Twelve Pacific communities will come together with Ngāti Toa representation for Porirua’s first Pacific Nations Festival at Aotea Lagoon on Saturday 5 December.
The new festival will bring a shared celebration to the end of the year’s Pacific language weeks.
The day will run from 10am to 4pm, with a parade around the lagoon opening the programme. The Tongan Brass Band and Tautua Dance will lead the procession.
Performances will begin at midday, while food and craft stalls will operate throughout the day.
The festival follows Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week, from 22 to 28 November, the final Pacific language week on the council’s celebration calendar this year.
Free return bus rides are planned from both Porirua railway station, on the Mungavin side, and Waitangirua Mall. The service gives residents a way to reach Aotea Lagoon without driving to the venue.
The first buses will start at 9.15am, ahead of the opening parade. The final bus will leave the lagoon at 4.30pm, half an hour after the festival finishes.