Saturday 21 April saw Helensville hold its first Pasifika festival, named Beautiful Pasifika by instigator and organiser Marie TakefalaAdlam. Marie, who lives in Helensville and is the mother of six children and the co-ordinator of the Bridge to Hope Suicide Prevention Centre in Commercial Rd, says she had been thinking about staging such a festival for about five years to make a connection with the Pacific Islanders here and share the culture with the local community. She’s thrilled that her idea finally became a reality and is very grateful to the Helensville businesses who provided generous sponsorship, to the many people who willingly stepped in to help make it such a wonderful celebration of Pacific Cultures, to her family, friends and church and adds, “Without Jesus Christ it wouldn’t have been such a successful event.”
The over 300 people who turned out on the day and were treated to a variety of delicious food from a range of stalls, Pacific Island arts and crafts, workshops and music. Performances were given by Helensville Primary, Mt Tabor, Kaipara College, Woodhill School and special guests Massey High School Niuean group. Levia Aukino-uruamo was M.C. and her husband Edward was DJ.
Marie is now beginning to plan a Pacific Island sports day, which will include Helensville and other Rodney District areas.
