Latest news with #Kotahitanga
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Whau Pasifika Festival Celebrates Youth Leadership, Calls For Genuine Govt Support For Future Growth
The Whau Pasifika Festival has returned to West Auckland promising most ambitious programme yet, but organisers stress that meaningful government investment is key to ensuring its survival beyond 2025. Ina Sauni, the festival director, says the community-led event has become vital for promoting Pacific youth leadership, cultural expression, and civic participation. She wants local and central governments to offer financial backing rather than merely attending the festival for photo opportunities. 'They need to put their money where their feet are,' she says. 'These things don't run on volunteers. We pay everyone involved in this festival. It's about valuing our artists and our people.' Running from 26 June to 5 July, the festival features events across the Whau region, including fire dancing, fashion shows, youth debates, and discussions based on the Treaty of Waitangi. The Whau Local Board funds the festival, which is organised by the Whau Pasifika Komiti. Sauni says this year's programme includes a wide range of events that celebrate Pacific identity, heritage, and creativity throughout West Auckland. 'We're thrilled to be hosting West Auckland's first-ever Siva Afi [fire dancing] competition,' she says. 'It will be a visually spectacular event that celebrates Pasifika heritage, skill and tradition.' The programme also features a Pasifika fashion show with 12 designers, both established and emerging, taking place in a textile warehouse that will be specially cleared for the occasion. 'It's going to be unforgettable.' Despite the festival's growth, Sauni warns that national arts funding cuts pose a significant threat to the festival's future. 'We value our artists, our artisans, our culture bearers, and everyone is paid for this festival. That's what respect looks like.' Festival promotes unity and Treaty partnerships [subheading] The Whau Local Board commissioned Auckland's first Pacific Peoples Plan in 2019 and has supported the festival since its inception. Fasitua Amosa, the Deputy Chair, says the festival has become a cornerstone of West Auckland's cultural calendar. 'The Whau Pasifika Festival brings people together across cultures, generations and neighbourhoods, and reminds us of the strength in unity,' he says. 'This year's theme, Kotahitanga, perfectly reflects our shared commitment to community partnership and respect under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.' Amosa says he is proud of the collaboration with mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki, who will host a special event during the festival to share ancestral stories about their journey to Aotearoa. Kay Thomas, the Local board chair, says the festival embodies the values of the board and the community. 'Whau Pasifika is all about Kotahitanga - bringing our diverse communities together to celebrate the strength, creativity and beauty of Pacific cultures,' she says. 'It's a vibrant showcase of talent, tradition and connection that we're incredibly proud to support.' Youth debate leads the way The festival kicked off on Thursday with its third annual youth-led school debate, where local students addressed issues affecting Pacific communities. Avondale College head girl and Youth MP Kena Hemana Hekau, the school's first Niuean female lead, says the debate proves Pacific youth are ready to lead. She believes that engaging in civic spaces shapes cultural futures. 'As Pasifika, we are a reflection of our community,' she says. 'The debate is a great way not only for us to practise our skills in public speaking, but also to express ourselves. 'I think the actions we take now will affect how our culture is preserved in the future. By getting us into these spaces, it promotes our voices so we feel heard within our community and can contribute as well as connect.' Uelese Motusaga, a Kelston Boys' High student leader, who was a member of the 2024 champion debate team, agrees. When asked about the importance of local leaders supporting young Pacific leaders, Hekau says it helps students feel valued and recognised. 'It's a great way for us within schools to understand that we are heard, we are given a platform to be seen, and that not only do our opinions matter, but the community sees that and they want to prepare us for the future so that we can give back when we're older.' 'Our fathers are chiefs, and our mothers are orators. We're natural speakers,' he says. 'It's all about stepping into spaces that honour who we are.' Motusaga says having that support means everything. 'It means feeling seen and feeling heard,' he says. 'I think especially growing up, that's something every youth deserves. Just knowing that our voices are valued and that somebody is willing to invest in what we have to say, especially as young voices. It means a lot.' Partnership with mana whenua This year's festival continues to celebrate the collaboration between the community and mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki, fostering deeper connections and respect for cultural heritage. They will share stories about their arrival in Aotearoa. Sauni says the partnership reflects how Treaty relationships can work in practice. 'It's grounding. It's real. And it's how we build unity - kotahitanga - not just talk about it,' she says. Not just a 'nice-to-have' As the festival continues to grow, organisers say sustained funding is needed to support the platform it provides. 'It's not a 'nice-to-have',' says Sauni. 'The arts are essential to building strong, confident, future-ready communities - and Pacific communities deserve to be at the centre of that.' All events are free and open to the public. The whole programme is available at
