Sense of Place

by frog

Green Party Co-Leaders Metiria Turei and Russel Norman had a ball at the Westfield Style Pasifika New Zealand Fashion Awards and Show in Auckland on Friday night.

 They were impressed by Stan Wolfgramm’s 16^th annual show.

 It wasn’t just the fashion that appealed to the Co-Leaders. Metiria was rapt to hear  classic Aotearoa music acts such as Moana Maniopoto, John Rowles and Herbs as well as young up and comers such as Vince Harder.

 “Style Pasifika was a fantastic display of talent. Our Moana nui a Kiwa culture has enormous breadth and depth for design and inspiration. I was really pleased to see Herbs play and John Rowles alongside younger emerging musicial talents – it meant us oldies could sing along (Although my 16 year daughter knew the words too!).

 “Pasifika knows how to value experience and youthful enthusiasm, artistic flair and extraodinary technical expertise. It was wonderful to be part of.”

Russel enjoyed the triumphant celebration of Polynesian culture. 

 “It was so positive and affirming and I loved the way Rainbow stuff was celebrated [in the Hero section, sponsored by the Aids Foundation and modelled by fa’afafine]. It was quite beautiful.”

 Russel said the Pasifika community is being hit hard by the double whammy of climate change and the economic recession, so it’s important to have something positive to celebrate in these difficult times.

 “As politicians, we have a responsibility to represent Pasifika communities effectively.

 “The strength and vitality of Pasifika cultures is a big part of New Zealand culture. Polynesian fashion and performing arts are a treasure but we must not forget the real life struggles of our island neighbours in Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tokelau, and the Carteret Islands whose very existence is threatened by climate change.

 “Nor can we turn our back on the challenges facing our predominantly young Pasifika communities here in New Zealand, who are struggling with the effects of the economic recession.”

 * The Style Pasifika show will be screened on TV One on October 25.