Siva Afi Festival Programme 2024

FRIDAY 8 & SATURDAY 9

MARCH 2024

7PM – 10PM

Māngere Arts Centre

Ngā Tohu o Uenuku www.sivaafiaotearoa.co.nz

ALOSIA ALAPATI, ZECHARIAH WIRIHANA-SILIVA

Welcome

Welcome to five years of history

On behalf of everyone who has contributed or participated, especially our Funders and Supporters, we welcome you and thank you for supporting Siva Afi Festival 2024.

Le Afigoa ia Fa’anānā Efeso Collins

‘E le tu fa’amauga se tagata’

We pay our respects to the late Fa’anānā Efeso, whose sudden passing has been felt by all. As an advocate for pacific people and champion of people being the best versions of themselves, he was an inspiration to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

A legacy for all

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Our workshops continue to be the most rewarding part of our Siva Afi community engagement. My most heartfelt moments are when pacific people approach us to say how proud they are to see young people learning siva afi ailao and congratulate us on continuing ‘our culture’ here in Aotearoa.

We are enormously grateful for the support from David Galea’i, his family, and team in partnering with Siva Afi Festival to enable its growth on the international stage.

Symbolism of Nafanua

To the crowning Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, the

daughter of Freddy Schwenke and Maryjane Mckibbin Schwenke (Miss Samoa and South Pacific 1997), we applaud you for all your accomplishments and for shining a light on the relevance of women within the context of Siva Afi Ailao.

Freddy was my very first siva afi coach, only 6 months training with him but my life would forever be changed. I acknowledge my mother, for it was her that heard on Samoa radio about someone offering siva afi classes and she saved the number for me. I cannot remember ever mentioning siva afi to my mother, but as it turns out, it was Freddy offering classes for youth. He kindly offered to teach me outside of his classes as I had long passed the qualifying age to be called ‘youth’.

I am thankful for my mother in pointing me in this direction, and I pay tribute to her passing in July 2023.

We look forward to what the rest of 2024 will bring to the Siva Afi in Aotearoa and worldwide. 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 fifth year running and we’re excited to be welcoming international competitors to our all-female competition, plus for the first time the addition of our open men’s competition. The audience can enjoy performances from special guests and internationally renowned experts.

Here’s what you can expect from the festival:

• VIP Event “Ava Feiloa’I”

Thursday 7 March, 7pm – 9pm

• Day 1 – Friday 8 March 7 – 10pm

Open Women’s and Open Men’s Siva Afi Competition

• Day 2 – Saturday 9 March 7 – 10pm

International Youth Siva Afi Competition

• AIGA, A Siva Afi Exhibition

10 February to 16 March, Māngere Arts Centre

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.

Pulefano Masters of the Flame Championship & VA’A Beyond

Masters Of The Flame and VA’A Beyond (non-profit organizations) are proud and excited to join the mission of this great event. Partnering with Siva Afi Festival we look forward to sharing our passions and ensuring that the youth of tomorrow have an empowering platform to learn, grow and express the culture of Samoa through the art form of Siva Ailao Afi, that we all love and cherish. Siva Afi Festival has demonstrated in the last few years, and still exerts with much energy, the same passion, spirit and love for the art form of Siva Ailao Afi. This event brings individuals and communities alike together in a harmonious and peaceful environment where families can enjoy learning and be entertained at the same time. In a world filled with disarray this is much needed. We look forward to building this event and working hand in hand with Siva Afi Festivals for a bright future.

Nā māua, nā

David Galea’i CEO

Alex Galea’i President

Masters Of The Flame | VA’A Beyond

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 one again partner with the Siva Afi Festival. We recognize the trailblazing organizers for their efforts to host this event in Aotearoa New Zealand for the fifth 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.

I am excited for the upcoming community and schools’ engagement program with the U.S team, which I am sure will be well received.

May this U.S and New Zealand partnership under the Siva Afi banner continue to prosper and grow.

Ambassador Tom Udall

VIP Event

Thursday 7 March, 7pm – 9pm

‘Ava o le Feiloa’iga

An island rich in history, culture, traditions and customs, Samoan society is governed by the fa’asamoa. Fa’asamoa embodies the values, beliefs, ideas, and practices that are represented in the cultural life of Samoan communities, both in the homeland and diaspora.

