March wrap up
March has been a momentous occasion for our indigenous communities with culture, language and the arts all shining bright this past month. If you missed what was happening on the scene, have a read to catch up on some of the best indigenous events.
Pasifika Festival
(8–9 March, Western Springs Park)
Imagine stepping into a world where the heartbeat of the Pacific reverberates through every corner of Western Springs Park. The festival was a collection of vibrant colours and beautiful sounds—a true celebration that brought together 11 Pacific Island nations under one sky.
Traditional and contemporary performances wove together stories of the islands, with dance, music, clothing and live art that echoed the rich heritage of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, Cook Islands and more.
From hands-on wood carving workshops led by master carvers to live mural art that transformed blank canvases into visual poetry, every activity invited participants to connect with their cultural roots and create new memories.
The aroma of ‘otai, hāngī, vakalolo and banana poke filled the air, reminding us that kai is not just food—it’s a celebration of cultural identity and community.
We had the chance to ask members of our community what their favourite food was from their island, and got some awesome responses in return. Massive shout out to the people in the video, and to our communities for coming out to support the festival.
Auckland Arts Festival
(6 - 23 March, Tāmaki Makaurau)
Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival brings together local and international artists from dance, music, and wider creative backgrounds to Auckland audiences once per year. This time around, we were fortunate to connect with incredible indigenous musicians from Hawai’i, Aotearoa and Turtle Island / United States as they shared their stories with us.
From the fabled Spiegeltent in Aotea Square to the Māngere Arts Centre, we were up close to witness Kulāiwi, Kaumakaiwa, Maya Piata and Delbert Anderson live.
Having the chance to catch up with Kulāiwi and Kaumakaiwa for our podcast provided an awe-inspiring cross cultural exchange of knowledge and mo’olelo (stories) that carried from our korero into their performance later in the week.
Packing into the main theatre in the Māngere Arts Centre, we were treated to a triple musical act where Maya Piata, Kulāiwi and Kaumakaiwa individually performed.
To hear the music live, to witness the beautiful hula of Pono Fernandez and Kaumakaiwa, and to meet all the musicians backstage afterward made this night one to remember.
Celebrating the Artists on the Move Series with Lehua, Sean, Kawika and Pono of Kulāiwi alongside Kaumakaiwa and Maya Piata.
Additionally, we welcomed onto our podcast acclaimed jazz musician Delbert Anderson, a Navajo musician who alongside his jazz quartet The Delbert Anderson Quartet were performing as part of the Auckland Arts Festival.
Delbert Anderson
Delbert and his quartet played to a full house in the Spiegeltent on Sunday 23 March, closing the festival out with a high. Weaving together traditional Navajo ‘spinning stories’ with jazz gave the audience an experience like no other.
The full review on Delbert’s performance can be read here.
We had a incredible time at the Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival and look forward to attending again next year.
Noken / Men
Noken / Men: String Bags of the Muyu Tribe in Southern West Papua is a powerful exhibition co-curated by Veronika Triariyani Kanem, a PhD candidate at Waipapa Taumata Rau — the University of Auckland, alongside Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy.
This exhibition centres on the noken (also known as men) — intricately woven string bags created by the Muyu people of Southern West Papua. Based on Veronika's research, the exhibition explores the socio-cultural significance of the noken/men among the Muyu people, her father's tribe.
Co-Head of School, Māori and Pacific Studies, Gordon Nanau, delivered a powerful speech to start the opening event, followed by Darren Kamali, who spoke on behalf of Creative New Zealand. Additionally Abigail McClutchie, Kaiarahi for Libraries & Learning Services, opened and closed the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony concluded with a beautiful performance by a group of Papuan dancers who shared their language, music and traditional dance with the event attendees.
The exhibition is on now until July 3, 2025, at the Pacific Collaborative Space - L1 Mātauranga Whānui General Library, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.