Siva Afi Festival

Now in its sixth year, the talents and skills of wāhine and rangatahi return to the fore, through the centuries-old traditional Samoan art form of siva afi — fire knife dancing.

  • Words by Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival
  • Last updated 18 Sep 2025

Sense the delight, feel the heat, and watch the flames spin as these skilled performers showcase their talents and compete for glory, setting the Festival and Auckland region alight with excitement.

Day one is dedicated to the Wāhine Toa Afi Competition and day two with Masters of the Flame Aotearoa senior men’s competition, which will feature local and international competitors alongside special guest performers and internationally renowned siva afi experts.

Throughout both days of the festival, experience a showcase of the Juniors and Intermediates Siva Afi Competition, where boys and girls compete to be the best of the best in Aotearoa.

Location Te wāhi
Ngā Tohu o Uenuku Māngere Arts Centre
Māngere Arts Centre, Māngere
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

Māngere Arts Centre is conveniently located in Māngere Town Centre, which is 20-30 minutes by car and an hour by bus from the city centre. There is plenty of off-street parking available.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

The community café is a fabulous place to grab a pastry or enjoy café-led community events – the open mic nights are always a hit.