24-06-2025
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.