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Celebrating Culture, Connection And Unity: West Auckland's Whau Pasifika Festival Returns With Its Biggest Programme Yet
Press Release – Whau Pasifika West Auckland's Whau Pasifika Festival is back for its 11th year, with an impressive programme of free events that will run from Thursday 26 June through to Saturday 5 July, coinciding with the first week of the school holidays. Deputy Chair of the Whau Local Board, Fasitua Amosa, says the Festival has become a cornerstone of West Auckland's cultural calendar. 'The Whau Pasifika Festival brings people together – across cultures, generations and neighbourhoods – and reminds us of the strength in unity. This year's theme, Kotahitanga perfectly reflects our shared commitment to community partnership and respect under Te Tiriti Waitangi. We're proud to work alongside Mana Whenua, Te Kawarau ā Maki who will host a powerful event where they will share precious stories about their ancestral journey to Aotearoa.' Festival Director, Ina Sauni, says the 2025 programme includes a rich tapestry of workshops and events that celebrate Pacific identity, heritage and creative expression across the Whau region and West Auckland. The festival will also include some important firsts. 'We're thrilled to be hosting West Auckland's first-ever Siva Afi (fire dancing) competition – which will be a visually spectacular event that celebrates Pasifika heritage, skill and tradition. This year the festival will also include a Pasifika Fashion Show, featuring 12 incredible designers, established and emerging – the event is going to be held in a textile warehouse which will be cleared out especially for the occasion. It's going to be unforgettable.' All events are free and open to the public.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Celebrating Culture, Connection And Unity: West Auckland's Whau Pasifika Festival Returns With Its Biggest Programme Yet
West Auckland's Whau Pasifika Festival is back for its 11th year, with an impressive programme of free events that will run from Thursday 26 June through to Saturday 5 July, coinciding with the first week of the school holidays. Deputy Chair of the Whau Local Board, Fasitua Amosa, says the Festival has become a cornerstone of West Auckland's cultural calendar. 'The Whau Pasifika Festival brings people together - across cultures, generations and neighbourhoods - and reminds us of the strength in unity. This year's theme, Kotahitanga perfectly reflects our shared commitment to community partnership and respect under Te Tiriti Waitangi. We're proud to work alongside Mana Whenua, Te Kawarau ā Maki who will host a powerful event where they will share precious stories about their ancestral journey to Aotearoa.' Festival Director, Ina Sauni, says the 2025 programme includes a rich tapestry of workshops and events that celebrate Pacific identity, heritage and creative expression across the Whau region and West Auckland. The festival will also include some important firsts. 'We're thrilled to be hosting West Auckland's first-ever Siva Afi (fire dancing) competition - which will be a visually spectacular event that celebrates Pasifika heritage, skill and tradition. This year the festival will also include a Pasifika Fashion Show, featuring 12 incredible designers, established and emerging - the event is going to be held in a textile warehouse which will be cleared out especially for the occasion. It's going to be unforgettable.' All events are free and open to the public.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Public Invited To Dive In And Share Views On 10-year Coastal Plan
Wellington City Council and mana whenua are calling on residents to help shape the future of the Pōneke coastline – a taonga of the city. Public consultation on Tātou ki Uta – the draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan – is now open until midday Tuesday 5 August 2025. Covering coastal areas from Oriental Bay to Red Rocks, Tātou ki Uta sets out a 10-year plan for how the city and its people will care for, protect, and continue to enjoy our coastal reserves, beaches, public parks, and amenities like tracks, boat ramps, and public toilets. 'Our coastal reserves are a taonga, a treasure, and their future management must reflect the aspirations of Wellingtonians,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'We've worked closely with our community and Takai Here partners to create a draft plan that is integrated and forward-looking. This public consultation is an invitation for every Wellingtonian to help shape the future of our coastal spaces,' adds Mayor Whanau. Councillor Teri O'Neill, Chair of the Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee, says it's important to have your say. 