Siva Afi Festival Programme 2023

Mua ia mea i le Atua, o le amataga lea o mea uma. O le Atua o le Foafoaga, na ia mamanu le matagofie o mea uma.

(OIANATAI MATALE. ANOAFALE 2. 2010, PEMERIKA L TAUILIILI, PAGE 3)

Unity and resilience in the face of the storm

It is 11pm at night and the storm does not seem to ease; it reminds me of the storms in Samoa that bring a nice cooling atmosphere and we’d run out in the rain chanting “A agi le matagi, agi ē agi ē, agi luga ai lalo agi folau a!” before being called inside.

The start of this year has brought a mixture of emotions to our community. For most of us 2023 will mark the year of rebuilding, showing resilience to devastation that was out of our control. Seeing communities and local government lead relief efforts was a sign that care and kindness still exists.

Significant moments

The appointment of the Honourable Carmel Sepuloni as the first ever Pacific person to be Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand. Siva Afi Festival through the TOLU WAVE Funding with Creative New Zealand is a product of the Deputy Prime Minister’s years of work, advocating for better pathways and development for Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa.

O le a avea ia lenei avanoa faaauro e momoli atu ai lo matou agaga faamalo ma le faafetai, i lau susuga ile tamaitai sui Palemia - Carmel Sepuloni. Malo tauivi, faamalo le finau, aemaise o le faaeaea i o tatou tagata Pasefika. O upu a le Tusi, “ E te faia e oe measili, ma e manumalo ai.”

O le matou tatalo, ia alofagia e le Atua lou soifua tautua, ia maua le malosi ma le atamai, mo le tautuaina o si o tatou atunuu faapea o tatou tagata Pasefika. Alo laia i ou faiva, ia faatasi pea le Atua ma oe i ou ala uma.

Pasifika Festival month

Auckland might be the only place in the world where the month of March is celebrated as Pasifika Month. The backbone of Pasifika Month has been the annual Pasifika Festival (30 years) and ASB Polyfest (48 years). We at Siva Afi Festival hope to one day share in the successes and achievements of these giant pillars of Pacific cultural events in Aotearoa. Acknowledging le Afioga Seiuli Terry Leo-Mauu and Torise Flay, who have stuck through it all.

Speaking of giant pillars of excellence, the largest Kapa Haka event Te Matatini (50 years) just finished their 2023 event and we congratulate this year’s champion, Te Whānau a Apanui.

To all the unsung heroes in the community

I would like to acknowledge all parents, grandparents, whānau and friends of all our competitors. Your sacrifices, investment and support of their dreams is testament to the success and growth of siva afi in Aotearoa.

Each year we make new connections and forge new relationships. The incredible team of AKTIVE ZONE in New Lynn under the guidance of Joana Armstrong saw the development of the “Siva Afi Fit” programme.

We look forward to what the rest of 2023 will bring to Siva Afi in Aotearoa and worldwide.

Thank you all for coming to support the Siva Afi Festival.

Ia manuia ma soifua, i le alofa ma le agalelei o le Atua.

Tauanuu Amo Ieriko Siva Afi Festival Director

Siva Afi Aotearoa

In 2022 Polynesian Entertainers launched a new enterprise Siva Afi Aotearoa, in recognition of the growing interest and positive impact of the Siva Afi Workshops and Siva Afi Festival. Siva Afi Aotearoa is dedicated to promoting and supporting the art of Samoan fire knife dancing in Aotearoa – www.sivaafiaotearoa.co.nz .

The Siva Afi Festival is in its fourth year running and we’re excited to be welcoming international competitors to our all-female Siva Afi competition, as well as special guest performers and internationally renowned experts.

Here’s what you can expect from the festival:

• Day 1 of our competition is dedicated to our Wāhine Toa Afi Competition.

• Day 2 is the NZ Schools Siva Afi Competition.

• The PolyX Polynesian Night Markets will be providing food and craft stalls throughout the Festival days.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Siva Afi Aotearoa is a not-for-profit organisation and relies on grant funding and donations to deliver its workshops and annual festivals free of charge for all ages and ethnicities. We encourage you to join us in our commitment to present Pacific Arts to all audiences, and to provide a pathway for young people to create their own successes, resilience, and knowledge. All levels of donation, from $5, $20 or $200 are of value to us –visit www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/sivaafiaotearoa to donate.

CREDIT: HELEN PRITCHARD EVENT: ONE-YEAR COMMEMORATION OF THE DAWN RAIDS APOLOGY, SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2022, ŌRĀKEI MARAE, AUCKLAND

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki / Auckland Arts Festival 202 3 (AAF) is honoured and privileged to once again have the opportunity to support Siva Afi Festival this year. After the cancellation of all live performances last year, it is exciting that the festival is primed and ready to go ahead with this celebration of dynamic and spectacular fire knife dances.

