What an Incredible Pasifika Festival in the Bay!

Celebrating culture, community, and connection — thank you to everyone who made it unforgettable!

Talofa and a huge thank you to everyone who came together to make Pasifika Festival in the Bay such a beautiful celebration of pride, culture, and unity. From the incredible performances and delicious food to the laughter, colours, and smiles, our whānau truly shone.

We’re so proud of our community and grateful to all the performers, volunteers, vendors, families, and guests who made the day so special.

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Mel Cottingham

Chairperson | New Zealand born British/Niue

Mel is the chairperson of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust. She loves all things Pacific, in particular working with amazing people to initiate and deliver successful Pacific programmes and events. Mel enjoys her dream job, reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, travelling with friends and family, and is adamant to snowboard until she can’t. She is currently thinking about taking up golf.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

Mel is the chairperson of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust. She loves all things Pacific, in particular working with amazing people to initiate and deliver successful Pacific programmes and events. Mel enjoys her dream job, reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, travelling with friends and family, and is adamant to snowboard until she can’t. She is currently thinking about taking up golf.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

ALVA TALOPAU

Treasurer | Niue Born and Raised

Alva is the Treasurer of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust with over eighteen years of experience as a business owner in the financial services industry. Together with her husband Alex, they’ve raised three high achieving young adults. Alva is passionate about supporting and empowering young people to reach their full potential. Alva loves playing board games, spending time with family and friends, baking, cooking and makes a mean chop suey.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

ANNETTE LABAN

Secretary | New Zealand born Samoa/Tokelau/German

Annette is the Secretary for Pasifika in the Bay Trust and hails from the islands of Samoa and Tokelau, with German ancestry. She is a trained Primary School Teacher, with a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Marketing, and recently completed her Masters in Education. Her passion is to actively seek new ways to support Pacific people and is excited about creating her own opportunities. She enjoys catching up with family and friends, arts and crafts and loves the outdoors.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

EMMA PACKHAM

Trustee | New Zealand born Kiribati/British

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

What an Incredible Pasifika Festival in the Bay!

Celebrating culture, community, and connection — thank you to everyone who made it unforgettable!

Want to keep up with our blog?

LATEST FROM THE PASIFIKA IN THE BAY

What an Incredible Pasifika Festival in the Bay!

Pasifika Festival in the Bay – Site map & Location

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025

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