Performed to mark an important milestone or event, the presentation and distribution of ‘ava (kava plant and drink) is one of many ceremonial customs within the Samoan culture. This ritual is a gesture to acknowledge the coming together of a village, family, or groups of people (with slight variations that are dependent on the occasion).

The ‘ava ceremony is also a visual representation of Samoan society and the roles each individual play; including the taupou (village maiden/’ava mixer), ‘aumaga (men who distribute, make, and serve the ‘ava), ali’i (high chief/s) and tulafale (orator/s). Furthermore, it is a way of showing the key Samoan values of alofa (love), tautua (service) and fa’aaloalo (reverence/humility).

The particular ‘ava ceremony performed for the VIP event is called an ‘ava’ feiloa’i or ‘ava o le feiloa’iga (welcoming ‘ava ceremony) which is presented by the ‘host party’ to the ‘visiting party’ to mark the official launch of the Siva Afi Festival this year, as well as welcome our guests from around Aotearoa, those who have travelled from overseas and all those who have contributed to this year’s event.

Programme

6.30pm Doors open (MAC ushers to direct guests)

7.00pm Tatalo amata (Opening prayer – Rev. Paulo Ieriko)

7.10pm ‘Ava Feiloa’i (welcoming ‘ava ceremony)

7.40pm Siva Afi Festival team speeches and presentation

7.50pm Film Project Launch – ‘AFIAFI’ (Charlene presentation and film viewing)

8.05pm Lotu fa’ai’u (closing prayer) and blessing of the food (Rev. Paulo Ieriko)

8.15pm Guests to the foyer for shared food (end of formalities)

Opening Prayer Hymn

Pese 92, Verse 1

Fa’afetai i le Atua, lena tatou tupu ai

Ina ua na alofa fua, ia te i tatou uma

Chorus

Ia pepese, ia pepese

Aleluia fa’afetai

Ia pepese ia pepese

Aleluia fa’afetai

10 February – 16 March 2024

Aiga – A Siva Afi Exhibition celebrates the dynamic Siva Afi Festival through photography and objects from previous festivals and performances. As a retrospective show, Aiga – A Siva Afi Exhibition showcases the dedication and tenacity of all those involved, past, present, and future.

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

Festival Programme Day 1

FRIDAY 8 MARCH, 7 - 10PM

5.00pm Doors open

Food stalls open

7.00pm MC – welcome & karakia

Ori Tahiti Ahuuranui (Tahiti/Onehunga) – opening performance

7.10pm Guest Speakers

Introduction to judges

Siva Afi Māngere – demonstration

US Embassy Consular General

Jeralee Galea’i (Hawai’i) – 2 x World Fireknife Champion – performance

7.30pm

Introduction – Wāhine Toa Afi Competitors

WTA competition starts - Open Women’s Competition

8.30pm Give aways

8.40pm WTA Competition Awards Ceremony

9.00pm Introduction – Masters Of The Flames Aotearoa

MOTF competition starts - Open Men’s Competition

10.00pm MOTF Competition Awards Ceremony

Farewell

10.30pm Stage closed

Festival Programme Day 2

SATURDAY 9 MARCH, 7 - 10PM

5.00pm Doors open

Food stalls open

7.00pm MC - welcome & karakia

Le Taupou Manaia Auckland (Samoa) – opening performance

7.15pm Guest speakers

Introduction to Judges

Siva Afi Whau (West Auckland) – demonstration

Mikaele Oloa (Hawai’i) – 5 x World Fireknife Champion – performance

7.30pm Introduction – Junior Category Junior competition starts

8.35pm Wāhine Toa Siva Afi (Māngere) – performance

8.40pm Junior Category Award Ceremony

8.50pm Introduction – Intermediate Category Intermediate competition starts

9.50pm Hura Ora Tahiti (Tahiti) – performance

9.55pm Intermediate Category Award Ceremony

10.00pm Closing Taualuga

Farewell – closing prayer

10.30pm Stage closed

Contributors

Tauanuu Amo Ieriko – Festival Director

Renee Tanner – Festival Co Producer

Maile Giffin – Festival Co Producer

MCs

Tom Natoealofa

Tom 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.