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki/Auckland Arts Festival 2023 (AAF)

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki / Auckland Arts Festival 202 3 (AAF) is honoured and privileged to once again have the opportunity to support Siva Afi Festival this year. After the cancellation of all live performances last year, it is exciting that the festival is primed and ready to go ahead with this celebration of dynamic and spectacular fire knife dances.

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki/Auckland Arts Festival 2023 (AAF) is honoured and privileged to once again have the opportunity to support Siva Afi Festival this year. After the cancellation of all live performances last year, it is exciting that the festival is primed and ready to go ahead with this celebration of dynamic and spectacular fire knife dances.

Siva Afi Festival is a pioneer event that bring s the talents and skills of wāhine and rangatahi to the fore with a centuries-old traditional art form from Samoa. Their determination to challenge the status quo and provide development opportunities to all performers demonstrates high levels of courage, which aligns wi th the Auckland Arts Festival programme theme for 2023.

Siva Afi Festival is a pioneer event that bring s the talents and skills of wāhine and rangatahi to the fore with a centuries-old traditional art form from Samoa. Their determination to challenge the status quo and provide development opportunities to all performers demonstrates high levels of courage, which aligns wi th the Auckland Arts Festival programme theme for 2023.

Kia ora and fa’afetai lava to Amo, Renee and the crew for your continual tireless efforts in bringing this kaupapa together Kia kaha tonu koutou. Tahuna te ahi!

Siva Afi Festival is a pioneer event that brings the talents and skills of wāhine and rangatahi to the fore with this exciting art form from Samoa. Their determination to challenge the status quo and provide development opportunities to all performers demonstrates high levels of courage, which aligns with the Auckland Arts Festival programme theme for 2023.

Kia ora and fa’afetai lava to Amo, Renee and the crew for your continual tireless efforts in bringing this kaupapa together Kia kaha tonu koutou. Tahuna te ahi!

Nā māua, nā

Nā māua, nā

Kia ora and fa’afetai lava to Amo, Renee and the crew for your continual tireless efforts in bringing this kaupapa together. Kia kaha tonu koutou. Tahuna te ahi!

Nā māua, nā

Ataahua Papa

Ataahua Papa

Shona McCullagh

Ataahua Papa Shona McCullagh

Kaihautū Māori

Kaihautū

Shona McCullagh

Kaihautū Māori Kaitohu Toi | Artistic Director

Māori

Kaitohu Toi | Artistic Director

Kaihautū Māori Kaitohu Toi | Artistic Director

Mālō le Soifua Maua ma le Lagi e Mamā!

The U.S. Mission to New Zealand, Sāmoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau is proud to partner with the Siva Afi Festival. We recognize the trailblazing organizers for their efforts to host this event in Aotearoa New Zealand for the fourth year. I am delighted to support this illuminating celebration of the Samoan art of fireknife dancing, which I was honored to witness on my first trip to Sāmoa.

The festival’s focus on igniting the skills of wāhine and rangatahi performers makes this competition unique on the world stage. We welcome the U.S. fireknife dancing champions who are here to light up the local scene with their talent and experience. May the warm relationships and connections that are sparked during this festival burn long into the future.

Ambassador Tom Udall

Talofa ,

I just wanted to say thank you to the whole team on how organised you all were, and how you all are helping to grow the fireknife community in the New Zealand chapter. To all the Teine Toa, I applaud you, I know it’s not easy, but you all showed the true warrior within, that’s what I call courageous. You all are a part of laying the foundation of the female siva afi dancers, and in the years from now when it’s huge in the world you will look back and say, “I helped build that”. Keep spinning – there’s no limits to where you can go.

Much love from Hawai’i!

