Papakura Sisters Shine at Christmas in the Park

Papakura Sisters Shine at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

When sisters Sara-Jane Auva'a (22) and Latafale Auva'a (10) perform ‘Silent Night’ together at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park on Saturday 11 December, it will be a case of the elder guiding the younger, in the spirit of professionalism and sisterhood, through her first major performance.

Law student Sara-Jane Auva’a already has a taste of what it takes to be internationally acclaimed: she was a member of Pacific group Pacific Soul which spent five weeks on the top40-charts.com charts, and her debut solo album, ‘Sara-Jane’, was released in March 2004.

For Latafale, whose prior performance experience includes children’s choirs and family gatherings, singing on stage with ‘big sis’ is a huge thrill.

The two have lived in Papakura for all their lives, and in true Pacific style their family gatherings always feature music, song and dance, which Sara-Jane says was an ideal launch pad for her talented sibling.

Sara-Jane and Latafale are not the only family act at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park: Suzanne Lynch will also perform with her son, Andy Lynch, who is most well known for fronting the band ‘Zed’.

Coca-Cola spokesperson Annette Chillingworth says the Auva’a sisters are bright stars at this year’s event, representative of the spirit of Pacific music. “Coca-Cola has supported New Zealand music for many years. The talent at this year’s Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park ranges from school aged youth through to veterans of the music industry. The line up is a great reflection of how far we have come.”

Proceeds from Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2004 will benefit Youthline and funds will go towards Youthline’s nationwide youth help line, internet based information services, health promotion and youth and community development programmes. Youthline is the first point of contact for thousands of young people seeking help.

Goldenhorse will also be joining the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park gang. Goldenhorse are one of New Zealand’s most popular and appealing bands: their song ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ was the most performed New Zealand song on radio for 2003, and sales of their debut album ‘Riverhead’ have gone Triple Platinum. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is hosted by Jeremy Corbett, Kelly Swanson-Roe and Petra Bagust.

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Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2004 Saturday, 11 December 2004 - Auckland Domain - Auckland

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