The South Pacific’s biggest Polynesian Festival

Auckland City Council
Media release

2 March 2009

Pasifika – the South Pacific’s biggest Polynesian festival

The South Pacific’s biggest Polynesian festival, Pasifika, is on at Western Springs Park on Saturday, 14 March.

Pasifika is a free celebration of Auckland’s diverse Pacific communities organised by Auckland City Council.

More than 350 stalls, 10 Pacific Island villages and 12 stages will feature a huge variety of delicious traditional foods, exciting stalls, cultural workshops, giveaways from Air New Zealand, and non-stop entertainment.

There are two new stages this year. Check out the SKYCITY PAD (Pacific Arts Domain) with Scribe, Sweet and Sour, Chook Pea and Nesian Mystik – and Auckland’s newest talent, hand picked through a tough audition process, on the Fresh Flava Stage, along with King Kapisi.

The Push Play Sports Zone will be going off. Test out or learn a new sporting skill with New Zealand's finest sports people.– and for the first time the Auckland City Sevens Sports Jam will feature in Western Springs Stadium, with a sevens tournament and demonstration matches including the Warriors Development Squad taking on the Balmain Tigers.

“If you haven’t been to Pasifika Festival before, I really encourage you to come along and see what many people rate as one of Auckland’s iconic cultural events,” says Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle.

“This free festival is a chance for our city to celebrate the diversity of Pacific communities within Auckland.”

Pasifika Festival 2009 celebrates Pacific connections to the Kota (frigate bird) and hibiscus flower – symbolising power, freedom and beauty.

Pasifika Festival 2009 is proudly sponsored by Flava 96one, SKYCITY, Push Play, and Air New Zealand, and supported by NZCT, Creative New Zealand, Perry Foundation, Māori Television, Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) Ltd and Pacific Media Network (Radio 531pi and NiuFM).

Visit www.aucklandcitygovt.nz/events for more information about Pasifika Festival 2009.

Ends

Notes to editors:
Media
Media interested in attending Pasifika Festival 09 need to register online before the event.
Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/pasifika/media.asp to register.

Celebrate Pasifika
Pasifika Festival is the highlight of Celebrate Pasifika – a month-long regional programme of arts and cultural events that reflect the unique talents of Pacific cultures in Auckland from 1 to 31 March.

Visit www.celebratepasifika.comfor more details of Celebrate Pasifika events.

Making the most of Pasifika Festival 2009

• This year’s theme is the Kota (frigate bird) and the hibiscus flower. These icons can been seen throughout the festival in decorations, flags, performances and on the big screens.
• Site maps, programmes, cash out facilities and information tents are located at the three main entrances to the park.
• To make getting around the festival easier, we suggest you keep left when walking on the path.
• Remember to drink lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. There are water fountains located at the playground and just outside the Cook Islands village.
• Help us keep our park clean – please put your rubbish in the bin. Recycling and composting options are also available.
• Remember to check out the Kota Pasifika rock sculpture in the Pacific Arts Domain.
• Have a go! There are so many opportunities to dance, try weaving, play games and get involved, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

ENDS

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