A must-do on West Auckland’s cultural calendar, the 2026 Whau Pasifika Festival was another outstanding success. Over 4,000 attendees enjoyed a packed programme of events over eight days in the July school holidays. ‘Our festival is free and open to all and everyone,’ says Whau Pasifika Director Shelly Aiyaz. ‘The long-term impact of festivals like ours that exchange arts, culture and heritage is simply immeasurable.’ This year’s theme, ‘Dream, Weave, Navigate’, brought together a diverse programme celebrating Pasifika culture and heritage, with something for everyone.
The Whau Schools Debate is always a highlight. This year, a record five schools participated, with Waitākere College claiming bragging rights. Play Along Sing Along brought local people together through music. Led by Tironui Trust, Sistema Aotearoa and West City Strings, budding local string, wind or brass musicians were invited to join this pop-up community orchestra. No experience was needed. The only requirements were enthusiasm and a give-it-a-go attitude. Auckland Gospel Choir and singers from the Kelston Boys’ High School Choir led the sing-along, encouraging young local singers to find their voice and join in.
A 12-hour Polyfilms marathon at the Hollywood Avondale rounded off Friday’s programme, before the festival closed on Saturday with a Fiafia celebration of Pasifika song and dance.
The festival offered plenty of opportunities to get involved. Across 44 PolyWorkshops, 478 participants took part in a vast range of activities, including Hawaiian hula, lei making, face and body painting, and much more. Thirty food stalls catered to hungry festival-goers and 650 reusable plates were washed for reuse to reduce waste.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. ‘I heard from others how amazing and special it is to have free events to attend here in Avondale of such high quality – especially for those who can’t afford other things,’ said one enthusiastic festival-goer. The festival’s reach extended well beyond those attending, generating 85,000 engagements on social media.
Shelly says organising a festival of this size is a massive undertaking for the mainly volunteer team. Keeping events free and accessible is a priority, and $20,000 from the Your West Support Fund made a substantial contribution to running costs. ‘Securing funding is an ongoing challenge,’ says Shelly, ‘and the Your West Support Fund made a massive difference.’
Planning is already underway for next year’s festival, which will run from 5–10 July 2027 and include an exciting new addition: a Pasifika sports day. Follow the festival on Facebook or Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Learn more about Whau Pasifika at whaupasifika.nz.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds.
