We began 2026 with the PMA Music in Parks event with Auckland Council, held at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga on Saturday 17 January. The event featured 2025 PMA finalists Brotherhood Musiq and Village 90; and artists from the Hiva Folau Vaka project: Vitinia, Jere Snohh and Liana. Thanks to Auckland Council for the partnership and chance to profile our amazing Pacific music community. And sincere thanks to the awesome audience that shared the day with us.
In March, we had the opportunity to provide pre-show performances for Fonoti Pati Umaga's arts festival show 'Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan'. As Pati led the Hiva Folau Vaka project, we had artists from the project to perform in Auckland and Wellington: Vitinia, Liana, LJ Unuia, Isitolo Alesana and Moana Ete. This was a wonderful way to support Pati and the amazing production, sharing his life story and incredible contribution to the music and disabled community.
We also supported the comms for the New Music Pasifika funding round by NZ On Air - encouraging attendance for their information webinar and encouraging applications. Huge congrats to all the artists that were confirmed for funding from this round - we look forward to seeing your songs and videos as they are released. We will continue to share details from our Tautua Programme. We extend our thanks to the organisations that partner with us to deliver support for Pacific artists.