Latest news with #PacificDanceFestival
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Pacific Dance Festival 2025 Proves Community Demand & Delivers On Creative NZ's Pacific Arts Strategy
Press Release – Elephant Publicity After years of instability, shifting audience habits, rising living costs, and increased competition from digital entertainment, Pacific Dance NZ is proud to celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 Pacific Dance Festival. This season reconnected communities, revitalised live performance, and reaffirmed the powerful role of Pacific stories on Aotearoa's stages. This year's festival wasn't just about box-office success, though sell-out shows and full houses hearten us. It was about demonstrating that, when invested in thoughtfully and delivered with integrity, Pacific arts continue to matter — deeply — to our people. Audiences returned not just to be entertained, but to feel seen, heard, and moved. From free workshops to weekend gallery activations, from youth-led productions to intergenerational casts, the festival met people where they are — on their terms, in their language, through their own lens. We are grateful and recognise our longstanding partnerships with Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku and Te Pou Theatre in Henderson, whose leadership and location play a vital role in ensuring the arts remain accessible, local, and culturally grounded. These strategically positioned venues are more than just stages; they are anchors within their communities, enabling whānau and wider audiences to access and participate in Pacific storytelling close to home. The diversity of shows in this year's programme reflects the communities we serve: from Stories About Us with Phab Pasifika — highlighting inclusive, youth-led stories — to the lively school matinee Shapes in the Clouds, which welcomed hundreds of tamariki into the world of dance, and the passionate, feminist retelling of Pele: The Goddess of Fire. Each show brought something special and meaningful. Audience surveys confirm what we observed firsthand: families want to see more — especially content they can enjoy together. Intergenerational audiences expressed great appreciation for the chance to share Pacific cultural stories outside formal education systems that often omit or marginalise these narratives. Festival Director Iosefa Enari expressed gratitude to everyone who attended, spread the word, supported the Kaupapa, or brought their families. They emphasised that the arts are not a luxury but a vital part of life, signifying a heartbeat that continues to thrive within our communities. A Snapshot of Festival Impact Across five weeks, the festival connected with many New Zealanders in theatres, galleries, public spaces, and online, featuring one of the most diverse and intergenerational Pacific casts in our history. Live shows demonstrated strong engagement, with MOANA — a flagship, family-friendly, large ensemble work — selling out a week before its opening. Our data confirms what many have long known: when the right show is programmed, with the correct scale, story, and values, audiences turn out. Meanwhile, more than 1,300 people engaged with our free activations, including dance pop-ups in the Auckland Art Gallery foyer, a Sunday event at the Auckland Museum, and a short film activation showcasing Pacific dance on screen. These events acted as crucial access points, bringing Pacific dance to new and non-traditional audiences, and tracking direct conversions into ticket buyers and new followers. On social media, the numbers tell a powerful story: 417,000+ people reached, 10,138 direct clicks to our ticketing platform, and over 80 user-generated posts from attendees tagging their experience. Our Approach: Values in Practice Pacific Dance NZ's approach to programming and community engagement remains shaped by a strong commitment to Pacific values, intergenerational exchange, and sector-wide collaboration. These values guided every aspect of the 2025 Festival, from artist support to venue partnerships and audience development. Throughout this year's festival, we: · Empowered people and communities, ensuring participation from youth, elders, and artists at all stages of their creative journeys. Audiences of all ages came together, affirming the strength of Pacific identity on stage. · Strengthened capability and future leadership by mentoring emerging choreographers and producers, and creating spaces where community workshops led to real-world opportunities. · Built bridges across ecosystems, through long-term partnerships with Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, Toi o Tamaki, 275 Times, Pacific Media Network and Sunpix. These collaborations helped deepen reach and trust. · Connected globally, welcoming guest artist Thomas E. Kelly of KARUL Project from Queensland, Australia — a Ni-Van Aboriginal storyteller — opened up a new dimension of cross-regional exchange from Queensland and extended our digital footprint across the Pacific diaspora. Our programme is not only a celebration of Pacific dance but a strategic and intentional response to the aspirations of our people, ensuring that the art we present reflects the realities, hopes, and richness of our communities. Strategic Impact and Return on Investment In a funding environment that increasingly demands proof of value, the Pacific Dance Festival 2025 provided both complex data and a human story to justify public and partner investment. The campaign generated significant direct tracked revenue, alongside thousands more in indirect value through awareness, audience development, and content reach.' Our digital campaigns outperformed sector benchmarks, achieving CTR rates above 2.4%, with engagement peaking during show weeks. Radio advertising, social content, PR hits, and free activations worked in tandem to build both frequency and cultural trust, especially among communities not always reached by mainstream marketing. 'We've learned over the years that success isn't about doing more — it's about doing it right,' says Enari .'We now know how to match story, location, cast, price, and platform to reach our audience where they are. The data confirms it. The people confirm it. It's time to keep going.' Looking Ahead Pacific Dance NZ has heard the call from our community: to keep telling our stories, to keep growing our talent, and to ensure the arts feel like home for everyone. The 2025 festival confirms that Pacific-led creative leadership is not only culturally vital but also economically viable, socially impactful, and strategically aligned with national goals. We invite our government leaders, local councils, and community partners to continue walking with us as we build on this momentum. Because when we invest in Pacific arts, we invest in identity, wellbeing, jobs, joy, and future generations.
