A new events and cultural centre is up and running in Onehunga thanks to the dream of Pulotu Arthur and Maretta Solomon, who opened the Brother Priscillian Music, Performing Arts, Events & Culture Centre.
The centre is a welcome addition to the Martin Hautus Pacific Peoples Learning Institute which was formed by Pulotu Arthur and Maretta in 1990, was officially opened June 21st, with local MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Mayor Len Brown and Br Colin Divane as guest speakers. It was a night of cultural celebrations and songs by the Martin Hautus choir.
“We wanted a 500-seat centre and invested a lot of time and money into the planning process,” says Pulotu Selio.
“After it was declined a second time by the council, my parents decided to do it themselves. We have a lot of talented Pacific and Maori performers out there that just need an opportunity to showcase what they can do.”
Leading the way is Selio’s sister Teuila. She manages the centre and recently launched her single there titled You’re Good Enough. Knowing the work put in by her family, Teuila says the time was right to pursue her passion for music and lead from the front.
“It’s not an easy thing to do for a lot of our Pacific people, because we fear being criticised, and that holds us back,” she says. “But while it’s scary, it’s also exciting, and you need to use that excitement to help you drive what you love doing.”
Teuila’s favourite genre is gospel, although she also enjoys R’n’B and Hip Hop.
Pulotu Selio says the centre is open for all types of events from weddings, art displays, dances and music performances.
The event centre was named after Brother Priscillian, an inspirational Italian Marist Brother who spent many years in Fiji, and was Pulotu Arthur Solomon’s music teacher in the late 1950s. The Institute is named after Brother Matthew Hautus and John Martin, who both served at De La Salle College.
Selio insists they haven’t given up on their dream centre.
“Any money we make will be ploughed straight back into the further development of the centre and the institute. By making a go of it ourselves, and getting the local community to hire it out, we want the council to see the value it brings and support it.”
For hire enquiries contact Selio at 09 632 3152.