David Galea’i

Day 1

FRIDAY 10 MARCH 7 - 10PM

5.00pm Doors open

Food and craft stalls open

PolyX NZ – Polynesian Night Markets

7.00pm MC – welcome & karakia

Wāhine Toa Afi Exhibition – curated by Charlene Tedrow

7.20pm Guest Speakers

Introduction to judges

Siva Afi Māngere – demonstration

Siva Afi North Shore showcase – performance

US Embassy Consular General

Jeralee Galea’i – World Fireknife Champion, Women’s Division – performance

Vaimatina Triple Threat

Ahuuranui Ori Tahiti showcase – performance

7.50pm Introduction – Wāhine Toa Afi Competitors

TahiMana - Siva Afi performance

8.00pm Competition starts

9.00pm Anuanua Performing Arts Troupe (Cook Island) – performance

9.20pm Competition award ceremony

Farewell/photos

10.00pm Stage closed

MODELS - SEPTIMUS LEAOA & TINO LEAOA

PHOTOGRAPHER - SHERYLL A. FREETH

Day 2

SATURDAY 11 MARCH 7 - 10PM

5.00pm Doors open

Food and craft stalls open

PolyX NZ – Polynesian Night Markets

7.00pm MC - welcome & karakia

Introduction to judges

Le Taupou Manaia – performance

7.20pm Guest speakers

Popea Lautala, 3 times Teuila Festival Champion, Samoa – showcase performance

7.35pm

Introduction – NZ Schools Junior Category

TahiMana – Siva Afi performance

Junior competition continues

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi – Siva Afi performance

Junior competition continues

TahiMana (Seniors) – Siva Afi performance

8.40pm

Junior Category award ceremony & photos

8.50pm Introduction – NZ Schools Senior Category

Senior competition starts

9.40pm

Tipaula Family Dance Group – performance

9.50pm Senior Category award ceremony & photos

10.00pm Closing Taualuga – Tautua Dance Academy (Wellington)

Farewell

Contributors

DIRECTOR – SIVA AFI FESTIVAL

Amo Ieriko – Polynesian Entertainers Ltd

CO-PRODUCERS – SIVA AFI FESTIVAL

Maile Giffin – Polynesian Entertainers Ltd

Renée Tanner – Lightbox Projects

MCs

Tom Natoealofa

Tom Natoealofa has maintained his passion for the arts with appearances in numerous theatre plays and on screen. An accomplished musician and musical director, Tom returns to the stage as our Siva Afi Festival co-host.

JUDGES

CURATOR WTA EXHIBITION

Charlene Tedrow – Ura Tabu Pacific Dance

FESTIVAL PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Natalie Toevai – Siva Mai with Nat

Louisa Tipene Opetaia

Louisa Tipene Opetaia is a communications specialist with 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, and media. Louisa lives in South Auckland and works as the Cultural Affairs Coordinator at the United States Consulate General.

WĀHINE TOA AFI JUDGES SCHOOL COMPETITION JUDGES

Melanie Tia

Open Women’s Champion 2022, International Siva Afi Competition, Samoa. Melanie Tia has been fire dancing for over 20 years. She was the first female competitor to enter the intermediate division at the World Fireknife Championship in Hawai’i.

Tepaeru-Ariki (Lulu) French

Tepaeru-Ariki is a daughter of an Aitutakian mother and British father, born and raised on Aitutaki. She is an Auckland-based practising medical doctor, artist, performer and mother. Tepaeru-Ariki has national and international performance experience.

Leota Lene Leota

The Founder and Director of Siva Afi Entertainment in Samoa, Lene is the creator of the International Siva Afi competition since 2002. Lene inspires young people to take up the fire dancing art form through his establishment of the Ailao Club.

David Galea’i

Three- time World Fireknife Champion (Hawai’i, US). Aside from being an extremely skilled and talented performer, David is a true ambassador of the arts through his fire knife school, Vaimatina, located in Lā’ie on O’ahu.

Charlene

Tedrow

Choreographer and Cultural Expert (Auckland), Director of Ura Tabu Pacific Dance. An exceptionally gifted weaver of Pacific Indigenous dance form, specialising in her heritage art form, Siva Samoa. She has a wealth of experience with Samoan performing arts.

Ikaika

Hafoka

Born in Hawai’i and currently living in Colorado, Ikaika started dancing in his 20’s as a way to reconnect to his Polynesian roots. He was blessed to learn this powerful art through the incredible teachings of Siaosi Talitimu, High Chief of Samoa.

Wāhine Toa Afi Exhibition

CURATED BY CHARLENE TEDROW

AFI LOA

Inspired by the eruption of Mt Matavanu in Saleaula Savaii - Samoa, there lies the ‘Virgin Taupou Grave’. All surrounding villages were destroyed by the lava flow, yet this grave lies completely unscathed, untouched. The Virgin Taupou (the high chief’s daughter) was so ‘pure’ it is said that the lava flowed around her grave.

This year’s Siva Afi exhibition delicately breathes new life into the story of this Taupou. It centres around the power of lava that not only exists in the belly of mother earth but synonymously, in the womb of every tama’ita’i. Our Taupou will journey across the moana guided by the gods; Mafui’e, Pele and Ruaumoko, where she discovers the power of fire. Thus, reminding us of the unified connection we have with the elements.

We honour our Pasifika sisters who walk the line of fire within their own journeys and through this performance, we celebrate the rise of women in this fiery domain of siva afi.

CULTURAL ADVISORS

Maua Miller - Samoa. Source for Samoan chant. Maua Miller is a composer and multi-instrumentalist. Since moving to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2000, Maua has been a freelance musician and has taught music at the University of Auckland, Best Training PIPA and is currently teaching music at Freyberg Community School. Maua has offered a new rendition of the ‘Aue Ta fefe’ chant for this Siva Afi project and has been offering his services as a cultural advisor throughout this process.

