Feedback sought on review of Pasifika Festival
Feedback sought on review of Pasifika Festival
Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Efeso Collins is holding a meeting with Pacific stakeholders on Wednesday 22 April to encourage comprehensive engagement in the future direction of the annual Pasifika Festival.
Discussions at the meeting will feed into Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development’s (ATEED) annual review of Pasifika, which will this year cover the event’s location, community input, commerciality, relative transport subsidies, authentic cultural experience, and the level of funding.
“Pasifika is one of biggest and longest-running rate payer supported events in the region and a lot has changed since it started in 1993,” says Mr Collins.
“It’s time the public was able to take a fresh look at its operation, its original community focus, and all the options available to support its continued growth.
“As Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair, I’m wanting ATEED to consider the location of Pasifika remaining in Manukau, which is not only culturally fitting but is a place of substantial growth desperately in need of a significant event like Pasifika.”
Mr Collins says that after a meeting with ATEED Chief Executive, Brett O’Riley, last week he’s confident that everyone can have a genuine say in the future development of the festival.
“My meeting with Brett was positive and focussed on ensuring that everyone with a stake in the wonderful festival, has the chance to participate in its development. I’m excited that he and his team will be present at next week’s meeting.
“It’s important for the community to take a leading role on this issue and I know that the discussions will be future-focussed and enthusiastic. It gives me great pleasure leading this discussion.”
Pasifika was created by Auckland City Council and the South Pacific Island Nations Development Association in 1992, with the original aim to bring Pacific Island communities closer together and to celebrate the richness and variety added to Auckland’s culture, values, and lifestyle.
ATEED has delivered Pasifika Festival since 2011, this year through private events company The Orange Group.
ENDS