'Our coastline is where so many of us feel most grounded; a place to meet friends and whānau, swim with the dog, or take in the wildlife around us. We've heard how much people care about the dunes, kororā (penguin) habitats, and cultural stories of these places. Now we want your voice in how we care for these taonga for the next decade.' The draft plan includes over 80 proposed actions, ranging from practical upgrades like improved toilets and tracks, to long-term efforts towards erosion control, protection of wildlife, restoring Māori names to reserves, and planning for climate adaptation in high-risk areas. Council has worked closely with mana whenua partners Ngāti Toa and Taranaki Whānui to develop the draft plan. The name Tātou ki Uta, gifted by mana whenua, means 'all of us on the land' and speaks to the shared responsibility of both iwi and the wider community in caring for the coast. Rawiri Faulkner, Pou Toa Matarau, of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, says the coastal environment is incredibly important to Ngāti Toa. 'We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our connection to the places we consider significant and to ensure our obligations to protect our taonga as kaitiaki is enhanced. 'We invite the community to participate in this process and join the council in ensuring our coastal environment is able to be enjoyed by current and future generations.' Tiamana | Chairperson Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika Te Whatanui Winiata says Taranaki Whānui is pleased to be a part of a kaupapa that once again highlights the importance of kotahitanga. 'Kotahitanga is working in partnership to maintain the cultural significance of our coastal areas. Kotahitanga is having a shared view on protecting our coastal areas. Kotahitanga is sharing in the development of the plan for our coastal areas. 'Taranaki Whānui is delighted with the expressions of kotahitanga with the Council and we look forward to more opportunities to collaborate.' Public consultation is open from Thursday 5 June to midday Tuesday 5 August 2025. You can have your say by: Completing the online survey at Filling out a paper submission form available online and at all Council libraries. Emailing coastalplan@ The full draft plan is available to read on Let's Talk or you can find a copy in Te Awe Library. Whether you're a surfer, swimmer, diver, dog walker, jogger, environmentalist, community volunteer, or a proud Wellingtonian, this plan is for everyone – and we want to know if we've got it right.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Matariki Festival At O Wairoa Marae
Press Release – TeTuhi Te Tuhi and O Wairoa Marae are thrilled to announce a Matariki Festival, taking place on Saturday 14 June 2025 at O Wairoa Marae in Howick. Matariki is signalled by the reappearance of the Matariki cluster of stars. It is a time to reflect remember and embrace new beginnings. Join us for a vibrant day full of creativity, discovery, and connection. From craft workshops and games to delicious kai, performances, and music, there's something for everyone. The Matariki Festival at O Wairoa Marae is a beautiful opportunity to explore Te Ao Māori and engage in shared moments of learning. Alongside the festival activities, the audience is invited to visit the exhibition Kotahitanga: Ō Wairoa Marae in the Tainui Garden of Memories, hosted by the Malcom Smith Gallery at UXBRIDGE. Festival Details Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025 Time: 10am – 3pm Location: O Wairoa Marae and UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Festival Highlights The day will commence with a public ceremony at 10am to officially launch the festival activities. Workshops and Demonstrations Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in various workshops and demonstrations including tītī tōrea (short stick game), mau rākau (weaponry using long sticks), raranga (weaving), poi making, and he ara uku (clay work). Cultural Performances Enjoy a range of performances in the Uxbridge Theatre, featuring Korean Dancers and kapa haka performances from local schools. International Activities The International Women's Association will be offering activities including origami, bean bag games, fried noddle tasting, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, language corner, lantern making and much more. All-day BBQ Enjoy a free sausage sizzle and vegan hot pot, served throughout the day. Matariki Festival at O Wairoa Marae, 2024. Photo courtesy of Te Tuhi. Everyone is welcome for a free day of festivities, cultural enrichment, and community engagement as we celebrate Matariki and the spirit of togetherness. Kotahitanga: Ō Wairoa Marae in the Tainui Garden of Memories Emilia Maud Nixon and Torere Garden of-Memories, Howick, c. 1948. Photo courtesy of Ō Wairoa Marae Hosted by the Malcom Smith Gallery at UXBRIDGE until 21 June, this exhibition explores the history and purpose of Ō Wairoa Marae in the Tainui Garden of Memories is explored through kōrero, taonga and artefacts, all of which have remained onsite. When Emilia Maude Nixon arrived in Howick in 1925, she established the Tainui Garden of Memories in the spirit of Kotahitanga (unity), with the support of Ngāi Tai kaumātua, under the korowai of the Kiingitanga. In the past thirty years, the Tainui Garden of Memories has become Ō Wairoa Marae. The vision of Kotahitanga has remained since Emilia Maude Nixon, despite violent events and confrontation, because of the resilience and leadership of Whaea Taini Drummond who has been kaitiaki since 1983. The marae, garden and Emilia Maude Nixon's collection that sit within are a unique and cherished part of the community, a living taonga that amplifies togetherness and respect for all peoples – tuku aroha. As Kiingi Tūheitia reminded us, 'The wind in our sails is kotahitanga and with that, we will reach our destination.'
