” In March 2021, Amo Ieriko delivered the 2-day Siva Afi Festival in Auckland in conjunction with the Auckland Arts Festival (AAF) 2021.  We were truly honoured & delighted to present this pioneering event that brings the talents and skills of wāhine and rangatahi to the fore, through a centuries-old traditional artform from Pasifika cultures.

The theme of AAF 2021 was Aroha and all that the word encompasses. Siva Afi Festival fell within our programming strand of Aroha ki te tangata – show kindness, compassion, goodwill towards people.

Siva Afi fulfils this kaupapa by cultivating the next generation of fire knife dancers, as well as supporting all wāhine to participate in what has been a traditionally male pursuit and ignite audiences with a different kind of power.

Amo and the Polynesian Entertainers Ltd. crew worked tirelessly to bring this event to life, so I would not hesitate in offering a letter of support to see this unique festival travel to other parts of New Zealand.

We look forward to seeing this Festival continue to grow and ignite this important cultural artform.”

Shona McCullagh, MNZM, NZ Arts Laureate
Kaitohu Toi | Artistic Director