Aulii Mitchell – Hawai’i. Kumu hula for Auckland based Halau Moananuiakiwa. Aulii has passed the learned chant ‘AI KA MUMU KĒKĒ (na Taupouri Tangarō) to Charlene as a hula student to use in this exhibition piece. It was taught to him from Kekuhi kanahele in 1999 to use in his hula academy, Halau o Kahiwahiwa.

Kimoro Taiepa – Aotearoa. Source for Maori chant. Kimoro was raised in the language, customs and performing arts traditions of his people principally of the three waka from whom he traces his lineage. He has gone on to write songs mostly for Kapa Kaka and more recently has explored the fusion of Maori and Pacific narratives through waiata.

SOUNDSCORE

Peter Hobbs – Peter Hobbs (MusB) is a composer, musician and producer based in Auckland, New Zealand. Peter describes himself as a diehard advocate for the spaces between the notes, which is exactly what he has done to create the original score for Afi Loa.

VIDEOGRAPHER/EDITOR

Ben Mikha – Ben is a Director and Cinematographer from South Auckland with a multi-disciplinary background having explored dance and music from a young age. In 2017 he won the world’s first Discovery Global Intern competition and travelled to ten countries with Discovery creating visual and written content for their social platforms. Stories based in the Pacific, inspired by indigenous practices and tradition have influenced his work in recent years.

PERFORMERS

Katerina Fatupaito – Katerina Fatupaito is a Performer in Theatre & Screen. After her studies with Pacific institute of performing Arts (PIPA) she has featured in leading and supporting roles. Katerina played the lead role of Nafanua, in the stage play Takurua last year. Katerina is a passionate grounded mover and Pacific storyteller who embodies her culture and experiences.

Lomina-Meteri Araitia – Tumu ‘Io Ura & Dance Co. A gifted multi-dimensional being, Lomina brings forth the mana of ancestral knowledge and activates the elements of earth and fire in this year’s Siva Afi Exhibition. Highly commended dancer and performer, Lomina is also a facilitator for self-awareness and engagement practices.

Saofaigalii Veronica Tulafasa - Hailing from the beautiful island of Samoa, Saofaigalii is a current member of Ura Tabu Pacific Dance company. Truly a skilled performer and storyteller through authentic movement, stillness and in leo (voice), empowerment by self-love, vibration and grace, which she brings to the table for 2023’s Siva Afi Exhibition.

WĀHINE TOA SIVA AFI

Dancers: Melanie Tia

Emillie Elizabeth Lovett

Hadassah Tagoai

WSTA was established in 2021 and is an all-female performing group. It comprises of a drumming group “Drumline” and Siva Afi dancers. This is their third year participating in the Wāhine Toa Afi Exhibition.

Performers

Jeralee Galea’i (US)

Jeralee started siva afi at a young age. After a number of placings in the World Fireknife competition, she was crowned 2019 Open Women’s World Fireknife Champion in Lā’ie, Hawai’i. Jeralee will be showcasing at the annual Pasifika Festival in March, with the support of US Embassy NZ.

TahiMana – Polynesian Fire Warriors

Popea Lautala

As a 3-time Teuila Festival Champion (Samoa), now making NZ his home, Popea has become a popular Siva Afi performer with constant bookings around NZ.

TahiMana is a family run professional fire dance club in Auckland. The group is made up of up-and-coming youth, with the occasional guest appearance from the original adult fire dancers. The dancing is accompanied by live drumming from the parents of the performers, making this a truly family affair. TahiMana continues to inspire young people through their shows at community festivals, celebrations, and assistance with Siva Afi workshops. TahiMana is available for hire at your next celebration!

Vaimatina Triple Threat (US)

Jeralee Galea’i, Chandae Ava and Aaliyah Ava have been fire dancing since they were 10 and 12 years old. They are now the worldrenowned ‘Triple Threat’ fire dance trio. Surrounded by the siva afi art form from their families, these wāhine toa fell in love with the skill and put in the hard work to become great siva afi performers. They are determined to inspire other females around the world to take up siva afi. All three now fire dance professionally at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Hawai’i.

Anuanua Performing Arts Troupe

Under the leadership of John Kiria, Anuanua Performing Arts

Troupe is synonymous with Cook Island cultural music and performance, with over 25 years of entertaining in Aotearoa and abroad. With a team of professional musicians and dancers they bring authentic Cook Island cultural performances as a great form of entertainment for weddings, birthday parties, corporate, sporting and community events.

Siva Afi North Shore

Siva Afi North Shore is a newly-discovered group consisting of 5 enthusiastic teens representing the North Shore of Auckland, who came together in August 2022 after attending North Harbour Siva Afi workshops.

