We had the distinct pleasure in March 2021, of curating and hosting the space for shared experiences at the AKl CultureFest called Pā Nui.

Pā Nui is a zone for people from diverse ethnic communities in Auckland including former refugees and migrants to share experiences through language, story-telling, comedy, music, dance, workshops and activations. A safe space in a small marquee with a small stage, lots of cushions and opportunities to interact.

1. (verb) Pā Nui (-hia,-tia) to announce, notify, advertise, publish, proclaim.

Big thanks to Cara Cantwell and team from Auckland Council events.

Included in our programming for the day was the “warm fuzzies share chair” from Openfort, Harakeke flax weaving workshop from Nat Rose te Hei, Whakairo (carving) workshop from Te Rangi Marie, Indian dance and physical theatre workshop from Kalyani Nagarayan, an acoustic drum and hiphop spoken word session from Phodiso, Spanglish comedy from Mexican China Gonzalez, popping Puletasi workshop (a mix between hiphop popping and Samoan siva dance) from John Vaifale, two Bian Lian face-changing performances from Jason Wu, explosive pacific dance from Tatau Academy, manākitanga from Whaea Robyn and a former refugee and migrant panel discussion and experience sharing session with Sarah Lipura (researcher and migrant) from Belong Aotearoa, Aklilu Hibtit and team members from RASNZ, and Abaan and Gatluak from ARCC.

All in all and amazing day of diversity, oneness and exploring the universality that binds us all! A fantastic boost to community well-being in these times.