Tejal Somvanshi
Auckland’s Pasifika Festival has returned to Western Springs Park this weekend, bringing a colorful showcase of Pacific Island traditions, food, and performances for its 32nd year. The two-day event, running March 8-9, 2025, features 11 nationally themed villages representing different Pacific nations.
Festival organizer Jep Savali notes the event is on an upward trajectory after facing several challenges in recent years. “I think we’re just starting to get back onto that growth curve and we’re positively moving upwards and onwards,” said Savali, who serves as group manager for major events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
The festival was canceled in 2019 following the Christchurch mosque attacks and again in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, it proceeded with a different tone shortly after storms devastated Auckland. Despite rumors of budget cuts, the event avoided cancellation and last year marked a return to form.
According to Savali, Auckland’s events sector has finally recovered from Covid-19 after five years. “Right across the industry we’re hearing conversations that we’re basically almost back to pre-Covid levels,” he said.
Cultural Authenticity Takes Center Stage
This year’s festival places special emphasis on cultural authenticity. “What we’ve tried to really focus on this year is really keep our food and craft offering genuine and authentic,” Savali explained.
Ena Manuireva, chair of the Pasifika Festival Villages Charitable Trust, which advises on the festival’s cultural integrity, stressed the importance of preserving traditional practices. “For me authenticity is to come to Fale Pasifika and to shave the coconut like we do on the island. That’s authenticity,” he said. “You know, not use those different machines, electric machines.”
For Manuireva, who was born in Tahiti, the festival provides a connection to his roots. “For me, when I think Pasifika, I think, you know, home away from home. So that’s for me, the Pasifika is my home.”
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Diverse Performances and Activities
The festival features numerous performers from 11 Pacific nations, including Aotearoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai’i, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, and Tonga.
Attendees can enjoy performances by youth groups such as Gafoa Le Ata from Kōwhai Intermediate, The Royal Family Dance Crew, and Samoan artist Vaniah Toloa. The festival also features Pacific drumming, choir performances, and music from the R&B Fijian group LeftOvas LiveBand, winners of the Moana Music Open Mic Competition.
Interactive workshops include storytelling with Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh, traditional wood carving with Jim Stretton, and a live mural art collaboration with John Crouch and Jim To’o Stretton. There’s also a Q&A session with Miki Magasiva, director of the film Tinā.
Food Remains a Major Draw
Traditional Pacific Island cuisine is one of the festival’s main attractions. Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina highlighted the importance of the food offerings: “People should definitely try the food. Honestly, I eat too much of it, especially the panikeke. Oh, the banana one — it’s shocking, but we love our food.”
Visitors can sample authentic dishes including Samoan panikeke (banana pancakes), Tongan ‘ota ika (raw fish salad), Fijian kokoda (marinated raw fish), and Niuean takihi. The festival also features island-style barbecues and traditional hangi and umu feasts.
Community Connection
Mount Albert MP Helen White emphasized the festival’s significance to Auckland’s cultural landscape: “I think the contribution of the Pacific community in Auckland’s huge. They have really contributed to the kind of richness of the culture and basically anchoring us in the Pacific.”
Filipaina, who recalls attending the festival since its early days, noted its value in connecting people with their heritage while also learning about other cultures. “You look and see your Samoan side of who you are performing, with the songs they sing and the performances,” he said. “It’s not just about your own culture, but about learning something from other people’s cultures too. That’s why I love it.”
Practical Information for Attendees
The festival runs from 9am to 6pm on Saturday, March 8, and 10am to 4pm today, Sunday, March 9, at Western Springs Park. Public transportation is recommended, with trains and buses running, though some bus routes will be diverted due to road closures. Visitors can use the AT Mobile app or visit AT.govt.nz/journeyplanner to plan their trip.
Festival organizers recommend bringing an empty water bottle (free refill stations are available), sun protection, comfortable shoes, and reusable bags for purchases. Alcohol, smoking, vaping, and dogs (except service dogs) are not permitted.
