More Pacific Dance, More Ways To Experience It This June

This June, the Pacific Dance Festival invites audiences to connect more deeply with Pacific creativity, offering a rich programme of performance, rehearsal and workshop events across Tāmaki Makaurau. Alongside the return of Aruna Po-Ching’s acclaimed dance-theatre work, the festival opens its doors to a series of free open rehearsals and a hands-on Cook Islands workshop with master artist Aunty Kura Taruia.

PELE: The Goddess of Fire will be performed at Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 June at 7pm. Created and directed by Aruna Kekeha Po-Ching, the work draws on the Hawaiian myth of Pele, goddess of volcanoes, creation, and destruction. As Pele dreams of a prince and sends her sister Hi‘iaka across the ocean to bring him back, the story unfolds through hula-informed choreography, theatrical storytelling, and striking Indigenous scenography. Featuring a cast of eighteen dancers and musical direction by Dr. Opeloge Ah Sam, PELE offers a rich, emotional and visually powerful experience.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki will also open its doors for three free open rehearsals, inviting audiences behind the scenes. On Saturday 24 May, Iatua Richard Felagai Taito (Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland PhD candidate) shares a new work-in-development. On Saturday 31 May, Unitec-Te Pūkenga Performing & Screen Arts, dance students Leilani Grace Tonu’u, Lily-Mae Baird, Komai Waqalevu and Nate Gacusan present contemporary solos. All of these artists will also appear in the Moana Show on Tuesday 17 June at Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, with tickets available now via Eventfinda.

On Sunday 8 June, Faiva at the Museum takes place at Auckland War Memorial Museum from 11:30am to 1:30pm. This free activation is more than performance — Faiva is the living expression of Pacific identity, knowledge, and connection through movement, voice, and heart. Audiences are invited to go behind the scenes and witness the creative process in action, with open rehearsals of Shapes In The Clouds (11:30am–12:00pm) and Kuini (12:30pm–1:00pm), each followed by a public Q&A with the cast.

Then on Saturday 14 June, Po-Ching and dancers from The Hula Journey open a rehearsal of PELE, offering a glimpse into its choreographic process.

Following the 14 June open rehearsal, Aunty Kura Taruia leads a free public workshop exploring Cook Islands dance (ura) and flower crown-making (ei katu). A respected elder, choreographer and costume maker, Aunty Kura brings decades of knowledge to her workshops. Participants must book in advance and attend both sessions. The event is free and takes place in a public space — comfortable clothing and water bottles are encouraged.

Since 2010, Pacific Dance New Zealand has nurtured Pacific artists and communities across Aotearoa. The 2025 Pacific Dance Festival continues that kaupapa, offering connection, creativity and celebration in every moment.

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