By ALAN PERROTT
From the men husking a mountain of coconuts to Scribe rocking a baying crowd, Pasifika 2004 reinforced the growing influence of Polynesian culture within it's new homeland.
"Oh, it just makes me feel so proud to see our people embracing their cultures," beamed Taima White, a Rarotongan now living
in Auckland.
"It's like being back at home in the islands without being there. All the people, the food, the music. It's absolutely fantastic. It's really big news now back in the islands."
About 170,000 people appeared to be sharing her sentiment today as they slowly smiled their way around the often gridlocked lakeside paths at Western
Springs.
It was the busiest day of the Auckland City Council-run festival which spilled over three days for the first time.
The estimated crowd was the largest turnout since 30,000 people attended the first Pasifika in 1993.
Hundreds of performers, ranging from contemporary dance to gospel and jazz, spread themselves across six themed stages.
"This is so good for the young ones who weren't born in the islands," said
Janet Holmes who was raised on the tiny island of Atiu.
"And it's great advertising for all the island countries, everyone is here."
"I've never seen anything like this in my life," said lai-wearing English tourist Wendy Berkinshaw.
"We saw the crowds as we were going past on a bus and, well, it's just amazing isn't it. Unique. I've got lots of photos to show people at home."
But if the traditional ways dominated outside the main stadium, it was Pacific life 21st century style inside.
A rush of punters of all ages and ethnic persuasions to the arena just after 1pm signalled the appearance of man of the moment Scribe.
He whipped up a massive crowd in brash Mohammed Ali fashion and gave further evidence of hip hop's swift rise to the top of the New Zealand musical landscape.
It's not often someone shouting "South Auckland" gets a huge cheer in response.
"Don't ever make yourself small to keep others from feeling inferior. Hold onto your aspirations and dreams," he told the fans.
Away from all the stages and fanfare a curious crowd was gathered around a pair of bemused Samoans husking coconuts.
Mikaele Tito and Api Saloma were slowly putting a dent in a container load of about 5500 large drinking coconuts imported from the Solomon Islands for
the festival.
"This is the first time I've done this in 30 years," said Mr Tito who immigrated to this country in 1973.
"It's like being back in Samoa, but no-one stops to watch you there. You get pretty sick of coconuts after a while, but a job's a job."
Pasifika: The essential info
Pasifika Festival 2004
Saturday March 13, 9.00am - 6.00pm
Western Springs Lakeside and Stadium
Great North Rd, Auckland
Herald Feature: Pasifika Festival
Auckland City Pasifika Festival webpage
By ALAN PERROTT
From the men husking a mountain of coconuts to Scribe rocking a baying crowd, Pasifika 2004 reinforced the growing influence of Polynesian culture within it's new homeland.
"Oh, it just makes me feel so proud to see our people embracing their cultures," beamed Taima White, a Rarotongan now living
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