creative NZ will present information regarding their organizations and their service to the arts and music industries. Petrina George and Tarisi Vunidilo return again to answer any questions about performing rights and royalties and funding. Following the forum at 8pm will be a performance by local reggae band Niu Seila – headed by Braden Fa’avae (formerly of ‘Koile) and Malua Vili (formerly of I & I and Jahmen) you’ll hear a mix original tunes and some classic reggae hits. On Thursday night at 8pm new band D’sendantz will bring all original music of reggae and soul. Members hail from Katchafire, Pacific Underground, and Funkdefyed.

The official opening Fia Fia (Samoan for party / celebration), will double as the closing party for Iva-Pacific Art Exhibitions “Bite Me” and “Baby You Can Drive My Car”. “Bite me!” that features artists Lonnie Hutchinson, Andy Leleisiu'uao, Stone Maka, and Raphael Stowers, and Cerisse Palalagi
and curated by Stephanie O’berg is a taste of Pacific Visual arts from prints to sculptures. "It’s is about revealing their variety in terms of visual style and working practise. These artists are not all about frangipani and hibiscus." say's Oberg.
Iva-Pacific Art’s is funded by Canterbury Community Trust and Creative NZ, and supported by The Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, Dux de Lux, BounceNZ, A&C Lighting, Apra/amcos, Phantom Billstickers, Music Planet and Cosmic Corner

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