IMAGE CREDIT: ZEMA&CO WEDDING SHE WROTE - 2022

Siva Afi Māngere Workshop team

Siva Afi Māngere is one of three community workshops offered under the Siva Afi Aotearoa umbrella. Established in 2018, it has been the avenue for over 200 participants across Auckland to learn and practice siva afi. Biproducts of the Siva Afi Māngere workshops have been Wāhine Toa Siva Afi and Siva Afi Otara. Thank you to the Māngere-Otahuhu Local Board, Māngere Arts Centre and Māngere Town Centre for your unconditional support over the years. Māngere - the home of Siva Afi.

Tautua Dance Academy (Wellington)

Tautua dance was established in 2016 in Wellington NZ to help share and teach the Samoan culture through dance, song and language. Going into their 7th year, Tautua has taught over 2000 students of all ages and have helped many connect to their Samoan Identity. Their goal is to help build resilient leaders for the future who know who they truly are as Samoan people.

Tipaula Family Dance Group

Tipaula is a family performing group established in 2004. Reviving traditional siva with old Samoan favourites, this group embodies the grace and strength that is the Samoan culture.

Le Taupou Manaia Dance Academy - Auckland

Le Taupou Manaia Dance Academy was founded 21 years ago in Pago Pago, followed by Orange County USA, Apia Samoa, Auckland NZ (March 2019) then most recently in Sydney Australia by Director and founder of the Academy Le Afioga ia Tuifaasisina Seiuli Korina Lee, who resides in Pago Pago. Since its formation, Le Taupou Manaia has taught over ten-thousand young tama’ita’i Samoa, ages 3 years to 18 years and older.

Ahuuranui Ori Tahiti

Ahuuranui Ori Tahiti is an all female Tahitian Dance group inviting all women over 18 years to experience the beauty of the Tahitian culture through traditional songs, dances, arts, and crafts. Since August 2020, they have grown from 20 to now over 200 vāhine. Ahuuranui Ori Tahiti incorporates an ‘Aparima (a slow dance) and an ‘Ōte’a (a fast hip-shaking dance). Born in Tahiti, Creative Director Ahuuranui Tarati brings her traditional knowledge and Tahitian dancing skills to Aotearoa.

Wāhine Toa Afi Competitors

Iorina Tafili – WTA Champion 2022 / Wellington Siva Afi

Iorina has now earned her Bachelor of Creativity degree at Whitireia performing arts, from Porirua, Wellington. Her passion for Siva Afi has grown more over the years since starting her Siva Samoa classes in 2020. This is Iorina’s second year of competing, with last year seeing her take out the Wāhine Toa Championship 2022. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to challenge herself and take her gained skills to the next level.

Hadassah Tagoai – WTA Competition top 3 2021 / Wāhine Toa Siva Afi

Hadassah hails from the Samoan villages of Aufaga (from her father) and Salelologa & Fagalii(from her mother). She has been practicing Siva Afi since 2020 through the Siva Afi Māngere (MāngereOtahūhū Local Board community programme). Hadassah says the warrior-like movement isn’t easy to execute and made her in awe of how the ancestors, let alone Nafanua herself, managed to battle with so much strength and agility. Hadassah placed in the top three for the 2021 Siva Afi Festival and competed at the International Siva Afi Competition in Samoa in 2022.

Sophia Uele

/ Wellington Siva Afi

Sophia Uele hails from the villages of Fagaloa, Fasito’o Uta, Sinamoga, Sa’anapu and Vaie’e Safata. She is the Co-Director and founder of Tautua Dance School based in Wellington.She first discovered Siva Afi when she enrolled in Matavai’s online classes back in 2020, led by Fred Schwenke & MaryJane Mckibbin-Schwenke, and she saw this as a great opportunity to learn a new skill during lockdown and challenge herself. Entering the Wāhine Toa Afi online competition last year was an awesome experience and has taken her passion for Siva Afi to a whole new level.

Mia Angelo

Mia was born in North Carolina and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She started learning and practicing Siva Afi a little over two years ago. Her journey in the community started with dancing Tahitian for Rocco Tinitali and their group Hula Fire Entertainment. After dancing Tahitian for a while, Mia was taught fire poi by Rocco’s wife, Tawsh. Instantly she fell in love with the art of fire. As soon as Mia lit up her knife for the first time she knew siva afi was going to be it for her. Mia is excited to be competing in beautiful Aotearoa.

Sierra Kawailele – Toa Afi Orlando Women’s Champion 2022 / Kalama Polynesian Dancers

Born and raised in Colorado, USA, Sierra is of Hawaiian/Norwegian descent and is 19 years old. She has been learning siva afi since January 2017. Although she was far away from her home island, dance and siva afi helped her stay connected to her roots. Sierra said growing up surrounded by Polynesian culture and dance was truly a blessing. She became interested in siva afi through learning Polynesian dance. Her goal with Siva Afi is to continue to spread love, culture, and passion as well as to stand beside her sisters as they represent the upcoming females in siva afi.

