Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, March 16, 2023
Auckland is home to a diverse range of cultures, and one of the most vibrant celebrations of this cultural diversity is the Pasifika Festival.
The Pasifika Festival is a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity in Auckland, showcasing the rich culture and identity of the Pacific peoples who reside in Aotearoa New Zealand. As Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Head of Major Events, Chris Simpson, explains, “Cultural festivals are a keystone of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s vibrancy. We are the largest Polynesian city in the world, so the Pasifika Festival is significant to the region.”
The festival brings together people from various backgrounds to celebrate the diversity of cultures found in Auckland.
What to Expect
The Pasifika Festival 2023, started on 3rd March 2023. The festival will be in its full glory on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March 2023 at Western Springs Park in Auckland, is set to showcase over 200 stalls featuring the finest Pacific Island food, arts, crafts, and culture.
Traditional performances from a variety of Pacific Island communities, including Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Tahiti, will be on display.
According to Mr Simpson, “The Festival brings together everything we love about Pasifika – from otai (watermelon fruit drink) to siva afi (Samoan fire dancing), there will be lots to see and do that celebrates the Pacific cultures that make Auckland such a great place.”
One of the festival’s highlights is the music, with live performances by Pacific Island musicians and bands offering a mix of traditional Pacific Island music, as well as contemporary Pacific Island music that incorporates modern styles like reggae and hip hop.
History of the Pasifika Festival
The Pasifika Festival has been held in Auckland since 1993, and it has become one of the largest Pacific Island cultural festivals in the world. The festival was created to celebrate the diversity of the Pacific Island communities in Auckland, and to promote cultural understanding and awareness. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and popularity, and it now attracts visitors from all over New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. According to Wikipedia, the Pasifika Festival attracts up to 200,000 visitors each year.
The Pasifika Community
The 2018 Census states that there are 381,642 people in New Zealand who identified with one or more Pacific ethnic groups.
The largest Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand is Samoans, with 187,179 people. This is followed by Tongan (82,389), Cook Islands Māori (80,523), Niuean (28,815), Fijian (14,601), Tokelauan (6,507), and Tuvaluan (3,987).
Pacific peoples make up approximately 8.1% of New Zealand’s population, with the highest proportion of Pacific people living in the Auckland region. In Auckland, Pacific people make up approximately 15.1% of the population.
In terms of age, the Pacific population is younger than the total New Zealand population, with 35% of Pacific people aged under 15 years, compared to 19% of the total New Zealand population.
The median age for Pacific people is 23.3 years, compared to 37.4 years for the total New Zealand population.
These statistics demonstrate the significant contribution that Pacific peoples make to the cultural and social fabric of New Zealand, particularly in Auckland where the Pacific population is most concentrated.
Making the Most of Your Experience
To make the most of your experience at the Pasifika Festival 2023, it is recommended that you plan your visit in advance. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the festival to the fullest:
Arrive early – The festival starts at 10 am, but it is recommended that you arrive early to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes – The festival covers a large area, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
Bring cash – While some stalls may accept card payments, it is recommended that you bring cash as some stalls may only accept cash.
Try the food – The food at the Pasifika Festival is a highlight, so make sure you try some of the delicious Pacific Island dishes on offer.
Take part in the activities – The festival offers a range of activities, including traditional games and arts and crafts workshops.
Those of you who are unable to visit the festival grounds can do so from your homes. The Tāmaki Makaurau website provides Pasifika recipes, music and videos to enjoy from home.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
