Vela perform onstage at Pasifika. Photo / Ollie Dale.
Aucklanders celebrated the city's vibrant diversity at Western Springs Park on Friday evening, where an opening concert marked the beginning of the 16th annual Pasifika Festival.
80s reggae band Herbs headlined the event, which was MCed by Sione's Wedding star Teuila Blakely.
Ngati Whatua opened the evening with
a karakia, alongside Mayor John Banks, before various performing artists took to the stage, including the Kabu Kei Okaladi Fijian Dance Group and the Te Anuanua Performing Arts Troupe.
Highlight: The sense of community and warm enthusiasm with which the thousand strong crowd cheered the performers.
Lowlight: The nightmare traffic, which saw Great North Rd come to a virtual stand still both before and after the concert.
