PASIFIKA FESTIVAL

Pasifika 2008

The excitement is building as everyone prepares for the upcoming Pasifika Festival 2008.

The annual festival started in 1993 and attracted 30,000 plus visitors.  Nowadays, more than 225,000 people and hundreds of performers flock to the one day event making it one of the biggest Pacific Islands festivals held in New Zealand.

This year, PITIC NZ will be participating in Pasifika 2008 and will continue to support members of the forum island countries who are also attending.

The applications for the Pasifika Festival closed on 28 September 2007, however, as per the Pasifika website, there is a waiting list available if fees are not paid on time, the stall can be reallocated.

For more information visit the website for Pasifika Festival 2008

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TREASURES DIRECT FROM THE COOK ISLANDS

9-10 March 2007

A dazzling performance by the Cook Islands Dance Troupe and performances by Miss Cook Islands/Miss South Pacific drew crowds at Pasifika 2007.

Co-ordinator Sylvia George says the entertainment was the biggest difference this year with more people staying to watch the hourly performances.


"Everybody was very happy this year compared to last year when there was no dance group."  Sales were up on last year and there wasn't much left at the end of the day.

Of the 10 groups represented, four came from the Outer Islands of Atiu, Aitutaki and Penrhyn.

There were also the young entrepreneurs Ana Maireroa and Ruth Forsyth sold Cook Island dolls costumes, jewellery, hand painted pareu and photo frames.

Pasifika 2008

The Cook Islands will once again be a strong presence at Pasifika 2008 with a delegation making its annual visit to the festival.

The Cook Islands delegation will be situated in the one village with the Cook Islands New Zealand participants.


Treasures Direct from the Cook Islands Village at Pasifika Festival 2007

Cook Islands Stall holders at Pasifika 2007	More pics coming soon!

Direct from Niue - Mahetoe Hekau