Aaliyah Ava / Vaimatina

As a member of the world-renowned Triple Threat team, Aaliyah started siva afi from seven years old with her sisters, under the guidance of David Galea’i. Siva afi was passed down from her papa Pulefano Galea’i. She is an integral part of the Vaimatina Siva Afi troupe and works as a Polynesian and Siva Afi performer at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in L ā’ie, Hawai’i. Her motivation to enter the Wāhine Toa Afi competition was to represent her family and share her talents.

“When Lenny was around 3 years old, he picked up a book at our local library and was mesmerised with the man on the cover, which was the great late ‘Freddie Letuli’. The book was called ‘Flaming Sword of Samoa: The Story of the Fire Knife Dance’. It was his favourite book, and we vowed to one day introduce him to the art he was fascinated with. Amo and Mani helped bring this vision alive by offering classes in the community.”

– Family of Lennon Meredith-Numia

School Competitors

JUNIORS

1. Inoke Ta’ufo’ou School: Richmond Road School

Age: 8 years

Villages: Salea’aumua, Safune (Samoa) Kotu, Ha’apai (Tonga). Inoke has been learning siva afi since Term 4 2022 with Amo and the talented tutors at New Lynn Siva Afi.

2. Losi Kimmons School: Blockhouse Bay Primary School

Age: 9 years

3. Alosio Alapati School: Scott Point Primary School

Age: 7 years

I come from the villages of Safotu and Falefa. I dance and train at the Siva Afi Whau in New Lynn with Amo Ieriko. I have been doing Siva Afi since August 2022.

4. Bailey Armstrong-Frost School: Fruitvale Primary School

Age: 9 years

Bailey is half Samoan, part Cook Island and part Māori. Bailey has been learning Siva Afi with the Siva Afi Whau workshops for the last 5 months.

5. Zechariah Wirihana-Siliva School: Avondale Primary

Age: 9 years

Zechariah is Māori /Tongan and he chose Siva Afi to represent his older sibling’s Samoan culture.

6. Oscar Tausani Ioelu

School: Chaucer School, Auckland

Age: 10 years

Samoan/NZ European; Samatau, Saipipi and Fusi Safotulafai. Loves: Sports/Performing Arts/Kalo and Sapasui.

7. Taituha Iosefa Kingi (aka Sefa)

School: Blockhouse Bay Intermediate

Age: 11 years

My likes are reading, maths, eating and spending time with my family. I’m proud to represent my family and Samoan culture.

8. Mathias Robertson

School: Henderson North school

Age: 10 years

Ethnicity: Samoan/Tongan. Place of birth: California, USA. Village : Vaimoso, Samoa / kolomotu’a, Tonga.

9. Lennon Meredith-Numia School: Home-schooled

Age: 10 years

Families: Tielu, Taua, Leilua, Meredith and Pereira. Villages: Togafuafua, Matautu, Siufaga, Siumu, Moataa. Started Siva Afi in August 2020 with Amo and Mani Jr Sumeo.

10. Viliamu Alapati School: Scott Point Primary School

Age: 10 years

I dance and train at the Siva Afi Whau in New Lynn. My tutor is Mr Amo Ieriko. I come from the villages of Safotu and Falefa and have been doing Siva Afi since August 2022.

“It is never too late to learn and embrace a craft from our beautiful culture. This art is not just for males, us females can do this too!”

– Emillie Elizabeth Lovett

EMILLIE ELIZABETH LOVETT

School Competitors JUNIORS

11. Emillie Elizabeth Lovett

School: Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate

Age: 12 years

2021 Junior Champion. 2022 Top 3 Junior Competition. Born in Victoria, Australia, now living in South Auckland. Proudly representing the villages of Sala’ilua (Savaii), Iva & Vaigaga.

12. Moa Lua School: Discovery School

Age: 12 years

Siumu, Samoa. Tautua Dance. 10 months experience.

16. Naomi Sofele

School: Papatoetoe Seventh Day Adventist

Age: 9 years

Māori/Samoan/Nuie. Naomi has been working with the Siva Afi Whau workshop since August last year.

17. Denzel Toloa

School: Blockhouse Bay Intermediate

Age: 12 years old

Asaga and Fasito’otai in Samoa and is also of Niuean, Tongan and Scottish descent. He has been spinning for less than 1 year, and has grown so much in confidence as he continues to learn.

13. Japhia Gagamoe School: Windley School

Age: 10 years

Tautua Dance. 6 months experience.

Fasito’o Uta, Satalo Falealili, Lalovaea, Luatuanu’u, Faga Savai’i.

School: Avondale Intermediate

Age: 11 years

Samoan/Tongan.

