The Maori and Pacific community in Brisbane is preparing to host the inaugural Pasifika Spectacular Festival on May 10. And a bevy of Pacific entertainers from New Zealand are heading over.
Australia is taking a leaf from New Zealand’s experience by embracing its Pacific cultures. The Maori and Pacific community in Brisbane, Queensland, is preparing to host the inaugural Pasifika Spectacular Festival on May 10. And a bevy of Pacific entertainers from New Zealand are heading over to help kick off the event which will be held in Deception Bay, at the Maota Fono.
Recording artists Mareko, Julie Ta’ale and Lapi Mariner are among the big names heading across the Tasman.
According to Caroline Crichton of the organising committee, the festival is a project funded by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations.
“We are expecting close to 2,000 people. The Polynesian population is very small here in Brisbane compared to other places in the world but the Government (State) has come on board and started new initiatives to unite Polynesians with other cultures and can now see the benefits of promoting our cultures,” she tells SPASIFIK.
The theme of Pasifika Spectacular is ‘Uniting uniqueness…Polynesian style!’
A variety of events are planned for the day, including a fashion parade, cultural dance performances and activities for the kids.
The fashion parade will be one to watch out for as it will feature beachwear, casual wear, formal wear and traditional wear from various islands and will have Polynesian Myths and Legends mixed with the show. “All pieces are either passed on through generations or original pieces made especially for the Fashion Parade,” Crichton adds.
