Pride, identity and connection are at the heart of one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most popular festivals celebrating Pacific Island culture.
On March 14 and 15, Pasifika Festival will return to Western Springs Lakeside Park and come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of 11 Pacific Island nations in eight villages.
Pacific peoples make up nearly 17 percent of the region’s population. That’s why Auckland is known as the largest Polynesian city in the world.
“The Pasifika Festival is one of our region’s most beloved celebrations,” says Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson. “It brings together communities, strengthening the cultural fabric that makes our city so vibrant. It also showcases Pacific culture to tens of thousands of visitors each year. Pasifika embodies who we are as a region: connected and proud.”
This year, over 20,000 people are expected to attend the festival and soak up the vibes from the 11 Pacific Island nations: Cook Islands, Niue, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tuvalu, Fiji, Fale Pasifika (Kiribati, Tokelau, Hawai'i, Tahiti) and Tonga. Pasifika is not only a soul-filling showcase of traditional and contemporary performances, there will also be a delicious selection of popular Pacific Island dishes on offer like ʻotai, panikeke and ‘ota ika.
The two-day festival is delivered on behalf of Auckland Council Events by the region’s cultural events and destination agency, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Afamasaga Jep Savali, Group Manager Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Major Events, says reflection and forward planning are key to keeping the festival fresh, along with nurturing the next generation of artists, performers and cultural custodians.
“Pasifika is a community-led event that brings people together from different Pacific Island nations which is what makes it so unique,” says Savali. “There is a feeling of togetherness and authenticity which you feel the moment you enter the festival. Pasifika Festival is not a show – it is culture, traditions and language expressed through performances, food and entertainment.”
A dynamic lineup of live music is planned including Jordyn with a Why and Mohi who will be on the Aotearoa stage, Che Fu will be hitting the stage at the Niue village, and Mr Tee will be performing at the Samoa Village.
Pasifika Festival Villages Charitable Trust Co-Chair, and Samoa Village Cultural Advisor, Seumanu Seuoti Simon Matāfai JP says: “Pasifika Festival is the annual celebration of our daily way of life as the world’s largest Pacific city. Nowhere else in the world will you experience our culture, music, dance, language, cuisine and arts all in one place.”
Since starting in 1993, the Pasifika Festival has become a vibrant celebration of Auckland’s Pacific cultures and communities. The cultural village format was introduced in 1998, giving visitors an immersive experience with performances, hands-on workshops, traditional kai, and art from the different nations.
As the Pasifika Festival looks to the future, its commitment to celebrating Pacific culture and heritage remains steadfast.
Pasifika Festival is an all ages, alcohol-smoke-vape-free, family-friendly event supported by Auckland Council Events. Entry is free and non-ticketed.
Parking restrictions and road closures will be in place for the festival weekend so it is recommended to plan ahead.
A free Park & Ride service will be running from Unitec Mt Albert (Gate 4, 154 Carrington Road) to Gate C at Western Springs. Shuttle buses will run every 5–10 minutes during festival hours on both days.
Plan your journey to Pasifika Festival by using Auckland Transport’s Journey Planner. Access it through the AT Mobile app or at AT.govt.nz/journeyplanner.
Pasifika Festival 2026
- Dates: 14 and 15 March 2026
- Times: Saturday, 14 March: 9am-6pm; Sunday, 15 March: 12pm-6pm
- Location: Western Springs Lakeside Park, Western Springs, Auckland
- Admission: Free entry
For more information visit: www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika
ENDS