Festival to celebrate kids' culture

Gate Pa Primary School teacher Annie Hill says a Pasifika Festival is necessary to help youngsters retain their cultural identity. Photo / George Novak

A Pasifika festival for primary students to celebrate their cultural identity is much needed for a growing Pacific Island population, Gate Pa Primary School teacher Annie Hill says.

The festival will be the first of its kind for the Bay of Plenty.

The idea arose from a group of Pasifika primary teachers who felt there was a need to acknowledge Pasifika students in the Bay.

Thirty-seven primary schools from Te Puke to Katikati had been invited to the festival which would be held at Te Akau ki Papamoa School on October 28, Miss Hill said.

"Each school will perform cultural dances from around the Pacific Islands," she said.

"We're really excited because it's a first and it's about participation and engaging the Pasifika community."

The festival was also part of the Pasifika Education Plan, focussing on Pasifika learners in New Zealand.

"It's very important to celebrate and not lose their cultural identity," she said, "so they're not losing their roots."

Gate Pa Primary School would have its 25-strong Pasifika group performing but there would be hours of hard work and practice for them before the event, Miss Hill said.

Song and dance were big parts of Pacific culture, she said.

Te Akau ki Papamoa School teacher Annette Layban said there was not a lot of acknowledgement of the Pasifika culture in the community.

"It's about building that awareness and the kids love it," she said.

Eight primary schools had responded so far and Miss Hill was also waiting to hear back from a few Pasifika MPs and the director of Pasifika Education.