SIVA AFI: TE TAI TOKERAU

This initiative is to plant the seeds for a Siva Afi community in Northland. In collaboration with Taonga O Te Moana (Waipu) and Siva Afi Aotearoa, together we seek to ignite this traditional art form in a region hungry for more Pacific based arts and activity and especially Siva Ailao Afi, as a tool for youth and young people to engage with their culture and become more active in the community in a positive way.

At the end of 7 workshops, the participants will participate in a whanau showcase to the community to perform what they have learnt in the workshops.

TAONGA O TE MOANA.

Finemoka Fotuhetule - Director. (Workshop Coordinator/ Producer)

Faakalofalahiatu, Kia Orana, and warm Pacific greetings.

My name is Finemoka Fotuhetule. I’m a New Zealand-born Cook Island Niuean, raised in Central Auckland and now based in Waipu—an idyllic coastal town in Northland known for its stunning beaches.

I'm the Director and Founder of Taonga O Te Moana (TOTM), a group bridging our rangatahi in Te Tai Tokerau with Pacific culture through traditional dance, song, and the arts. We run weekly classes for youth aged 5–17, teaching dances and songs from across the Pacific.

TOTM nurtures cultural pride in over 30–50 students each term. I also teach 30–40 kura students across Whangarei and Bream Bay annually. Our youth perform at local festivals including Matariki Bream Bay, Fusion Pasifika, Waitangi Celebrations, and TAONGA—our own regional showcase.

My daughters proudly led the way at the Auckland Intermediate Cook Island Dance Competition, earning top placings in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, TOTM made history as Northland’s first group on the Cook Island Stage at ASB Polyfest and Pasifika Festival. Our young artists continue to share our vibrant heritage, deepening their identity and connection through dance, music, and storytelling.

SIVA AFI AOTEAROA, POLYNESIAN ENTERTAINERS, SIVA AFI FESTIVAL

Amo Ieriko - Director. (Workshop Producer and Tutor)

As Director of Siva Afi Aotearoa, I’m passionate about growing and preserving everything connected to siva ailao afi. My mission is to make this powerful art form accessible across Aotearoa, creating opportunities for anyone eager to learn and take part.

With over 30 years of experience in promoting and advocating for Pacific Performing Arts, I believe siva afi offers a unique cultural pathway to connect communities, foster inclusive initiatives, and support the long-term sustainability of our vibrant heritage.

TUTORS.

Melanie Tia

Two-time World Intermediate Fireknife Champion

Open Women’s Champion, International Siva Afi Competition, Samoa, 2022.

Melanie Tia has been fire dancing for over 20 years. She was the first female competitor to enter the intermediate division at the World Fireknife Championship in Hawai’i. Melanie is from the village of Siumu, Samoa.

Emi Iliganoa Pritchard 

Emi Iliganoa Pritchard, 14, from Sala’ilua, Iva, and Vaigaga (Samoa), began Siva Afi in 2020 through online classes with Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke and workshops with Siva Afi Māngere. Coached by Popea Lautala, she’s performed internationally in Samoa, Hawai‘i, and Brisbane, and continues to inspire communities across Aotearoa.

Recent highlights:
• 2025 NZ Intermediate Champion (March)
• 2025 - 3rd Place – World Fireknife Championship, Women’s Division (Hawai‘i, May).

We are seeking the support of BOOSTED XMOANA for the following areas, to ensure the success of our initiative.

• Venue
• Tutors
• Workshop Coordinator.
• Travel
• Materials for practice sticks (and fire sticks).
• Accommodation

From 20 September to 6 December 2025 -  series of workshops and practice sessions will culminate in a community showcase, celebrating Siva Ailao Afi in Northland. The event will feature performances from locally based practitioners and emerging talent.

Project Overview:

• Part 1: Beginners Workshops
  An introductory program where participants learn five foundational Siva Afi movements, emphasizing warrior-style performance techniques and rhythmic coordination to drumbeats.
• Part 2: Performance Practice
  Participants refine their skills through structured routines. Those who progress to an advanced level will be offered the opportunity to safely train with fire.
• Part 3: Community Showcase
  The initiative concludes with a vibrant whānau event, featuring student performances, tutor exhibitions, Pacific-inspired displays, and shared kai—a celebration of cultural pride and creative growth

ESTABLISHING A SIVA AILAO AFI COMMUNITY IN NORTHLAND WITH TAONGA O TE MOANA.

This initiative lays the foundation for developing a vibrant Siva Ailao Afi community in Northland. With the support of the Siva Afi Aotearoa network, and in collaboration with Taonga O Te Moana, our goal is to provide youth in Te Tai Tokerau with the tools, skills, and cultural connections to learn this traditional art form and showcase it at community events and celebrations.

We envision a future where Northland-based performers follow in the footsteps of those from Wellington and Auckland—representing Aotearoa on international stages and competing at premier events such as the annual Siva Afi Festival in Auckland.

Over the next decade, we aim to cultivate enough talent and infrastructure for Northland to proudly host its own Siva Afi showcase or competition, celebrating local excellence and cultural pride.