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Pacific Dance Festival 2025 Proves Community Demand & Delivers On Creative NZ's Pacific Arts Strategy
After years of instability, shifting audience habits, rising living costs, and increased competition from digital entertainment, Pacific Dance NZ is proud to celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 Pacific Dance Festival. This season reconnected communities, revitalised live performance, and reaffirmed the powerful role of Pacific stories on Aotearoa's stages. This year's festival wasn't just about box-office success, though sell-out shows and full houses hearten us. It was about demonstrating that, when invested in thoughtfully and delivered with integrity, Pacific arts continue to matter — deeply — to our people. Audiences returned not just to be entertained, but to feel seen, heard, and moved. From free workshops to weekend gallery activations, from youth-led productions to intergenerational casts, the festival met people where they are — on their terms, in their language, through their own lens. We are grateful and recognise our longstanding partnerships with Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku and Te Pou Theatre in Henderson, whose leadership and location play a vital role in ensuring the arts remain accessible, local, and culturally grounded. These strategically positioned venues are more than just stages; they are anchors within their communities, enabling whānau and wider audiences to access and participate in Pacific storytelling close to home. The diversity of shows in this year's programme reflects the communities we serve: from Stories About Us with Phab Pasifika — highlighting inclusive, youth-led stories — to the lively school matinee Shapes in the Clouds, which welcomed hundreds of tamariki into the world of dance, and the passionate, feminist retelling of Pele: The Goddess of Fire. Each show brought something special and meaningful. Audience surveys confirm what we observed firsthand: families want to see more — especially content they can enjoy together. Intergenerational audiences expressed great appreciation for the chance to share Pacific cultural stories outside formal education systems that often omit or marginalise these narratives. Festival Director Iosefa Enari expressed gratitude to everyone who attended, spread the word, supported the Kaupapa, or brought their families. They emphasised that the arts are not a luxury but a vital part of life, signifying a heartbeat that continues to thrive within our communities. A Snapshot of Festival Impact Across five weeks, the festival connected with many New Zealanders in theatres, galleries, public spaces, and online, featuring one of the most diverse and intergenerational Pacific casts in our history. Live shows demonstrated strong engagement, with MOANA — a flagship, family-friendly, large ensemble work — selling out a week before its opening. Our data confirms what many have long known: when the right show is programmed, with the correct scale, story, and values, audiences turn out. Meanwhile, more than 1,300 people engaged with our free activations, including dance pop-ups in the Auckland Art Gallery foyer, a Sunday event at the Auckland Museum, and a short film activation showcasing Pacific dance on screen. These events acted as crucial access points, bringing Pacific dance to new and non-traditional audiences, and tracking direct conversions into ticket buyers and new followers. On social media, the numbers tell a powerful story: 417,000+ people reached, 10,138 direct clicks to our ticketing platform, and over 80 user-generated posts from attendees tagging their experience. Our Approach: Values in Practice Pacific Dance NZ's approach to programming and community engagement remains shaped by a strong commitment to Pacific values, intergenerational exchange, and sector-wide collaboration. These values guided every aspect of the 2025 Festival, from artist support to venue partnerships and audience development. Throughout this year's festival, we: · Empowered people and communities, ensuring participation from youth, elders, and artists at all stages of their creative journeys. Audiences of all ages came together, affirming the strength of Pacific identity on stage. · Strengthened capability and future leadership by mentoring emerging choreographers and producers, and creating spaces where community workshops led to real-world opportunities. · Built bridges across ecosystems, through long-term partnerships with Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, Toi o Tamaki, 275 Times, Pacific Media Network and Sunpix. These collaborations helped deepen reach and trust. · Connected globally, welcoming guest artist Thomas E. Kelly of KARUL Project from Queensland, Australia — a Ni-Van Aboriginal storyteller — opened up a new dimension of cross-regional exchange from Queensland and extended our digital footprint across the Pacific diaspora. Our programme is not only a celebration of Pacific dance but a strategic and intentional response to the aspirations of our people, ensuring that the art we present reflects the realities, hopes, and richness of our communities. Strategic Impact and Return on Investment In a funding environment that increasingly demands proof of value, the Pacific Dance Festival 2025 provided both complex data and a human story to justify public and partner investment. The campaign generated significant direct tracked revenue, alongside thousands more in indirect value through awareness, audience development, and content reach." Our digital campaigns outperformed sector benchmarks, achieving CTR rates above 2.4%, with engagement peaking during show weeks. Radio advertising, social content, PR hits, and free activations worked in tandem to build both frequency and cultural trust, especially among communities not always reached by mainstream marketing. 'We've learned over the years that success isn't about doing more — it's about doing it right,' says Enari .'We now know how to match story, location, cast, price, and platform to reach our audience where they are. The data confirms it. The people confirm it. It's time to keep going.' Looking Ahead Pacific Dance NZ has heard the call from our community: to keep telling our stories, to keep growing our talent, and to ensure the arts feel like home for everyone. The 2025 festival confirms that Pacific-led creative leadership is not only culturally vital but also economically viable, socially impactful, and strategically aligned with national goals. We invite our government leaders, local councils, and community partners to continue walking with us as we build on this momentum. Because when we invest in Pacific arts, we invest in identity, wellbeing, jobs, joy, and future generations.
