First staged in 2005, Wellington Pasifika Festival attracts over 15,000 people each year and is a standout event on the capital's summer calendar.
The festival celebrates and promotes the diverse and talented Pacific communities that belong to the cultural and political landscape of Wellington. From midday on Saturday, 19 January, Odlin's Plaza will be transformed into a vibrant atmosphere of sounds and smells for a jam-packed six-hour program.
Representing Pacific peoples, honourable Minister Aupito William Sio will present a speech subsequent to the opening act by Cook Island group, Mauke Enua. With headliners Mojo Juju, Punialava'a and Bella Kalolo, this all-ages event is sure to entice a large audience.
Of the 14 arts and crafts stalls to browse, most are conducting individual workshops for festival-goers to take part in. A special marquee will also be set up for tivaevae (a form of artistic quilting traditionally done by Polynesian women) and hula workshops. Included in the program also is the Pacific Cuisine Cook-Off which puts the 12 community food stalls you'll find at the event into a head-to-head competition.
Whether you go for the music, food, or art, Wellington's Pasifika Festival will set your senses alight.