A little of the sights, sounds, music, colours, peoples, arts, crafts and cultures of the Pasifika Festival 2009. Kia ora, talofa lava, malo e lelei, ni sa bula vinaka, kia orana, fakaalofa lahi atu, kam na mauri, taloha ni, greetings. One of the largest free events in the South Pacific, the Pasifika Festival comprises ten "villages", each from a differing South Pacific island community. Now in its 17th year, this one day event is held annually in Western Springs park, Auckland, New Zealand. The villages (in order of appearance): Tangata Whenua; Tokelau; Fiji; Samoa; Tuvalu; Niue; Cook Islands; Tonga; Tahiti and Kiribati. TANGATA WHENUA Meaning "people of the land" in Māori, this village presents the hosts - Ngati Whatua o Orakei. TOKELAU One of the smallest and most isolated island groups in the Pacific. FIJI Fierce warriors and friendly Fijian policemen usher entertainment and mat weaving, tapa printing and wood carving crafts. SAMOA Known throughout Polynesia as the "happy people", the Samoan village highlights food, dance and fashion, with traditional Samoan dishes such as cold pineapple salad, tropical ice cream and food prepared in an umu (earth oven); dance groups, bands and choirs and a fashion show, Fa'afetai Lava. TUVALU Tuvalu means "eight beautiful islands". "Tuvalu culture is rare and unique And hold a message we should seek Hold our culture way up high And our Tuvalu culture will never die. I normally hear friendly waves on our island shore when I was little It is not anymore The sound is getting louder and threatening My Tuvalu island is going to disappear from the rising sea level Tuvalu,my beautiful Tuvalu I cry for you." - Apiseka Eka NIUE Originating from the word "niu", meaning coconut, Niue literally translates as "here is a coconut". Also known as the "Rock of the Pacific", comprised of a single island, Niue is the largest raised coral atoll in the world. With song, music, challenge dances (meke), traditional weaving, coconut grating, umu cooking and a range of handicrafts made from pandanus and coconut leaves. Niue is also proud home to Miss Vanessa Marsh - Miss Niue and Miss South Pacific 2009. COOK ISLANDS The Cook Islands are known as the "Pearl of the Pacific". To the sound of the conch shell, drumming, ukuleles and warm smiles, Cook Island dances make your feet and hips move in magical ways. Abundant delicacies, intricate handicrafts and rich resources are key features of this vibrant community. TONGA Tonga means "south" and is another highlight of the South Pacific. Traditional Tongan music by Kava groups, tapa cloth making and mat weaving. TAHITI Tahiti is made up of 118 islands in five archipalle - Tuamotu, Marquases, Australle, Society and Gambier. Home to the finest black pearls and a blend of Tahitian and French cultures. KIRIBATI Featuring traditional dances or mwaies, such as "Te Eitei" - where head and arm movements imitate the frigate bird, an I-Kiribati symbol of peace and freedom. A chance to taste their foods and see Kiribati weaving and tilbuta (a traditional blouse, unique to the I-Kiribati women). For more about the Pasifika Festival, see: http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/pasifika/default.asp

• published: 16 Mar 2009
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