Aotearoa to Tahiti Siva Afi 2025

This year will be the 2nd Edition of the Tahiti International Siva Afi fire dance competition and two sisters Portia and Arden Meredith – Numia are going to represent New Zealand. The competition is held over two days, 28th and 29th November. This year there will be a women's category opening and they will be in that category.  

Portia Meredith – Numia competed and performed in the 1st edition of the Tahiti International Siva Afi fire dance competition. Portia was awarded the honor of being invited back in 2025 to open the new women's category after also having the category named after her. Joining Portia this year is her sister, Arden Meredith–Numia, who has dedicated her time and energy to training, performing, and growing as a Siva Afi artist. Arden is excited to take the stage alongside her sister, representing their shared passion, discipline, and cultural pride.

Behind this journey is a strong network of people who have helped shape us as Siva Afi performers and as proud young Pacific women.

We are supported by our family, community, and mentors who have encouraged us from the beginning, from learning our first routines to mastering the discipline, respect, and courage that Siva Afi demands. Our Siva Afi teachers have shared their knowledge and traditions with us, reminding us that every spin of the knife and every flame we light carries the mana of our ancestors.

Siva Afi has traditionally been dominated by men,  but we’re proud to be part of a new generation of female fire knife performers. Taking the stage as women in this art form is not only empowering for us, but also for young girls across the Pacific who dream of following this path.

We also stand alongside other Pacific performers and fire knife artists who inspire us to keep pushing boundaries while staying grounded in our roots. This journey to Tahiti isn’t one we take alone, it’s one powered by everyone who has believed in us, trained with us, and supported our dream to represent Samoa and Aotearoa on the international stage.

Their belief in us gives us the courage to perform, the discipline to improve, and the heart to keep our culture burning bright.

Portia Meredith – Numia has kindly been sponsored her return flight. So, the funds we raise through this campaign will be used for the following costs: 

Arden Meredith-Numia's return flight 

Portia and Arden’s Accommodation in Tahiti 

Portia and Arden's Transport while in Tahiti 

Portia and Arden's Registration fees for the competition. 

Portia and Arden's Daily living costs  

This November, from the 26th to the 3rd of December, my sister and I will travel to Tahiti to represent Samoa and Aotearoa in an international Siva Afi competition and cultural exchange. The event brings together talented performers from across the Pacific, celebrating our shared heritage through dance, flame, and storytelling.

Portia and Arden have intensified their training for this year as they have competed in international and National competitions. They are very excited about the opportunity to compete in Tahiti. 

Siva Afi Samoan fire knife dance, is a symbol of strength, discipline, and pride. It connects us to our ancestors and tells the stories of who we are as Pacific people. Taking part in this competition is not just a chance to perform — it’s an opportunity to represent our roots, exchange culture with our Tahitian brothers and sisters, and inspire the next generation of Siva Afi artists back home in Aotearoa.

Earning this funding means so much more than just covering costs — it’s a step towards achieving a dream that we’ve worked hard for. Every dollar represents the late nights of training, the burns, social sacrifices, and the dedication we’ve put into mastering this art form.

Being able to fund this journey through community support shows us that what we are doing matters,  that our culture, our performance, and our voices are valued. It reminds us that when we dance, we’re not only representing ourselves, but our families, our ancestors, and everyone who has kept this flame alive before us.

This support gives us confidence, motivation, and pride. It helps us grow as performers, as young Pacific leaders, and as cultural ambassadors who can bring what we learn back home to share with others.