Pasifika Festival, Auckland City: The Countdown Begins

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Auckland City Council
Media release

1 March 2010

The countdown’s on to Auckland’s biggest

Pasifika Festival yet

The week leading up to Pasifika Festival Day on Saturday, 13 March sees new events and new locations, including;

? The Best of the Auditions – featuring performances from the top 10 individuals and groups from festival auditions held in January, and guest artists from Dawn Raid and the Mana Maoli Collective from Hawaii

? Fakakaukau – a Pacific debate series featuring academics, politicians, artists and activists discussing a variety of current Pacific topics

? Po; Beautiful Darkness – featuring Mika and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in Mika’s one-night only return to the stage.

The Pasifika Festival Opening Night Concert takes place on Thursday, 11 March at Western Springs and features performances from each of the 10 communities represented on Saturday’s festival day, as well as performances from several international artists. All elements respond to this year’s festival themes – the molokau (centipede) and frangipani flower – symbolising perseverance, fertility and growth, and acknowledging the first-born.

The climax, Festival Day on Saturday, 13 March, brings together thousands of Aucklanders in a unique celebration of our Pacific communities.

With more than 350 stalls, 10 Pacific Island villages, 12 stages, delicious traditional foods and flavours, non-stop entertainment, including appearances from Sweet & Irie, Annie Crummer, and King Kapisi – plus cultural workshops, and giveaways….this is one great day not to be missed!

Auckland’s popular Pasifika Festival is a free celebration organised annually by Auckland City Council.

Pasifika Festival 2010 is proudly supported by 2degrees, Air New Zealand, Youthtown, The Radio Network , Māori Television, Tip Top Ice Cream, Pacific Media Network, The Edge®, Dawn Raid Entertainment, New Zealand Major Events, NZCT, Creative New Zealand and Te Puni Kōkiri.

Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events to find out more about these and other events and activities during festival week.

Ends

Getting to Pasifika Festival – information for public
Parking:

• Park and Ride – free at Unitec (Carrington Road)
• Public parking – available at Western Springs College and MOTAT 2 (both on Motions Road)

Bus or Train:

• Take the bus or train to the Britomart Transport Centre in the city centre and get a connecting bus to Great North Road and Pasifika Festival.
• Take the west-bound train from Britomart Transport Centre (CBD) or Waitakere. The closest stop to Pasifika Festival is Mt Albert.

For more information on bus and train services to Pasifika Festival, visithttp://www.maxx.co.nz or phone 366 6400.

Making the most of Pasifika Festival

• Site maps, programmes, cash out facilities and information tents are located at the three main entrances to the park (at the Western Springs Stadium gates, next to MOTAT on Great North Road and at the playground near Auckland Zoo).
• Keep left when walking on the path to make getting around the festival easier for everyone.
• Remember to drink lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Help us keep our park clean – please put your rubbish in the bin. Recycling options are also available.
• We encourage a family-friendly smokefree festival. Please use the designated smoking areas.
• Remember to check out the Molokau Pasifika Rock Sculpture at the corner of Motions and Great North roads, and the Kilikiti tournament at the sports fields.
• Have a go! There are so many opportunities at Pasifika to dance, try weaving, play games and get involved, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
• Check out the displays and activities throughout the park provided by our sponsors and supporters.