From L-R: Pacific Innovation Hub’s Programme and Engagement Manager Jen Anderson, MFAT Pacific Connections Director Felicity Bollen, Miss Solomon Islands Elsie Polosavai, and PCBL Chief Executive Officer Natasha Meleisea at Pasifika Festival in Auckland.
Pasifika Festival 2025 is not only a celebration of Pacific culture in Aotearoa New Zealand, but an opportunity to strengthen ties with our Pacific neighbours across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
Thirty-two years since its inception, Pacific communities once again showcased their cultural heritage, kai and traditions at Pasifika, staged at Western Springs, in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from March 8-9.
Jumping at the chance to be involved in the colour and vibrancy, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Pacific Connections team, had a pavilion set up over the two-days of the festival, where they were joined by partners Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL)/Pasifika TV, Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTINZ), The British Consulate, Volunteers Service Abroad (VSA), MFAT’s Pacific Innovation Hub and Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) Manaaki Scholars.
Director Felicity Bollen says her small but agile Auckland-based Pacific Connections team is committed to broadening and deepening relationships with the Pacific diaspora in New Zealand and the region.
Pasifika Festival has been a prime opportunity to implement this.
“We were lucky to be joined by our partners who we work closely with as they roll out various initiatives in the region, funded by MFAT,” Felicity says.
Manaaki Scholar Ashleigh Pangkatana, a 23-year-old Arts and Politics student from East New Britain, New Ireland, says being part of the MFAT Pacific Connections stall at the weekend has been a wonderful experience, connecting her with other Pacific people living in Aotearoa, and being able to taste food from home.
The MFAT partner organisations spent the weekend engaging with the public and educating them about their important mahi in the region.
Trade Commissioner at PTI NZ Glynis Miller says Pasifika provided broad exposure to the public of Pacific products available in New Zealand and the Pacific businesses behind them.
Meanwhile VSA Principal Liaison Lupeti Finau says Pasifika helped to shine a light on the need for more Pacific volunteers to serve in the region.
Felicity says for her team, it has been another opportunity to embed the deep connection New Zealand has to the Pacific.
“The Pacific is our home – and New Zealand remains committed to building our long-standing relationships and connections across the Moana promoting prosperity, security and resilience in the region.”
Follow the MFAT Pacific Connections team on Facebook.
