Pasifika a hit in new venue (+photos)

Pasifika Festival, Hayman Park, Manukau. Performers from "fatele" Nukufetau Community on the Tuvalu stage. Photo: Michael Craig

With the stormy weather forcing an early afternoon for many on the last day of the Pasifika Festival, Counties Manukau Police are pleased with the crowd of thousands who attended following a last-minute change of location.

The Pasifika Festival, traditionally held at Western Springs Park, was moved to Manukau's Hayman Park with only a couple of weeks' notice after the Queensland Fruit Fly issue forced the move away from Auckland Central's Grey Lynn area.

Image 1 of 13: Performers from "fatele" Nukufetau Community on the Tuvalu stage. Photo / Michael Craig

Counties Manukau Police Operations Commander Inspector Alan Shearer says the event ran smoothly each of the two days and was only dampened by the threat of bad weather from Cyclone Pam closing in on the area on the final afternoon.

"Overall from a Police perspective this was a successful event that we were proud to host in Manukau," says Inspector Shearer.

"With such fantastic weather on Saturday, visitor numbers swelled but the weekend ran smoothly without incident.

"It was great to see Auckland's community come together to celebrate our diversity in such a positive way."

Maori and Pacific Wardens assisted Police with patrolling the event.

"We are grateful to our community partners for continuing to support us to keep Manukau safe."