18 October 2005

The Waitakere Diwali Festival 'Wrap Up'

The Waitakere Diwali Festival held at the ‘House of Diwali’ –Trusts Stadium last Sunday was in the words of many of those who attended, the ‘choicest’ ever.

With a variety of performances ranging from the entertaining Bollywood dances to the rhythmic Samoan reggae band to the awe inspiring classical dances, the Festival brought life, spirit and a deep sense of community to the more than 8,000 people that attended.

Ann Pala, Diwali Project Manager said that “the overwhelming response from the diverse communities means that New Zealand is definitely moving ahead with multiculturalism and acceptance of each other and Waitakere City is a symbol of this”.

Mayor Bob Harvey opened the formal part of the celebrations supported by Hon Chris Carter, MP for Te Atatu and Hon Pansy Wong, MP for Auckland Central.

Along with the delectable Indian food available, there were several stalls providing a wide range of stunning Indian arts, crafts and fashion.

All would agree however, that the exciting and fun-filled day was brilliantly topped off by the spectacular night time fireworks display by Te Rangi Huata and his Public Dreams team from Hastings.

ENDS

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