Fonoti Vaiotausala Natalie Toevai – Festival Coordinator

Charlene Tedrow – Wāhine Toa Afi Film “Afiafi”

Paulina Bentley – Curator – “AIGA, A Siva Afi Exhibition”

Atina Lipa Patau

As a member of Ura Tabu Pacific Dance, Atina is passionate about pacific performing arts. Atina hails from several villages in Samoa including Vaimoso, Letogo, Vavau and Lauli’i. The festival is excited to have Atina as one of this year’s MCs.

Judges

Melanie Tia

Two time World Intermediate Fireknife Champion. Open Women’s Champion, International Siva Afi Competition. Melanie has been fire dancing for over 20 years, and was the first female to enter the intermediate division at the World Fireknife Championship in Hawai’i.

Malo Jordan Matau III (MJ Matau)

Two time World Intermediate Champion. MJ competed in the World Fireknife competition (PCC), Siva Afi competition in Samoa, International Fireknife competition Anaheim, and was named the ‘speed demon’ throughout his years of competing.

Agapetos Leaupepe

Agapetos has been an influential member of the leadership team of TATAU dance troupe, mentoring youth and teaching values of fa’a Samoa. Agapetos has been entertaining and presenting on many stages in New Zealand including as MC to the Annual Pasifika Festival Samoa Village.

Valerie Teraitua

Valerie was the solo MC for the inaugural Siva Afi Festival in 2020. Since then, she has been busy making dreams happen and feeding the community with Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae outreach. It is an honour to have a Wāhine Toa of Māngere grace our stage once again.

Mikaele Oloa – Solo performance

Saturday 9th March

Five time World Fireknife Champion. Mikaele is from Waialua, Hawai’i and began dancing at a young age. He is most known for winning the 2005 and 2006 World Fire Knife Dance Championship in Laie, Hawai’i, and can dance with up to four fire knives.

Jeralee Galeai – Solo performance

Friday 8th March

Two time World Intermediate Fireknife Champion; two time World Women’s Fireknife Champion. Jeralee was crowned Open Women’s World Fireknife Champion in 2019 and 2023. She is a Siva Afi soloist at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Lā’ie, Hawai’i.

Wāhine Toa Afi Film

CREATIVE DIRECTOR –CHARLENE TEDROW

AFIAFI

Sunset, a significant time of day for ancient Samoan culture. A time to tutu le afi (light the fire) and prepare for the hosting of the po ula (night dancing of play and pleasure). The po ula was a passionate and erotic practice banned by the missionaries over 200 years ago.

Fast forward to 2024, we are distracted from ourselves. Through film, we illuminate the po (night) and shed light on the po ula as a way of reframing the expression of femininity and remind ourselves of the strength we have, even in darkness. The film explores the dual nature existing in all of us, one of light and purity as symbolised through the Taupou (High Chief’s daughter) and that of untamed raw energy through the Aualuma, the unmarried untitled women who protect the Taupou. For too long our tama’ita’i (ladies) have been separated from the night, the moon, the fire, her sensuality. This is a call for women to tutu le afi and reclaim themselves, embrace the night and allow deep healing and femininity to once again take hold.

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. This is Maua’s second year as cultural advisor for the Siva Afi Film project.

Apulu Tu’u’u Uta’ileuo Mary Kalala

Autagavaia - owner of Excel Pacific Ltd which develops and delivers Samoan leadership language and cultural programs in Aotearoa, Australia, USA and Samoa. Contractor to government and community agencies delivering professional development programs to build Pasifika cultural capacity. Mary generously shared her time and knowledge to this project and eloquently translated the poem in the film.

Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava – Host and co-producer for the SOUNZ podcast series Sounds of the Moana, which recently won Gold at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Awards. Recipient of three international music awards and host of both TV shows and radio programmes aimed at the Pacific

community in New Zealand and abroad. Tau’ili’ili and his team provided live recordings of musical instruments used in the film, including the Samoan fagufagu (nose flute).

Grace Taylor – An award-winning spoken word poet, writer, performer and director from Auckland, New Zealand. Grace provided the poem used in this year’s film titled Red Like Healing.

Tolu Manu iti Creations – Is the offspring of a mothers’ love for her only daughter. Work includes traditional attire for Fonoifafo McFarland Traditional attire category for Miss Samoa Pageant 2019, Afio Ane Loa music Video (Tree’s traditional attire) 2020, OZKI BAND music video. Tolu manu iti provided cultural attire and measina for this year’s film.

