Experience the enriching heartbeat of Pacific culture with us. Celebrate powerful stories and dynamic movement, showcasing dancers from Aotearoa and across the Pacific. Immerse yourself in a fusion of heritage and innovation!
For over 15 years, the Pacific Islands Dance Fono Trust has championed the growth and visibility of Pacific dance in Aotearoa. Through dedication, the Trust has built a powerful legacy of nurturing artists, preserving cultural heritage, and creating platforms for Pacific voices to thrive. From grassroots beginnings to a nationally recognised presence, their vision has shaped the landscape of Pacific performing arts — inspiring generations and enriching Aotearoa’s cultural identity through the vibrant language of movement.
The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 returns this June–July with its most ambitious, future‑focused programme yet — a vibrant celebration of Pacific creativity spanning Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia.
Presented across Auckland and Kerikeri, this year’s festival marks a major evolution for Pacific Dance NZ and redefines what a contemporary Pacific arts festival can be in Aotearoa.
Anchored in South Auckland, the cultural heart of the Pacific diaspora, the 2026 festival brings together emerging and established artists, bold new choreographic voices, and communities from across the Moana. With a design‑led visual identity and a programme that champions innovation, identity, and representation, the festival offers audiences a powerful opportunity to experience Pacific stories through movement, culture, and contemporary performance.
