News
'Our culture is from God': Families keep Polyfest alive behind the scenes for decades
13+ hour, 34+ min ago (845+ words) Three generations of the Lakatani family at ASB Polyfest 2026, from left: Aundreah, Toane and Malakamu Lakatani. As funding debates grow, Pacific families say ASB Polyfest still runs on generations of unpaid work, care, and culture that most people never see....
Who should pay for Polyfest? Growth puts pressure on funding
1+ day, 5+ hour ago (768+ words) Avondale College students perform on stage at ASB Polyfest 2026, marking the festival's 51st year. As Auckland's biggest M'ori and Pacific youth festival grows, councillors warn more support could mean less for other community events. ASB Polyfest is one of the biggest…...
Capturing moments: Esther Pasitoa is not chasing the perfect shot, she notices it
3+ day, 10+ hour ago (398+ words) Esther Pasitoa is of K'ki 'irani heritage based in T'maki Makaurau Auckland. While others wait for the "perfect" shot, Esther Pasitoa is already taking it. "I was just watching one day and just beautiful moments happening right before me and…...
Words in Motion: Māori and Pacific poetry takes crowd on a shared waka
4+ day, 12+ hour ago (572+ words) 'Words in Motion' runs from 19-21 March at Auckland's Basement Theatre. A three-night showcase in Auckland brings M'ori and Pasifika voices celebrating storytelling, culture, and connection through poetry. In the heart of T'maki Makaurau Auckland, a line-up of M'ori and Pacific…...
Christchurch Polyfest celebrates 25 years of Pacific culture in NZ
1+ week, 2+ day ago (698+ words) Christchurch students prepare to perform at Polyfest in 2026. South Island students take the stage this weekend for dance, song, and heritage at Hagley Park. This weekend, Christchurch will come alive with Pacific dance, music, and celebration as the city marks…...
Food, music, culture return as Pasifika Festival takes over Western Springs
1+ week, 1+ day ago (788+ words) Dancers perform during Pasifika Festival at Western Springs, where Pacific communities gather to share culture, music and performance. Organisers expect around 30,000 people over two days as communities from across the Pacific gather for performances, food and cultural celebration. Thousands are…...
‘Light of the Pacific’: Remembering Herbs' heart, Dilworth Karaka
1+ week, 5+ day ago (519+ words) Dilworth Karaka brought the 'complete package' to Herbs. Polynesian Panther leader and former Herbs manager, Will "Ilolahia joined Pacific Mornings to pay tribute to his "best mate" and "true brother". The passing of Dilworth Karaka, the heart of the legendary…...
Victor Rodger: Why theatre should disturb your comfort zone
2+ week, 1+ day ago (611+ words) Victor Rodger ONZM, the Red Phone installation. From "Red Phone" theatre to cheeky advice, the award-winning playwright challenges Pacific creatives to ditch humility and claim their space. In the world of creative theatre, award-winning playwright Victor Rodger ONZM is a…...
Music of a disruptor: A masterclass in identity, honesty, and resilience
2+ week, 1+ day ago (558+ words) There were tears, laughs, and plenty of singing in the crowd for the opening night of the 'Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan'. "Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan" by Fonot" Pati Umaga is a formidable story about…...
From oral legends to digital archives: How technology could help protect Pacific ancestry
2+ week, 1+ day ago (607+ words) From left: Garrick Parr, Afiona Faumuina and Jessica Soho are at a family history conference in the USA. At RootsTech 2026 in Salt Lake City, USA, Pacific attendees are learning how digital tools and artificial intelligence can safeguard genealogy and oral…...