Siva Afi warriors as young as five competed in the two-day festival. Photo credit: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton.
Source: RNZ Pacific
Flames licked the stage and smoke wafted above the Mangere arts centre as siva afi warriors spun, swung and threw traditional nifo oti – Samoan fire knives.
New Zealand’s Siva Afi Festival has shown how the ancient Samoan art can be shared and celebrated across cultures.
A diverse range of competitors, hailing from Samoa, Tahiti, Niue, Cook Islands and beyond gathered in Auckland to showcase their fire knife skills.
Amo Ieriko, the director of the Siva Afi Festival Aotearoa wants to see the art embraced by more young Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand.
Not only does it keep the culture alive, Ieriko said it instils valuable skills in spinners.
“It is all about helping the culture and that … we found that confidence is one thing that the kids build, or even adults who don’t have that confidence. But then also there is the ability to have intergenerational learning.”
He said siva afi was not reserved for just Samoans.
Many of this year’s competitors hailed from other Pacific Islands.
Ieriko said it was heartwarming to see different cultures embrace the art with passion and pride.
“I think that’s the unique thing about siva afi in Aotearoa, because we are such a melting pot and so many cultures here, so being able to welcome anyone with any background any culture, and then providing the platform for them to actually showcase what they can do, and also people who like encourage them to carry on and stuff.”
Tahitian Hikitahi Pokoe took out the open men’s champions title for a second year running.
He said Siva Afi Festival Aotearoa provides a platform for Pacific competitors to experience international competition.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to have competition all around the world. We met a lot of other final dancers, because in Tahiti, we don’t have the same style, same dance style. It’s cool to discover from Samoan, New Zealand, Tonga. So I learned from other cultures.”
Kiwi Tim Noyce lived in Samoa in 2012, where he learnt the art of siva afi from local champions.
He said he loves how inclusive it is.
“To add to it, there’s no holding of the knowledge, you talk to anyone here, it doesn’t matter if they’re World Champs or they’re just starting out, you walk up go, ‘Hey how did you do that move?’, and everyone’s happy to share it and happy to film it and give them the videos and help each other up.”
It was that community spirit that led the intermediate winner to victory.
Vandross Pere travelled from Hamilton to compete, representing both his Samoan and Niuean sides.
He could not believe it when he was announced the winner, revealing he had only been spinning for a year after discovering the art online.
“I just started what’s scrolling through YouTube, and then I just saw the speed test of Mikaela.
“So, I tried it, and I’ve been training approximately just one year. I started March last year…I feel awesome.”
Runner-up Jazarrah Talatala said spinning makes her feel closer to her ancestors.
The 14-year-old said trainings may be tough, but connecting with her Samoan culture makes it worth it.
“It was a really good experience. I just hope everyone’s proud of me. I just loved the crowd and being able to embrace my culture as a siva warrior.
“I just felt such a connection of being able to dedicate all my performances to my ancestors, especially my granddad up in heaven.”
One of the judges said they see great potential in the competitors, some as young as five.
Tamaru Colombel placed second at the World Fire-knife Championship in 2003.
This was his first time in the judges seat, where he says he could see the passion for the art in all performers.
“When they perform, I can see from their eyes, they’re really into it, like they really enjoy and they like siva afi.
“Siva afi for me, is not only somebody who come and perform. You learn a lot of things also about life.
“You have to take care of your health, spirit, and it taught me to be humble too and respectful. And I think they will learn that too.”
Festival organisers said the future is bright as more youth in New Zealand pick up the fire knife and become siva afi warriors.