Pasifika festival rings in 23rd year

The Short family of Rarotongan drummers have wowed Pasifika crowds - (from left) Maihanarei, 7, Siana, 12, Estelle, 9 and Akirata, 6. Photo / Nick Reed

Drumming the traditional beats of the Pacific is considered a skill that takes many years to master. So for four siblings - aged between 6 and 12 - to skilfully tap out the complicated rhythms of Rarotonga is nothing short of amazing.

Sisters Akirata, 6, Maihanarei, 7, Estelle, 9, and 12-year-old brother Siana are billed as one of the best acts at this year's Cook Islands village at the Pasifika Festival.

The siblings hail from Titikaveka, Rarotonga, and have travelled here by special request after wowing visitors last year.

Their father, Mark Short, has been teaching them the traditional skill for the past few years as part of a move to get youngsters on the island to remember their roots.

"It's a way to connect them with their heritage; we hope to get other kids excited about drumming too."

The youngsters are so adept they've been asked to play at several big events both in the islands and New Zealand.

"We've done a couple of weddings, too. People love them and their mouths just drop - they can't believe they're doing what they're doing."

The siblings will be among 1000 performers at 11 villages from the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Fiji, Niue, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Aotearoa and Hawaii.

Pasifika is celebrating its 23rd birthday at a new home, Hayman Park, after the Queensland fruit fly emergency forced it out of Western Springs.

This week there has been reaction from some in the Pacific community who have complained about the lack of authenticity this year, some saying they would boycott the festival.

Those involved in this year's event say they hope to bring just that - authenticity - through the performances, food and crafts they will be offering at their respective villages.

Village co-ordinator for the Cook Islands, Bernard Tairea, said: "We're not looking at the negative.

"We have grown from strength to strength and I am really pleased about the things that we have set up in our village."

Mr Tairea said talk of boycotting the event was a sad thing. "It's a fantastic time to come together as a community and share our diversity, our delectable delights and culture with others - that's the Pacific way."

When: Today, 10am-5pm. Tomorrow: 8.45am-4pm.

Where: Hayman Park, Wiri Station Rd, Manukau.

Villages: Niue, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti and Fiji.

Highlights: About 300 food and arts and crafts stalls. Hula dancing, hat weaving, ukulele lessons, drumming and carving. The Hawaiian village is back for its second year.

How to get there: Bus and train services going to Manukau City centre throughout the day. Visit www.at.govt.nz and search for Pasifika Festival for more details.

Need to know: Don't forget your water bottle, hat and sunscreen.