Pasifika returns to Western Springs in 2016

22 July 2015

Pasifika returns to Western Springs in 2016

The world’s largest celebration of Pacific Island culture, Pasifika, will return to Western Springs Park in 2016.

The 2015 festival was moved from Western Springs Park to Hayman Park at short notice, due to Western Springs Park being in the Queensland fruit fly exclusion zone established by the Ministry of Primary Industries.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) recommended to Auckland Council’s Arts, Culture and Events Committee today that the Pasifika Festival return to Western Springs Park in 2016.

“Our recommendation for the festival to return to Western Springs Park is based on feedback from the Pacific Island community via the Pacific People’s Advisory Panel and the Pasifika Village Coordinators,” says ATEED Manager – Communications and Media, Charmaine Ngarimu.

“The feedback highlighted Western Springs as providing better exposure of Pasifika culture to a wider audience, better site layout and better stall sales.”

ATEED has also been working closely with Otāra-Papaptoetoe Local Board Chair Fa’anana Efeso Collins, who had advocated for the festival to remain in south Auckland and who has been facilitating feedback from the Pacific Island community about the festival venue and direction.

“Obviously I would have liked to see Pasifika stay in the south,” says Fa’anana Efeso Collins, “but now I am focused on working with the Pacific Island community to have input into the direction of the festival, and I look forward to being involved, on behalf of the community, in the long-term future of Pasifika”.

ATEED remains in ongoing contact with the Pacific Island community via the Pacific People’s Advisory Panel, the Pasifika Village Coordinators, and Fa’anana Efeso Collins regarding the ongoing development and long-term future of the Pasifika festival.

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