Rotorua Pasifika Festival 2025 celebrates culture, food and wellbeing

The Rotorua Pasifika Festival 2025 is at the Village Green on Saturday. Photo / Ben Fraser

Singing, food and connection are on the agenda at Rotorua Pasifika Festival 2025.

This year’s theme is “navigating wellbeing through culture and connection”, with a range of performing arts planned at the Village Green on Saturday.

Main stage performances include local schools and community groups, the Saintz Performing Arts leading the Pasifika Secondary Schools Choir, and the Signature Choir finale.

There will be kai and artisan stalls as well as the Ola Fou Health and Wellbeing Hub and children’s zone bouncy castle.

Rotorua Pacific Islands Development Charitable Trust chief executive and festival director Jacqueline Pointon said the festival theme captured the spirit of community connectedness.

“Navigating wellbeing through culture and connection is about returning to our roots, to the values that keep our communities strong.

“Our languages, traditions, and togetherness are pathways to health and happiness,” Pointon said.

“The festival is a reminder that when we celebrate who we are, we also care for our wellbeing.”

The event is free, but there is grandstand seating for $20 per person to guarantee a main-stage view.

Festival-goers were encouraged to bring picnic rugs/chairs, hats, sunscreen and refillable water bottles.

The event is alcohol-free, with parking around the lakefront. Rideshare and carpooling were encouraged, with a signed drop-off/pick-up zone near the entrance.

Event details

What: Rotorua Pasifika Festival 2025

Where: Rotorua Village Green

When: November 1, 11am-5pm.

Cost: Entry free, limited reserve seating $20 pp