Aotearoa

Village Coordinator – Shona Tawhiao

What are your village’s music highlights?

There’s a variety of groups on both days, including kapa haka from Whanau Awahou and hip hop by Pakkz General on Saturday. The stage on Sunday will have performances from  Moana, Toni Huata, Churr Bro and more.

What are some must see activities?

Traditional Māori cooking demonstration and our Ta Moko artist (traditional tattoo), plus great cultural activities for children, such as weaving and storytelling.

What’s a ‘must-try’ dish?

Hangi-cooked food on both days – don’t miss the boil-up, pikopiko and squid salad and more as mains and wash it all down with gum boot tea station. There’s also a Puha vege shake made of puha, carrot and ginger juice.

What’s a little-known fact about your country or Pasifika village?

We are in the land of Aotearoa, and having our village in Pasifika about five years ago is adding the mana whenua value to this iconic event.

What else can you tell us about the village?

The Aotearoa village is the 'feature village' this year and it is fitting that one of the village icons, nikau leaves, is an integral part of Aotearoa’s native flora. Our village design will be inspired by a contemporary take on old world Māori villages.

When did you join Pasifika?

I took on the role as Aotearoa Village Coordinator in 2011 and I’m loving every moment of it.

What does the community think about Pasifika?

That it’s a great and must-see event where people from many nations are joining as one through arts and cultural activities.

Any last words?

Don’t miss experiencing the combination of traditional and contemporary performers and artists on stage for both days while enjoying the hangi-cooked food.