Pasifika Excellence Week 2024: Celebrating Pasifika Achievement and Culture
Pasifika Excellence Week 2024 was a landmark series of events that brought together the Pasifika community to celebrate their rich culture, heritage, and the extraordinary contributions of Pasifika individuals in various fields. Hosted across iconic locations in Auckland, this week of celebration not only showcased the talents and achievements of Pasifika people but also created spaces for connection, reflection, and future growth.
From the opening ceremony to the Pacific Fest and the thrilling Moana Pasifika vs Blues rugby match, Pasifika Excellence Week was a resounding success, bringing people together to honour the achievements of Pasifika communities while setting the stage for a brighter future.
Official Welcome at Fale Pasifika, University of Auckland
The week kicked off on Wednesday, March 27th, with a heartfelt Mihi Whakataū (Official Welcome) held at the Fale Pasifika at the University of Auckland. Starting at 10:00 AM, this ceremony marked the beginning of the week’s celebrations, offering a warm and welcoming environment for Pasifika leaders, community members, and guests. The Mihi Whakataū ceremony was an opportunity for reflection, unity, and the honouring of Pasifika culture through traditional ceremonies, speeches, and music.
This event set the tone for the week, affirming the pride and significance of Pasifika identity and the importance of maintaining strong cultural ties while pursuing excellence in various fields.
Induction Celebration at Eden Park Grand Hall
The celebration continued the following day on Thursday, March 28th, at Eden Park Grand Hall, where the highly anticipated Induction Celebration took place at 5:00 PM. This prestigious event acknowledged the achievements of outstanding Pasifika individuals in sports, business, and community leadership.
The induction ceremony was a testament to the significant contributions Pasifika people have made both locally and internationally. It was a powerful moment to honour those whose work has had a lasting impact and who continue to inspire future generations. The evening featured inspiring speeches, heartfelt tributes, and the induction of new legends into the Pasifika Hall of Fame, marking a high point in the celebrations.
PBT Business Breakfast at Eden Park’s World Cup Lounge
On Saturday, March 30th, the focus shifted to the business sector with the PBT Business Breakfast held from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Eden Park’s World Cup Lounge. This exclusive event brought together Pasifika entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community stakeholders to network and discuss key issues facing Pasifika businesses.
The business breakfast highlighted the importance of supporting Pasifika enterprises and fostering a culture of innovation and leadership within the community. It also provided a platform for rising stars in the Pasifika business world to connect with established leaders and discuss ways to strengthen the Pasifika economic landscape.
Pacific Fest at Eden Park Outer Oval
After the breakfast, the celebrations moved to the Eden Park Outer Oval, where the Pacific Fest took place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This vibrant, family-friendly event featured a wide array of entertainment, food, arts, and cultural performances. Pacific Fest was a vibrant explosion of Pasifika culture, with traditional music, dance, food stalls, and art installations. The festival provided a space for Pasifika families to come together and celebrate their heritage, while also introducing visitors to the richness and diversity of the Pacific Islands.
For those in attendance, it was a day filled with entertainment, community spirit, and a deep sense of pride in Pasifika culture. Local performers showcased their talents, and the festival created a platform for Pasifika artists, musicians, and chefs to share their crafts with a wider audience.
Moana Pasifika vs Blues Rugby Match
The culmination of Pasifika Excellence Week came later that day with the much-anticipated Moana Pasifika vs Blues Rugby match at 4:35 PM. Hosted at Eden Park, this high-stakes Super Rugby clash saw the Moana Pasifika team take on the Blues in what was an exciting display of athleticism, strength, and teamwork. The match represented not just a sporting contest but also a celebration of Pasifika excellence in rugby.
The Moana Pasifika team, made up of Pacific Island players from New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and other Pacific nations, embody the spirit of Pasifika pride and resilience. The atmosphere at Eden Park was electric, with supporters showing their passionate backing for the Moana Pasifika team while celebrating the culture and identity that made the match so special.
A Week to Remember
Pasifika Excellence Week 2024 was an inspiring and joyous celebration of Pasifika achievements, from business and sports to culture and community leadership. Each event showcased the incredible talent, resilience, and unity of Pasifika people, while also providing valuable opportunities for connection, mentorship, and growth.
From the Mihi Whakataū at Fale Pasifika to the thrilling conclusion at Eden Park with the Moana Pasifika vs Blues Rugby match, Pasifika Excellence Week highlighted the incredible contributions of Pasifika individuals and communities to New Zealand and the world. The week served as a reminder of the importance of nurturing talent, supporting one another, and celebrating the vibrant Pasifika culture that continues to shape New Zealand’s identity.
