Auckland’s Pasifika Festival at Western Springs stands as a place where culture, tradition, identity and community converge.
For New Zealand-born Andrew Kumkee, being wrapped in his traditional Kiribati attire as part of the Marewen Kiribati group is more than just a performance—it’s a vital connection to his heritage.
He proudly showcases his culture, uniting his Micronesian community far from their ancestral home. “Very proud, you know, because our culture is like pretty small, our country,” Kumkee says.
He may be miles away from his homeland but this item has united his micronesian community who are proud to show off their culture.
Fellow Kiribati youth, Meritebwa Moote, stresses the importance of performing to keep their traditions alive.
“It’s very important for us to stay connected and showcase our cultures, because, you know, this is not our country and yeah, we are very proud to showcase Kiribati for our Pasifika people.”
Pacific peoples represent nearly 17 percent of the region’s population, and the festival’s vibrant atmosphere is a testament to this diversity.
Vaisioa and her husband Makanesi Vīmahi, long-running vendors with their food stall Cocolicious, bring 100 percent Tongan dishes like lū sipi, ‘otai and ngou’a. This business, which sustains their family of nine children, is more than a job.
“What we do here is helping for the kids for their study and the family. We can even travel as a family when we do this part-time job here,” says Vaisioa Vīmahi.
The festival draws people from all corners of the moana, including cousins from New Caledonia and wantok from the Solomon Islands.
Jiulyn Pincham sells beautiful products crafted by local Solomon Islands women, helping them earn income for necessities.
“We have a wide range of products at home that the mamas made them… that’s what they make to make money to buy, you know, the necessity and how they live. So they are beautiful. Why not bring it here and share it with New Zealand.”
Pasifika is a soul-filling expression where culture and history are preserved.
Mama Kimiora Akaoro has been selling her Cook Islands handicraft at Mama Kimi’s Art & Craft since 1995, a legacy woven over three decades.
“This is how the things that the Cook Islands do it… us mamas, you know anything like this, I really love to support things like this to show to each of us Mamas everywhere, you know, I am happy,” Akaoro says.
The festival organiser, Afamasaga Jep Savali, views the event as a significant responsibility.
“It’s a big privilege for us to be carrying this taonga at this point and time and for us it’s really important that we engage with our tupulaga/rangatahi that are coming through so that this continues for another 33 years and beyond.”
