Celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Auckland's Pasifika Festival continue today after rain failed to dampen the spirits of large crowds yesterday.
The festival is the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world with more than 60,000 visitors predicted to attend over the weekend.
Thousands of people were at Western Springs yesterday, taking in the atmosphere wandering through the 11 Pasifika villages that each represented a Pacific nation.
And despite a rainy weather forecast, thousands more are expected to attend today's event which will include a two-hour choral programme held at the Fiji village to mark the festival's 25-year-run.
While two of the Pacific villages will close today, the other nine villages will continue with programmes featuring weaving workshops, hula demonstrations, cultural performances and more.
Co-founders Roy Vaughan and Bill Te Ariki expressed their gratitude towards the pacific community for their support over the years.
"As you see now I have no hair 25 years after the festival was started and Roy's hair has gone grey as well," joked Mr Te Ariki.
"It's been a journey that we have enjoyed and we still enjoy seeing our people come here and celebrate."
The festival is free entry and suitable for all ages.
Roy Vaughan and Bill Te Ariki Photo: RNZ/ Koroi Hawkins
Click here to download a map of Pasifika Festival 2017
