Sivi Afa

Our Purpose
Siva Afi Aotearoa exists to celebrate, preserve, and elevate the rich cultural
heritage of Pacific performing arts, with a particular focus on Siva Afi Ailao (fire knife
dancing). Rooted in Samoan traditions, Siva Afi combines artistry, skill, and cultural
storytelling, creating a powerful platform to inspire, unite, and uplift Pacific communities
across Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. We are dedicated to empowering youth,
fostering leadership, and creating resilient pathways for cultural and professional growth
through authentic and inclusive engagement with Pacific arts.

Since our establishment in 2011, we have championed Pacific arts by providing
opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers to thrive while ensuring
intergenerational knowledge transfer. We believe that investing in the creative potential of
our youth and communities strengthens cultural identity, promotes wellbeing, and builds a
sustainable future for Pacific arts.

Our Vision
Our vision is for Siva Afi Aotearoa to become a beacon of cultural pride and creative
excellence. By 2030, we aim to establish Siva Afi Ailao as an integral feature of New
Zealand’s cultural landscape, standing alongside celebrated traditions like Kapa Haka and
Pasifika Festival. We envision a thriving, interconnected Pacific arts ecosystem in which
mana-enhancing values guide our work. Through leadership, innovation, and collaboration,
we seek to inspire a new generation of artists and ensure the longevity of this treasured art
form.

Our People
Our all-inclusive programs are made possible by a 'core' team of gifted and talent Pacific artists and practitioners, 
supported by an experienced and dedicated team of event managers, business development mentors, marketers. 

Our signature Initiatives:

1. Siva Afi Festival
The Siva Afi Festival is the centerpiece of our mission, uniting the community in an annual celebration of heritage and creativity. This three-day event, held at the Māngere Arts Centre in South Auckland, provides a platform for performers of all levels to showcase their artistry, foster intergenerational connectivity, and share the magic of fire knife dancing with diverse audiences. It is a hub for cultural pride and creative collaboration, featuring traditional ceremonies like the ‘Ava and Taualuga, which honor our shared Pacific ancestry.
Participants in the Festival benefit from year-round, no-cost community workshops that we organize in drumming, costume-making, and Siva Afi dance. These workshops cultivate confidence and skills among youth while providing career pathways and artistic development opportunities. The Festival also welcomes global participants, engaging with the #DigitalMoana and #GlobalMoana to extend our reach and amplify the impact of Pacific arts worldwide.

2. Wāhine Toa Siva Afi
Launched in 2020, Wāhine Toa Siva Afi is Aotearoa’s first all-female Siva Afi troupe, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated art form. The initiative celebrates equity, empowerment, and inclusion while showcasing the formidable talents of Pacific women. It also pioneers an all-female drumming team and creates expanded leadership opportunities through mentorship and training.

3. Workshops & Training Program

Our program over 12 months is designed to foster cultural pride, build community connections, and provide opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau to engage in meaningful and transformative experiences.  Below is an example of what we delivered or have booked in to delivery most recently: 

1. **Community Siva Afi Workshops**  
   - Two semesters of workshops in Māngere and the Whau area, engaging a total of 80 participants, with a growing waitlist of over 40 individuals.  
   - Proposed collaborative workshops in East Auckland in partnership with Arts Out East.  

2. **Annual Siva Afi Festival**  
   - A three-day festival that attracts 2,000 attendees and over 5,000 viewers via live stream on Pasifika TV, reaching audiences across Aotearoa and internationally.  
   - Features include:  
     - 30 Junior and Intermediate competitors.  
     - 20 Open Men’s and Women’s competitors.  
     - 10 local food stalls and 6 community groups participating daily.  
   - The festival provides opportunities for participants to showcase their skills, work, and volunteer, fostering a sense of community pride and engagement.  

3. **Masterclasses and Industry-Based Training**  
   - Specialised training for youth and adults pursuing careers in the arts.  
   - Our last masterclass attracted 30 registrations, and we aim to continue offering these impactful programs in 2025.  

4. **Support for Community Groups**  
   - Assistance for smaller community groups with funding applications and program design.  
   - Currently supporting six siva afi clubs across Auckland: Wāhine Toa Siva Afi, TahiMana, Siva Afi Ōtara, Northshore Siva Afi, Siva Afi West, and AKTIVE ZONE Siva Afi, with approximately 226 members collectively.  

5. **Collaboration with AKTIVE ZONE**  
   - Hosting community workshops and activities for young people and youth, supporting up to 60 participants weekly with beginner and intermediate skill-level workshops.  

6. **Coordination of Cultural Groups for Events**  
   - Managing and coordinating community cultural groups for major international and local events to ensure smooth operations and representation.  

7. **Polynesian Entertainers Weekly Training**  
   - FREE professional siva afi training sessions to develop the next generation of talent in Auckland.  
   - Programs are run in collaboration with CHAMPIONS, Wāhine Toa Siva Afi, and independent fire performers.  

8. **CHAMPIONS Program**  
   - A collective of siva afi youth and families from across Auckland, involving up to 40 participants.  
   - Weekly Friday sessions focus on networking, knowledge sharing, and skill development.  

Through these initiatives, Siva Afi Aotearoa continues to empower communities, nurture cultural heritage, and inspire the next generation of leaders in the arts.