The Lalaga Pasifika event was a beautiful celebration of Pasifika arts and culture held right here in Taranaki.

Local Taranaki Pasifika artists together with Pasifika Artists from around Aotearoa joined to showcase and share their talents with the people of Taranaki.   

Following the opening Whakatau and Ava ceremony the day time programme consisted of artwork being displayed by local Taranaki artists, demonstrations of traditional Samoan tatau by Tyla Vaeau, Samoan siva by Ella Loheni Stancil, Tongan natu making/decorating with Ruha Fifita and the IVI Project with music performed by The Shades and TJ Taotua.

The evening dinner / fiafia night was further celebration with more items performed by the performing artists present – the graceful Ella Loheni Stancill, the velvety tones of Taka Vuna and Ipu Lagaaia of The Shades and the silky smooth TJ Taotua. The evening culminated with a Tongan taualuga performed by Victoria Tongi – with all proceeds raised donated towards the Tongan tsunami relief work.

This successful event was a result of collaboration between the Govett Brewster Art Gallery, Vaimoana Pasifika and WITT.