Pasifika festival draws crowds

An event to unite Hawke's Bay's Pasifika community has been hailed a success by organisers.

Nearly 1000 people from around the region and as far as Wellington and Palmerston North attended the Hawke's Bay Pasifika Festival at Hastings Sports Centre this morning.

The family-friendly affair included performances, traditional dancing, music and food.

The festival was organised by newly formed, Hawke's Bay Pasifika Komiti (HBPK), to celebrate Pasifika culture and engage with the community.

One of the organisers and founder of HBPK Charles Faletutulu said he was overwhelmed by the success of the celebration.

He would have been happy with a crowd of 300 but to have nearly 1000 people pack into the sports centre was fantastic, he said.

"It's a great outcome that we can bring all our Pasifika people together."

This morning's event was the first to be organised by HBPK, which was set up by a group of young members of Hawke's Bay's Pasifika community in April to represent a diverse and growing part of the region's population.

"The event is run by the community for the community."

The next step is to set up smaller events throughout the year to continue to engage with Pasifika people.

One aim of the committee is to raise the standard for Pasifika people in Hawke's Bay in areas such as socio-economic status, health, education and knowledge of Pasifika culture, he said.

"We want to change the community."

Camberley resident Toa Elia, who came with her children, said she loved the event because it united members of the community and was also an opportunity for children to get together.

Napier's Eddie Fale also enjoyed the festival which he said was a way to show the strength of the Pasifika community in Hawke's Bay which had often been underrepresented.

"I think it's good the community are doing this...it goes to show that the spirit of the Pasifika people is still alive."

Jacinta Leota came from Napier to support her niece and William Colenso College head girl Tala Utumapu who was performing.

"I'm really proud of her.

"The whole event is well-organised and everyone is so happy. It's awesome"

A number of community groups and education organisations had information stalls at the festival including Pasifika PowerUP Plus, Eastern Institute of Technology, Kainga Pasifika Services and Police.

There were also performances from members of the Cook Islands, Tongan and Samoan communities in Hawke's Bay as well as students from Hastings Boys' and Girls' high schools, Napier Boys' and Girls' high schools and William Colenso College.

More than 20 Pasifika secondary school students were honoured on stage for their academic, sporting and leadership achievements.

Food stalls offering traditional Pacific Island food were available.