14. Jeremiah Gagamoe School: Windley School

Age: 11 years

Tautua Dance. 6 months experience.

Fasito’o Uta, Satalo Falealili, Lalovaea, Luatuanu’u, Faga Savai’i.

School/Club: Puhinui School

Siva Afi Ōtara

Age: 8 years

Island/Iwi/Village: Samoa. Father: Sapapali’i, Manase, Faleapuna, Samalaeulu. Mother: Lalomalava, Moata’a, Sale’imoa, Lufilufi, Lalomanu.

Intermediate

Age: 13 years

Kyan is a 2023 prefect, and has a passion and love for his culture. He is African/Samoan/Māori and has been with the Siva Afi Whau workshop since August 2022.

18. Jerzey Ieriko-Nanai

15. Kyan Armstrong School: Kelston

19. Zion Savea

“When I lit for the first time, I admit, there was a bit of fear but then I started spinning and I just didn’t want to stop. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and wanted to learn more moves. I’m so excited to keep the Afi burning for future Teine Samoa.”

– Arden Meredith-Numia

School Competitors

SENIORS

1. Arden Meredith-Numia

School: Massey High School

Age: 13 years

Families of: Tielu, Taua, Leilua, Meredith and Pereira. Villages of: Togafuafua, Matautu, Siufaga, Siumu, Moataa. Started Siva Afi in August 2020 at Mt Roskill with Tauanuu Amo Ieriko and Mani Jr Sumeo.

2. Portia Meredith-Numia

School: Massey High School

Age: 16 years

Families of: Tielu, Taua, Leilua, Meredith and Pereira. Villages of: Togafuafua, Matautu, Siufaga, Siumu, Moataa. Started Siva Afi in November 2020 with Valentino Luafaleolo & Tauanuu

Amo Ieriko.

3. Jayden Suni Aunese-White

School: St Paul’s College

Age: 14 years

2022 Senior Champion. Island/Iwi/Village: Fusi Safata and Satufia Satupaitea. I have been doing Siva afi for over 4 years now, it helps me connect to my Samoan culture.

4. Hezekia Asiata

School: St Patrick’s College

Silverstream

Age: 13 years

Tautua Dance. 7 months experience. Satupaitea and Salelologa, Savai’i.

5. Kitiona Lua

School: Aotea College

Age: 15 years

Siumu, Samoa. Tautua Dance. 10 months experience.

6. DJ Papali’i

School: St Pauls College, Ponsonby

Age: 13 years

Villages: Samoa; Togafuafua and Letogo. Tonga; Niua Foou and Futu Eua. A member of the TahiMana Siva Afi group and the Ahmoa Tongan

Performing Arts Group, DJ is proud of both his Samoan and Tongan heritage.

7. Marcelo Reyes-Tokuma

School: Mt Albert Grammar

Age: 15 years

2021, 2022 Top 3 Senior Competition.

Ie Lava Lava

Ie lavalava teuteu fa’asamoa

E sulu le siapo, e maeu, e maeu le manaia

Ia la’u penina ma la’u paaga ua malie o Sau ia ua ou le toe fai loto

O le a seu lo’u va’a e malolo.

E lafoia le taula i fanua, ua leva le po

Ia fa’atalaia, ia fa’atalatala

Aumai se tala mai i le ualesi e ua fo’i mai o lau malaga

Sa e ta’amilo ia Samoa

Composer: Unknown

The Taualuga is a traditional siva (dance) from Samoa, it is the finale to all Samoa cultural events, celebrations or fiafia. We are honoured to have Tautua Dance Academy (Wellington), supported by the Siva Afi Community to Taualuga Siva Afi Festival 2023.

Ia soifua ma manuia.

SPONSORS

Creative New Zealand - Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa

Māngere Ōtāhuhu Local Board

US Embassy

Auckland Arts Festival

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Māngere Town CentreDave Fearon and Mia King

Aktive Zone - Joana Amstrong

POLYX LTD – POLYNESIAN NIGHT MARKETS TEAM

Co Director - Mandy Siitia-Momoisea

Co Director - Zeprina Fale

Co Director - Seiuli Leo-Mauu

SIVA AFI COACHES

Mani Sumeo

Justyce Edmonds

Melanie Tia

Amo Ieriko

COVER IMAGE

Photographer: Charlotte Church

EXTRA IMAGES

Ezra Falani

Septimus Leaoa & Tino Leaoa –(photographed by Sheryll A. Freeth)

Lennon Meredith-Numia

Emillie Elizabeth Lovett

Arden Meredith-Numia

Marcelo Reyes-Tokuma

CULTURAL ADVISOR

Tafola Ropati Sivao

WĀHINE TOA AFI EXHIBITION

Film crew:

Julian Wagner – Gaffer

Lukas Faulkner - 1st Assistant Camera

Cody Wilcox - Sound Recordist

Location Credit:

Special fa’afetai tele lava to Hells Gate Rotorua for allowing us access to film and to these beautiful sites and all the kaitiaki and guardians of Wakarewarewa Forest, Ōkataina Lake.

