Manukau is celebrating its Pacific diversity with a month of Pacific events and culture featuring festivals, exhibitions, film, dance and more.
Manukau is home to 88,000 Pacific people, almost 28 per cent of its 330,000 population. Samoan is the second most spoken language in Manukau, after English. So it is fitting that Pacific talent from across the city will be showcased throughout March.
Celebrate Pasifika sees the council’s Arts and Libraries teams hosting a range of free activities, in conjunction with other major Pacific events.
The annual Pasifika Festival will be held at Western Springs on 13 March, the popular ASB Polyfest 2010 is on from 17 to 20 March at the Manukau Sports Bowl, and Pollywood 82010 showcases Pacific Island short films in Otara on 16 March.
Manukau Mayor Len Brown is delighted to see Pacific culture getting its share of the limelight.
"I am proud of the strong, vibrant cultures that make up this city. I see our cultural and community diversity as a wonderful economic and social opportunity.
"I’m very much looking forward to these events and I encourage all Manukau residents to visit the events and learn more about this amazing and talented part of our community.”
Free Celebrate Pasifika events in Manukau:
MANUKAU LIBRARIES:
Art Workshop with bro’Town Artist Ali Cowley
Wednesday, 3 March, 1pm, Mangere East Library
Friday, 5 March, 1pm, Tupu Library
Graff Crew Workshop and Demo
Come down and watch some graffiti art demos!
Tuesday, 2 March, 2pm, Otara Library
Traditional Contemporary Siva (Dance) Workshop
Friday, 12 March, 10am, Manurewa Library
Friday, 12 March, 1pm, Papatoetoe Library
Free Dance Workshop
With Prestige Dance Crew’s Allistar and tutors from the Palace Dance Studio
Saturday, 13 March, 10.30am to 2pm, Mangere East Library
Must be a member of Manukau Libraries to participate
Make-a-healthy Oka demonstration
With Kathy Zombos, winner of the talent section Miss Samoa Pageant
Tuesday, 16 March, 10am, Mangere East Library
Tuesday, 16 March, 1pm, Otara Library
Tivaevae demonstrations
Wednesday, 17 March, 10.30am, Mangere Town Centre Library
Thursday, 18 March, 12.30pm, Pakuranga Library
Wednesday, 24 March, 10.30am, Otara Library
Museum arts and crafts workshops
Friday, 5 March, 11am-12 pm, Howick Library
Thursday, 11 and 16 March, 10am, Otara Library
Thursday, 25 March, 4pm, Pakuranga Library
Finale event: Exercise Your Body, Exercise your Mind
Saturday, 27 March, 10.30am
Everyone welcome, come down to Ferguson Oaks Reserve in Otara and join in a free aerobics class. Guest instructor Tofiga Fepulea’i, with a special performance from the Funky Munkyz and more!
More information available at 
www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz or phone 262 5101 ext 8697
MANUKAU ARTS:
What: Matua o Faiaoga Muamua - Parents Are Our First Teachers exhibition by Pelenato Liufau
When: Until 13 March, with artist's floor talk Saturday 6 March 12pm-1.30pm
Where: Fresh Gallery Otara (Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 2pm)
“My recent work acknowledges instances when children have been exposed to questionable parental practices and the impact of prioritising cultural and religious obligations over nurturing, instances that lead to neglect and child abuse.”
What: PLASTIC exhibition by Czarina Alisi Wilson
When: 19 March - 10 April, with artist's floor talk Saturday 3 April 12pm-1.30pm
Where: Fresh Gallery Otara (Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 2pm)
Wilson pushes boundaries with painstakingly hand-made garments which have been subject to great acclaim. In her first solo exhibition, her works examine the struggles of being hafekasi and negotiating acceptance from both Tongan and Pākehā communities.
What: An exhibition of garments by designer Visesio Louis Thomsen
When: 5 March - 3 April
Where: Mangere Community Arts Outreach Service (Tuesday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm)
Award-winning designer Visesio Louis Thomsen presents his garments in this stunning exhibition. Inspired by traditional processes and materials his garments include Samoan textile as well as Western fabrics. White tapa and fine mat make up wedding gowns and evening wear along with silks, satins and delicate organdie.
What: Whanau Ora Group Show
When: until 21 March
Where: Nathan Homestead (Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Weekends 1pm - 4pm)
Nellie-Ann Rerekura, Post Grad Dip.Maori Business Development, Kirkpatrick Mariner, MA Health Management, and Richard S. Cooper Doc.FA., all work together for the Counties Manukau District Health Board. Through installation, photographs, drawing and sculpture the artists reference the everyday physical, spiritual and historical sequences that impact on health. In this exhibition they combine their knowledge and experiences to present an exhibition that intends to discuss and promote healthy family living.
OTHER EVENTS:
What: Pasifika Festival 2010
When: 13 March
Where: Western Springs
Details from: www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/pasifika/
What: Pollywood 82010 – Pacific Island short films
When: Tuesday 16 March, 7pm-9pm, $5 entry
Where: Otara Music Arts Centre, Bairds Road, Otara
Screening:
‘Koe Mafeaga Hala – Crossroads’, produced by Taoga Niue and directed by Shane Tohovaka. A hard hitting documentary confronting issues regarding tradition and progression of a struggling nation
‘Uso and Sole 2’, directed and produced by Grayham Hall. A guaranteed crowd pleaser, winning the audience choice award in 2008 for the first instalment.
What: the council-sponsored ASB Polyfest
When: 17 to 20 March
Where: Manukau Sports Bowl
Details from: www.asbpolyfest.co.nz
What: Jeremy Richard Leatinu'u exhibition
When: 13 February – 11 April 2010
Where: Te Tuhi, Reeves Road, Pakuranga
Leatinu'u exhibits a body of work which explores concepts of ownership and the human occupation of property. His recent video-based work focuses on street performers both in central Auckland and throughout his Otara neighborhood.