SOUNDSCORE

Peter Hobbs (MA) - Creates emotive music and sound design for dance, film and experiential works, for which he has received many international and national awards. He is currently exploring the sounds of nature in all their symbiotic intricacies and sonic possibilities. Peter operates Harmonic Studio based in Auckland, New Zealand.

CINEMATOGRAPHER/COLOURIST

Ben Mikha – Cinematographer from South Auckland with a multidisciplinary 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

Ura Tabu - Christina Leona, Kolopa Simei-Barton, Saofaigalii Veronica Tulafasa

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi - Melanie Tia, Hadassah Tagoa’i-Vaoa (Fire Solo)

Tahimana - Portia Meredith-Numia (Taupou)

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

AFIAFI film proudly supported by Studio 203; Nutshell Camera Rentals; Queenstown Camera Company; FAT Lighting.

Performers

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.

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 Siva Afi

Established in 2020, a group of passionate women banded together to ignite and strengthen the fire within and birthed an all-women’s Ailao Afi team – Wāhine Toa Siva Afi. Embracing a craft that is predominantly performed by males, Wāhine Toa Siva Afi graces the stage alongside their very own Wāhine-Toa Drumline, with the sound of the roaring flame.

Hura Ora Tahiti

Hura Ora Tahiti Troupe from Tahiti, under the direction of Tumata Vairaaroa, is a renowned dance group known for their captivating performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tahiti. With a strong emphasis on traditional Tahitian dance and music, the troupe embodies the spirit and essence of Polynesian culture through their dynamic choreography and vibrant costumes. Led by the talented Tumata Vairaaroa, the Hura Ora Tahiti Troupe continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide with their authentic and energetic performances that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Tahitian culture.

Siva Afi Whau – in collaboration with AKTIVE ZONE

Siva Afi Whau is another pillar to the Siva Afi Festival event, running two semesters of workshops out of the New Lynn Community Centre. They continue to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone to learn siva afi ailao. Due to the overwhelming numbers of participates, two workshop levels were trialled this year. All new participants were able to attend a free session once a week under AKTIVE ZONE, with the opportunity to graduate to the next level up (intermediate) and join Siva Afi Whau. W are proud to work alongside AKTIVE ZONE for another year and represent WHAU at this year’s Siva Afi Festival.

Wāhine Toa Afi Competitors

1. Sierra Kawailele

Sierra began learning the art of Siva Afi in January 2017. She is of native Hawaiian decent but raised in Colorado, USA. Sierra has placed 1st in Toa Afi Orlando in 2022 and 2023 and was in the Top 3 for Wāhine Toa Afi 2023 in Aotearoa. Her goal with Siva Afi is to spread love, culture, and passion and represent the upcoming females in Siva Afi.

2. Hadassah Tagoai Vaoa

Hadassah hails from the Samoan villages of Aufaga (from her father) and Salelologa and Fagalii (from her mother). She has been practicing Siva Afi since 2020 through the Siva Afi Māngere (Māngere-Otahūhū Local Board community programme).

Hadassah is a dancer for the Wahine Toa Siva Afi group based in Auckland, New Zealand.

3. Portia Meredith-Numia

Portia is a 17-year-old student at Massey High School, representing the Tielu, Taua, Leilua and Pereira families and villages of Togafuafua, Matautu, Siufaga, Siumu and Moataa. Portia started Siva Afi in August 2020 at Mt Roskill and has been coached by Tauanuu Amo Ieriko, Mani Jr Sumeo, Valentino Luafaleolo and currently under the guidance of Popea Lautala.

4. Aaliyah Ava

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 part of the Vaimatina Siva Afi troupe and works as a Polynesian and Siva Afi performer at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Lā’ie, Hawai’i. Aaliyah is the Siva Afi Festival Wāhine Toa Afi Champion 2023 and she is back to defend her title.

5. Yasmin Crichton

From the villages of Sauniatu and Pesega, Yasmin has spent her life embracing culture through dance from islands such as Tahiti, Hawai’i, Aotearoa, Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. Yasmin’s first encounter with Siva Afi was in late December 2023 and hopes to experience the electric atmosphere of her first Siva Afi competition.