FESTIVAL PERFORMERS

Le Taupou Manaia - Auckland

Alexis Muaiava

Ane Lee

Angelina Pula-Olo

Annicelita Lio

Conchitta Jennings-Sio

Danika Tavita-Muller

Delylah Aiono

Emalia Tuitama

Eseta Rasmussen

Faith Faafouina

Grace Faga

Julia Pula-Olo

Nevaeh Ofisa

Pauline.Luamanuvae

Pauna Lee

Setaisa June Ieremia

Teugata Rasmussen

Director & Choreographer –Tuifa’asisina Seiuli Korina Lee

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi - dancers

Hadassah Tagoai

Melanie Tia

Emillie Elizabeth Lovett

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi - drumline

Paula Tuifelasai-Tino

Sarah-Luisa Pula-Olo

Helen Salu Pritchard

Juelz Pula

TahiMana Polynesian Fire Warriors

Portia Meredith-Numia

DJ Papalii

Marcelo Reyes-Tokuma

Suni Aunese-White

Lennon Meredith-Numia

Ardern Meredith-Numia

TahiMana (Seniors)

Tim Noyce

Mani Lavatai

Amo Ieriko

Justyce Edmonds

Nimo Lautala

Choreographers

Matalena Tulisi

Popea Lautala

Amo Ieriko

Siva Afi Solo

Popea Lautala

Jeralee Galea’i

Festival Taualuga

Taupou - Tracey Tofilau

Fuataimi - Iorina Tafili

Choir - Siva Afi Community

Ahuuranui Ori Tahiti

Rohi Pehe:

Latu Pasa

Anthony Tau-Gifford

Teare Tau-Gifford

Ofisa Kei

Landry Hatitio

Amo Ieriko

‘Ōrero, Rahu’a Hīmene:

Vaihiria Kei

Hura Vahine:

Leialoha Gariki

Atalissa Frost

Tea Siao

Laetizia Sanne

Mereana Matia

Angelica Jones

Melodie Juventin

Ariitea Timiona

SIVA AFI SCHOOLS & WORKSHOPS IN NZ

North Harbor Siva Afi

Beka Sumeo Tafiti-Maiava

Mani Sumeo

Mani Lavatai

Portia Meredith-Numia

Suni White

Siva Afi Māngere

Tai Temanu

Mani Sumeo

Amo Ieriko

Natalie Toevai

Siva Afi Whau

Marcelo Reyes-Tokuma

Matalena Tulisi

Portia Meredith-Numia

Suni Aunese White

Amo Ieriko

Siva Afi West

Valentino Luafalealo

Siva Afi Otara

Noelani Ah Chong

Wellington Siva Afi

Jayden Luapo

Sophia Uele

COMPETITION DRUMMERS

Lā’ie Drummers Core

David Galea’i

Alex Galea’i

LJ Tuia

Toa Tafiti

Stan Paula

Malachi Mosiah Manu

Northshore Drumline

Popea Lautala

Nimo Lautala

Bert Fuiavailili

TahiMana

Matalena Tulisi

Tini Aunese

Pa Tulisi

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi Drumline

Helen Pritchard (lead drummer)

Paula Tino

Sarah-Luisa Pula

Juelz Pula

Japeth Vaoa

FESTIVAL CREW

MCs – Tom Natoealofa, Louisa Opetaia

Stage Manager -Maile Giffin

SM Assistants – Anne Ulaula, Sierra Kawailele

WTA Competition Judges – Leota Lene

Leota, Tepaeru-Ariki French, Melanie Tia

NZ Schools Competition Judges – David

Galea’i, Charlene Tedrow, Ikaika Hafoka

Judges Marking Officiator – Tim Noyce

Drop Count – Tim Noyce, Melanie Tia

Stage/ Sound/ Light – The Rock Factory

Stage Hands – Micah Papali’i, Stanley Blakely

Green Room Minder – Ximena Reyes

Stalls – PolyX Polynesian Night Markets

Judges & MC Minder – Grace Senio

Decoration – TahiMana

Kaumatua Tent – Venessa Blakely, Liz Papali’i

Merchandise Stall – Melissa White, Jeralee Galea’i

Fire Safety – Chris Numia, Mani Lavatai, Jayden Luapo, Justyce Edmonds

Videographer – Kokomedia

Photographer – A Little Bit

Live Streaming – Pasifika TV

CREDIT: HELEN PRITCHARD EVENT: ONE-YEAR COMMEMORATION OF THE DAWN RAIDS APOLOGY, SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2022, ŌRĀKEI MARAE, AUCKLAND