RNZ News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
The founders of dynamic Kia Mau and Pacific Dance New Zealand Festivals
This month welcomes two contemporary indigenous performing arts festivals which have established themselves as cornerstones of the presentation of new work from Aotearoa and across the Pacific. Deeply embedded in the scene they are leaders in premiering exciting new works, developing our Pacific talent and bringing artists from across Te-Moana-a-kiwa together. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has for 15 years hosted the Pacific Dance Festival. It's the work of the Pacific Islands Dance Fono Trust, who champion the growth and visibility of Pacific dance in Aotearoa. The festival opened last night at Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku,.and runs through till June 19. In Pōneke, Wellington Kia Mau Festival is now 10 years old and this year has a diverse programme of 28 performing arts works. It opened last weekend and runs through until June 14. Susana Leia'taua with Culture101 welcomes the founders and artistic directors of both festivals for talanoa: from Kia Mau, Hone Kouka and Mīria George, and from Pacific Dance New Zealand Iosefa Enari.
NZ Herald
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
What to do in Auckland this weekend: Music, markets, dance and more
This weekend, Tāmaki Makaurau is awash with arts and cultural experiences intent on luring Aucklanders off their couches and out into their city. Two festivals are in full swing, the Pacific Dance Festival and the Matariki Festival, which begins its countdown to
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
More Pacific Dance, More Ways To Experience It This June
Article – Elephant Publicity This June, the Pacific Dance Festival invites audiences to connect more deeply with Pacific creativity, offering a rich programme of performance, rehearsal and workshop events across Tāmaki Makaurau. Alongside the return of Aruna Po-Ching's acclaimed dance-theatre work, the festival opens its doors to a series of free open rehearsals and a hands-on Cook Islands workshop with master artist Aunty Kura Taruia. PELE: The Goddess of Fire will be performed at Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 June at 7pm. Created and directed by Aruna Kekeha Po-Ching, the work draws on the Hawaiian myth of Pele, goddess of volcanoes, creation, and destruction. As Pele dreams of a prince and sends her sister Hi'iaka across the ocean to bring him back, the story unfolds through hula-informed choreography, theatrical storytelling, and striking Indigenous scenography. Featuring a cast of eighteen dancers and musical direction by Dr. Opeloge Ah Sam, PELE offers a rich, emotional and visually powerful experience. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki will also open its doors for three free open rehearsals, inviting audiences behind the scenes. On Saturday 24 May, Iatua Richard Felagai Taito (Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland PhD candidate) shares a new work-in-development. On Saturday 31 May, Unitec-Te Pūkenga Performing & Screen Arts, dance students Leilani Grace Tonu'u, Lily-Mae Baird, Komai Waqalevu and Nate Gacusan present contemporary solos. All of these artists will also appear in the Moana Show on Tuesday 17 June at Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, with tickets available now via Eventfinda. On Sunday 8 June, Faiva at the Museum takes place at Auckland War Memorial Museum from 11:30am to 1:30pm. This free activation is more than performance — Faiva is the living expression of Pacific identity, knowledge, and connection through movement, voice, and heart. Audiences are invited to go behind the scenes and witness the creative process in action, with open rehearsals of Shapes In The Clouds (11:30am–12:00pm) and Kuini (12:30pm–1:00pm), each followed by a public Q&A with the cast. Then on Saturday 14 June, Po-Ching and dancers from The Hula Journey open a rehearsal of PELE, offering a glimpse into its choreographic process. Following the 14 June open rehearsal, Aunty Kura Taruia leads a free public workshop exploring Cook Islands dance (ura) and flower crown-making (ei katu). A respected elder, choreographer and costume maker, Aunty Kura brings decades of knowledge to her workshops. Participants must book in advance and attend both sessions. The event is free and takes place in a public space — comfortable clothing and water bottles are encouraged. Since 2010, Pacific Dance New Zealand has nurtured Pacific artists and communities across Aotearoa. The 2025 Pacific Dance Festival continues that kaupapa, offering connection, creativity and celebration in every moment.