6. Iorina Tafili

Iorina will be representing the villages of Saoluafata, Falevao, Safotu and Leulumoega in Samoa. She is a graduate of Whitireia Performing Arts, where she learned Siva Afi in 2020. Iorina competed in 2022 where she became the WTA champion. Iorina hopes this competition will further her skills and open more doors for her in the siva afi industry.

7. Mia Angelo

Mia was born in North Carolina and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her siva afi journey started with dancing Tahitian for Rocco Tinitali and their group Hula Fire Entertainment. After dancing Tahitian for a while, Mia was taught fire poi. As soon as Mia lit up her knife for the first time she knew siva afi was going to be it for her.

Masters of the Flame Aotearoa

1. Justyce Levi Uepa

Justyce Levi Uepa is a New Zealand born Māori Samoan, representing Salelologa Savaii and Ngāti Porou. Justyce is a keen and passionate performer who has served a lifelong passion to the art of ailao afi, performing in various locations around the world including Hawai’i, Floria, Taiwan and all around Australia.

2. Tamaru Colombel

Tamaru is from French Polynesia. He became passionate about siva afi at the age of 17 when he watched the Horizon Night Show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Tamaru then participated in various competitions in Tahiti and in 2003 he placed First Runner Up at the World Fire Knives Championship in Laie, Hawai’i.

3. Teuea Arun

Teuea is from Nanumea, Tuvalu. He started off by attending workshops at Mangere in 2022 and has been doing siva afi for almost 1.5 years now. This will be his first time competing.

5. Archiles Tafiti

With over 20 years of experience, Archilies has travelled the world as a Polynesian Entertainer from Asia to Europe and South America. Under his company Nifo Oti Productions, Archilies shares his knowledge and skill of the siva afi ailao art form through workshops as well as being a siva afi entertainer.

6. Fereti Mamoe

Fereti hails from the renowned Siva Afi Entertainment club in Samoa. Now living in NZ, Fereti represented Māngere College in the very first NZ Schools Siva Afi Competition in 2020, placing second overall. After taking a break Fereti is back to represent his aiga and live up to the legacy his uncle Lene Leota has built in Samoa.

7. Heimana Ondicolberry

From Tahiti, Heimana has been dancing with the art of fire for over 14years, accomplishing three times Champion in French Polynesian siva afi competitions. Heimana is also a renowned Tahitian dancer, having been involved with numerous dance troupes in the annual Tahiti Heiva dance competition.

4. Maioha Makekau

Te Maioha Makekau, born in Rotorua and raised in Laie, Hawai’i, picked up his fire knife skills in Aotearoa. “When I came here, I already had a little bit of a foundation and the guys in the village saw that. They told me hey, go in the back and put on a lava lava and come back out here and then spin.”

International Youth Siva Afi Competition

JUNIORS

1. Zahlia Faleolo

School: Glenavon School

Age: 9 years

Zahlia represents the villages of Falelima and Leulumoega. Zahlia started learning siva afi in August 2022.

2. Japhia Gagamoe

School: Windley Primary School, Porirua

Age: 11 years

Japhia represents the villages of Satalo Falealili, Fasito’o Uta, Lalovaea, Luatuanu’u and Faga, Savai’i in beautiful Samoa. Japhia is a student of Tautua Dance Siva Afi – Wellington and enjoys Siva Samoa and Siva Afi.

3. Harlan Antonio-Tanuvasa

School: St Annes School, Newtown, Wellington.

Age: 11 years

Harlan hails from the beautiful villages of Lauli’i, Iva and Luatuanu’u in Samoa and Nukunonu in Tokelau. He started spinning in 2023. He loves to spin with his Tautua Siva Afi group; enjoys learning new moves and feels more connected to his culture when spinning.

4. Zechariah Wirihana-Siliva

School: Avondale Primary School

Age: 10 years

Zechariah has been spinning since 2021, and will be representing Salua Manono Tai (Samoa), Nakolo (Tonga) and Nga Rauru, Ngati Maniapoto and Nga Tuwharetoa.

5. Malakai Asiata

School: Plimmerton School, Porirua

Age: 8 years

Malakai represents his family from Salelologa and Satupaitea in Savai’i, California USA and Wellington, New Zealand. Malakai started learning the art of siva afi eight months ago because his brothers were doing it and loves the fire.

