Fiji

Village Coordinator – Joana Monolagi

What are your village’s music highlights?

The latest sounds from Fiji, old and new, popular bands and upcoming artists. Come and watch on Saturday – it is the only chance that you'll have to enjoy our culture in the village as we are not open on Sunday.

What are some must see activities?

We have a mat weaver and stone carver who will be in the village. Fijian warriors dressed in traditional attire will be patrolling the village and there are different community group performances throughout the day.

What’s a ‘must-try’ dish?

Try our Fijian foods such as kokoda (marinated raw fish in lemon with vegetables and coconut cream), vakalolo (tapioca in coconut caramel sauce), lovo food (hangi), duna tavuteke (fried eel), rourou (taro leaves baked in coconut cream) and much more.

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

For 2013, the Fiji village will have a weaver all the way from the Lau group of islands in Fiji who specialises in mat weaving, plus a young man who will showcase his skill in stone carving, who is also from the Lau group of islands.

What else can you tell us about the village?

Our village will be open on Saturday only, so come and enjoy it while you can – plus it's free entry to Fiji!

When did you join Pasifika?

I joined as Village Coordinator in 2002.

What does the community think about Pasifika?

It is an event that Fijians from far and wide look forward to and make the journey to Pasifika to enjoy the day with friends and family. This is a day when we are proud to be Pacific Islanders representing our island nation of Fiji.

Any last words?

Experience the culture of Fiji in its true sense – it is only a three hour flight from Auckland, so come and experience our culture and take a piece away with you.