AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

19 October 2007 

Expressions of Pasifika Festival

“Expressions” is a chance for budding performers to audition to be part of Auckland City Council’s 16th Pasifika Festival at Western Springs Park on 7 and 8 March 2008.

Audition slots are available on Saturday, 17 November for first-time artists to show they have what it takes to perform at one of the largest free community festival events in the southern hemisphere.

From relatively small beginnings, attendance has grown rapidly. These days the annual event attracts crowds in excess of 225,000 and hundreds of performers from all over our region and the Pacific. A spectacular opening night concert provides the gateway for the following day of performances, entertainment, food and festivities.

Pasifika Festival is recognised as an important celebration of the art, culture and lifestyle of Auckland’s Pacific Islands communities – and festival director Ole Maiava says he is excited about what new talent could bring to the event.

“Pasifika Festival provides the perfect break for Pacific artists to showcase their talent to the public. The new performers will take to the stage alongside larger headline acts, many of whom got their start through the same process years ago,” says Mr Maiava.

Pasifika Festival scooped best established event at this year’s New Zealand Association of Event Professionals industry awards.

All forms of performance and artistic expression, from traditional song and dance to comedy and more contemporary musical genres will be considered.

For an audition application form, contact Leehane Stowers – email leehane.stowers@aucklandcity.govt.nz or phone (09) 354 2159. Completed forms must be returned by Friday, 9 November.

Pasifika Festival is proudly sponsored by Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Pacific Media Network (Radio 531pi and Niu FM), Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), Air New Zealand, Flava 96one – and supported by New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT), Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) Limited and McCallum Industries' Palm Corned Beef.

Ends

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