6. Isaia Asiata

School: Plimmerton School, Porirua

Age: 11 years

Isaia represents the villages of Salelologa, Satupaitea, California USA and Wellington, New Zealand. Isaia has been spinning since September 2022. Seeing his older brother compete last year has inspired him to compete this year.

7. Lennon Meredith-Numia

School: Henderson Intermediate School

Age: 11 years

Lennon represents the Tielu, Taua, Leilua and Pereira families as well as the villages of Togafuafua, Matautu, Siufaga, Siumu and Moataa. He started Siva Afi in August 2020 at Mt Roskill.

8. Mathias Robertson

School: Henderson Intermediate

Age: 11 years

Born in Long Beach California, Mathias’ love for fire knife dance with Tino at Siva Afi West, and continued with Amo at Siva Afi Whau. He hopes to be just as good as his tutors one day and to continue to spread this ancient warrior dance around the world.

9. Julia Pula-Olo

School: Rise UP Academy

Age: 11 years

Julia has been spinning the nifo ‘oti with Le Taupou Manaia – Auckland since 2022 under the guidance of Tuifa’asisina Korina Lee. In the last 5 months, her passion grew and started to spin with fire, trained by Melanie Tia. Julia will be representing the villages of Fagali’i, Siumu, Lotofaga and Lepea at this year’s competition.

10. Viliamu Simeti Alapati

School: Scott Point Primary School, Hobsonville

Age: 11 years

Viliamu comes from the villages of Safotu and Falefa in Samoa. He has been spinning and training at the Siva Afi Whau in New Lynn, under the direction of Mr Amo Ieriko since August 2022.

11. Marley Adam

School: Titahi Bay North School

Age: 11 years

Marley represents the villages of Vaito’omuli and Vailoa in Palauli Savai’i, and whakapapas to the iwi of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa me Ngāi Tahu. Marley has a been a member of Tautua Dance for just over three years, and has been performing with fire knives since March 2023.

12. Alosio Jesse Alapati

School: Scott Point Primary School, Hobsonville

Age: 8 years

Alosio comes from the villages of Safotu and Falefa in Samoa. He has been spinning and training at the Siva Afi Whau in New Lynn, under the direction of Mr Amo Ieriko 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

International Youth Siva Afi Competition

INTERMEDIATE

1. Jazarrah Suluo’o Tala

School: Our Lady of The Rosary School

Age: 12 years

Jazarrah comes from the villages Samatau and Salelologa, Samoa and Nukunonu, Tokelau. She has trained with Tautua Siva Afi for 10 months and finds it fun, exciting and challenging. This is her first time competing.

2. Moa Lua

School: Aotea College, Wellington

Age: 13 years

Moa is representing the villages of Si’umu and Poutasi. He has been spinning since May 2022 and competed in his first Siva Afi competition last year in Auckland where he placed in the top three for the Junior Category.

3. Kitiona Lua

School: Aotea College, Wellington

Age: 15 years

Kitiona is representing the villages of Si’umu and Poutasi. He has been spinning since May 2022 and competed in his first Siva Afi competition last year in Auckland where he placed in the top three for the Senior Category.

4. Jeremiah Gagamoe

School: St Patrick College, Wellington

Age: 12 years

Jeremiah hails from the villages of Satalo Falealili, Fasito’o Uta, Lalovaea, Luatuanu’u and Faga, Savai’i. A student of Tautua Dance Siva Afi – Wellington, Jeremiah entered the Siva Afi Aotearoa Schools Competition in 2023 and made Top 3 in the Junior Category.

5. Emi Lovett Pritchard

School: ASDAH (Auckland Seventh-Day Adventist High)

Age: 12 years

Emi represents the villages of Sala’ilua (Savai’i), Iva and Vaigaga. Emi has represented New Zealand at the 20th International Siva Afi Competition in Samoa and coached by Popea Lautala.

6. Suni Aunese White

School: St Pauls College

Age: 15 years

Suni is a member of Tahimana Polynesian Fire Warriors representing the villages of Fusi Safata and Satufia Satupaitea. He is also a siva afi tutor for Whau and Aktive Zone.

7. Hezekia Asiata

School: St Patricks College

Age: 14 years

Hezekia represents the villages of Salelologa and Satupaitea, as well as California, USA. Hezekia has been spinning since September 2022 and competed for the first time in the 2023 Siva Afi Festival’s School Competition.

