New drum beats at Pasifika

21 December 2012

New drum beats at Pasifika

One of New Zealand’s most prominent Pacific creative talents and producers, Stan Wolfgramm – founder of Drum Productions – is the new producer of Auckland’s renowned Pasifika Festival. From a multi-faceted background which includes the promotion of New Zealand’s cultural diversity, Pacific programming, fashion and the fostering of emerging talent, Stan Wolfgramm replaces Ole Maiava, who has left the role after five successful events.

Stan Wolfgramm of Drum Productions will join Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in January as Pasifika Festival Event Producer, delivering the vision for the festival’s 21st anniversary event on 9-10 March.

Jennah Wootten, General Manager Destination (acting) is thrilled to have someone of Stan Wolfgramm’s creative calibre and event production experience joining the Pasifika Festival events team.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Stan’s international standing to lead the delivery of next year’s Pasifika Festival.”

Jennah says Stan Wolfgramm’s 16 years producing Style Pasifika means he is highly respected in the creative and Pacific communities.

“Stan’s Pacific Island connections and influence will add value to the work of the existing team and the expanded festival programme as we aim for the best Pasifika ever,” she says.

Stan Wolfgramm says the ever-growing festival has a proud tradition and place in Auckland’s psyche and is happy to add this role to the work his company Drum Productions delivers in celebrating NZ Pasifika identity.

“It’s my desire to ensure that the principles of the festival remain true, and at the same time ensure we present a truly unique and identifiable Pasifika experience to festival goers.”

He says his Pacific cultural identity and ethnicity has been hugely influential in his life. Of Tongan, German, Cook Island and New Zealand descent, Stan honed his creative skills in the US, Europe and Australia, with national and international training and experience including a two year stint at the world famous Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York.

He developed his natural interest and affinity for being both in front of and behind the camera while working across all mediums including film, theatre and television – before returning to New Zealand.

Pasifika Festival started life at Western Springs in 1992. In 2008, it was rated as most important arts event or activity to Aucklanders in the Creative New Zealand New Zealanders and the Arts survey.

ENDS

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