Lalaga

LALAGA, meaning 'weave' or 'weaving' in many Pacific languages, is an ancient art form that embodies connection, unity, creativity, and the bonds between our people, culture, and communities.

Faakalofalahi atu, Kia orana, and warm Pacific greetings.

Just as our ancestors skilfully wove nets to catch fish, mats for family gatherings, and fine mats for special occasions, our performers will weave together a vibrant tapestry of stories, songs, and dances. With a talented lineup of young and seasoned artists, each performance will showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and pride of our Pacific nations, contributing to the ever-growing Ko e Kato Maama – Basket of Knowledge.

This event is proudly curated by Finemoka Fotuhetule, a passionate cultural leader of Cook Islands and Niuean heritage, born and raised in Central Auckland and now based in Waipu, Northland. Finemoka is the Founder and Director of Taonga O Te Moana (TOTM), an initiative dedicated to reconnecting rangatahi in Te Tai Tokerau with their Pacific heritage through traditional dance, song, and the arts.

Under her leadership, TOTM has become a cultural cornerstone in Northland. Through year-round weekly classes, Finemoka teaches Pacific dance and songs to over 30–50 young people each school term, with additional programmes running in kura across Whangārei and Bream Bay. Her work nurtures pride, identity, and belonging in tamariki aged 5 to 17, providing them with a safe and vibrant space to explore and celebrate their roots.

Finemoka also coordinates performance opportunities across the region, with her students taking centre stage at festivals and community events including the Bream Bay Matariki Festival, Fusion Pasifika, Whānau at the Falls, Waitangi Celebrations, Fale Pasifika Business Night, and many more.

A true pioneer for Pacific youth in Northland, Finemoka’s work reached new heights in 2023 and 2024 when her daughters proudly represented the region at the Auckland Intermediate Schools Cook Islands Dance Competition, taking out 1st and 2nd place. In 2025, TOTM made history as the first-ever Northland group to perform on the Cook Islands Stage at ASB Polyfest and Pasifika Festival—a milestone achievement and a powerful statement of cultural presence and pride.

Through dance, music, and storytelling, Finemoka continues to empower the next generation of Pacific leaders—grounding them in identity, lifting them in confidence, and connecting them to the beauty and richness of their ancestral knowledge.

Performances by:

TAONGA O TE MOANA OTAIKA PRIMARY SOLOMON ISLAND NORTHLAND GIRLS NIUEAN COMMUNITY GROUP MANA O TE HULA GALUVAA SIVA SA'AFIAFIAGA PASIFIKA WHANGAREI GIRLS HIGH ALEXIS MORLEY DEJA SIONE NARNZ MARU TAI TOKERAU LEWA LEVI COSTELLO, JASIAH DONALDSON, TIAHNA BENNET & SIBLINGS FAYE'ALA MACFARLANE - PASIFIKA ARTIST

Thanks to our sponsor - Tokotoko Solutions ltd (https://tokotokosolutions.nz/)

This event is supported by ONEONESIX and Whangārei Fringe thanks to the Aotearoa Fringe Festival's FATU Funding supported by the Pacific Arts Strategy Team.