8. Arden Meredith-Numia

School: Massey High School

Age: 14 years

Arden represents the Tielu, Taua, Leilua and Pereira families together with the villages of Togafuafua, Matautu, Siufaga, Siumu and Moataa. She started siva afi in August 2020 at Mt Roskill.

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 2024.

Ia soifua ma manuia.

Credits

SPONSORS

Creative New Zealand – Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

US Embassy

VA’A Beyond

Pacific Arts Centre – a home for Moana Pacific arts, cultures and communities – and the Pacifica Mamas

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

AKTIVE ZONE - Joanne Armstrong

New Lynn Community Centre

Māngere College

Whangaparaoa College

COVER IMAGE

Photographer – Captured By Roberta

Hero image – Portia Meredith-Numia

EXTRA IMAGES

Alosia Alapati, Zechariah Wirihana-Siliva Justyce Levi Uepa

Aaliyah Ava

Maioha Makekau

Emillie Elizabeth Lovett

Popea Lautala

VIP EVENT – TEAM

Lauga – Tapunu’u Kereta Palemia

Folafola ‘ava – Suemalo Siufili Tofa

Tufa ‘ava – Laufale Tipeni Togipau

Tautu ‘ava – Tupa’i Simone Tino

Taupou/Palu ‘ava – Emillie Lovett

Pritchard

‘Au lagolago – Paula Tino and Tahimana

Crew

Faifeau – Rev. Paulo Ieriko (Evagelia Wesiliana Metotisi NZ & Samoa –Retired)

Catering – Dan Aumua

FESTIVAL ADVISORS

Fire Safety Operations Advisor: David Galea’i

Judges Operation Advisor: Alex Galea’i

Competition Operation Advisor: Shannon Galea’i

FESTIVAL MCS

Friday – Agapetos Leaupepe, Valerie Teraitua

Saturday – Tom Natoealofa, Atina Lipa Patau

COMPETITION JUDGES

Friday – Melanie Tia, MJ Matau, Mikaele Oloa

Saturday – Jeralee Galea’i, MJ Matau, Mikaele Oloa

FESTIVAL CREW

Stage Manager – Paulina Bentley SM assistant – Jessie Atutolu-Tulisi

Stagehand – Marcelo Reyes- Tokuma Green Room Coordinator – Ximena Reyes

Courtyard Support – Mia Angelo, Sierra Kawailele, Mac Lipa Patau, Lynah Tele’a Drop Count (both days) - Christina Lilomaiava

Fire Safety – Chris Numia (Lead)/ Popea Lautala/ Mani Lavatai

Stage Decoration – Melissa White and Liz Papali’i

Merchandise Stall – Atina Lapa Patau Stage/ Sound/ Light – The Rock Factory.

Pack in Team – Malcolm Talataina, Michael Ieriko

Live Streaming - Pasifika TV Photographer – A little Bit

AFIAFI FILM

Creative Director - Charlene Tedrow

Assistant Director - Tom TedrowNatoealofa

Cinematographer / Colourist - Ben

Mikha

Producing Company - Siva Afi

Aotearoa

Executive Producer - Brett Mills

Editor - Carlin Leota

Cultural Advisor - Apulu Tu’u’u

Uta’ileuo Mary Kalala Autagavaia

Cultural Advisor / Chant ComposerMaua Miller

Cultural & Music Advisor - Tau’ili’ili

Alpha Maiava

Sound Design - Peter Hobbs

Poem - Grace Iwashita-Taylor

Poem Translator - Apulu Tu’u’u

Uta’ileuo Mary Kalala Autagavaia

Vocalists - Maua Miller, Saofaigalii

Veronica Tulafasa, Christina Leona, Tom Natoealofa

Musicians - Tu’ifonualava Kaivelata, ‘Uluakimaka Kaivelata, Yamina Lave

Maiava, Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava.

Cultural Attire / Accessories - Tolu

Mani Iti Creations

Costumes – Charlene Tedrow

Photographer - Captured by Roberta

Ura Tabu Choreographers - Charlene

Tedrow, Christina Leona, Kolopa SimeiBarton, Saofaigalii Veronica Tulafasa

Movement Contributors - Leitulagi

Natalie Toevai, Atina Lapa Patau

Ura Tabu Performers - Christina Leona, Kolopa Simei-Barton, Saofaigalii

Veronica Tulafasa

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi - Melanie Tia, Hadassah Tagoa’i-Vaoa (Fire Soloist)

TahiMana - Portia Meredith-Numia (Taupou)

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi Manager - SarahLuisa Pula

Supervising Location Manager - Jordi

Scott-Smith

1st AC - Jack Barry

2nd AC - Hiria Horua

Grip - Tom Davis

SPFX - Maihi Ashford

SPFX Assist - Paige Smith

Gimbal Operator - Franz Liuaana

Gaffer - Julian Wagner

Best Boy - Henry Jiao

LX Assist - Samuel Rickwood Fire Safety Team - Helen Pritchard, Talia Meredith, Arden Meredith-Numia, Chris Numia, Amo Ieriko, Tom

Tedrow-Natoealofa.

Catering - Polynesian Entertainers

Special Acknowledgements:

AFIAFI film proudly supported by Nutshell Camera Rentals

Queenstown Camera Company

FAT Lighting Studio 203

FESTIVAL DRUMMERS

Lai’e Drummers Core

David Galea’i

Alex Galea’i

LJ Tuia

Toa Tafiti

Malachi Mosiah Manu

Wāhine Toa Siva Afi Drumline

Sarah-Luisa Pula-Olo

Helen Salu Pritchard (Lead Drummer)

Juelz Pula

JP Vaoa

TahiMana Polynesian Fire WarriorsDrummers

Patii Tulisi

Matalena Tulisi

Tini Aunese

SIVA AFI SOLOISTS

Mikaele Oloa

Jeralee Galea’i

TAUTUA SIVA AFI & WELLINGTON SIVA AFI

Co Director - Jayden Luapo

Co Director – Sophia Uele

SIVA AFI MĀNGERE

Coordinator – Talia Meredith

Tutors:

Tai Temanu

Natalie Toevai

Arden Meredith-Numia

Marcelo Reyes Tokuma

Amo Ieriko

Helen Pritchard (Drumming)

SIVA AFI WHAU

Coordinator/ Tutor – Matalena Tulisi

Tutors:

Portia Meredith-Numia

Suni Jaydon White

Teuea Arun

Pa Tulisi (Fire Safety)

FESTIVAL TAUALUGA

Taupou – Portia Meredith-Numia

Fuataimi – Atina Lapa Patau

Choir - Siva Afi Aotearoa

FESTIVAL PERFORMERS

Ahuuranui Ori Tahiti

Director: Ahuuranui PASA

‘Ōrero: Vaihiria KEI

Drummers:

Latu Pasa

Antony Guifford

Landry Hatitio

Henry Brown

Ofisa Kei

Ahuuranui Pasa

Yannis Tina

Performers:

Tunui Tiafariu

Hinena’o Pasa

Ariitea Timiona

Melodie Juventin

Tea Siao

Maeva Bascou

Elodie D’anglejan

Wendy Chung Sao

Laetizia Sanne

Mereana Matia

Le Taupou Manaia – Auckland

Director & Choreographer:

Tuifa’asisina Seiuli Korina Lee

Performers:

Angelina Pula-Olo

Anne Lee

Alexis Blakelock

Charlotte Fuimaono

Conchitta Jennings-Sio

Delylah Aiono

Emalia Tuitama

Emillie Lovett Pritchard

Faith Faafouina

Grace Faga

Julia Pula-Olo

Nevaeh Ofisa

Pauna Lee

Setaisa Ieremia

Teugata Rasmussen

HURA ORA TAHITI

Tumata Vairaaroa

Heimana Ondicolberry

WĀHINE TOA SIVA AFI (DANCERS)

Melanie Tia (lead choreographer)

Hadassah Tagoa’i-Vaoa

Emillie Lovett Pritchard

US TEAM - SCHOOL’S WORKSHOP SUPPORT

Nalani Giffin

SIVA AFI FESTIVAL 2024

Festival Director: Tauanuu Amo Ieriko

Festival Co Producer: Renee Tanner

Festival Co Producer: Maile Giffin

Festival Coordinator: Fonoti

Vaiotausala Natalie Toevai

Wāhine Toa Afi Film “Afiafi”: Charlene Tedrow

Curator – “AIGA, A Siva Afi Exhibition”: Paulina Bentley

With thanks to our supporters