The Wellington Pasifika Festival is an annual event which is held during the Capital’s Anniversary Weekend. This year, the Festival took place on Saturday 23 January 2021 at the Odlins Plaza. The Festival began at 12 noon with a short Blessing. The Opening Address was delivered by Mr Paul Eagle, member of Parliament for Rongotai, who spoke in place of the Minister of Pacific Peoples (Hon Aupito Sio) who arrived late due to a flight delay. The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Samoa (HE Leasi Papalii Scanlan) and Mrs Joyce Scanlan attended the Opening Ceremony along with other Heads of Diplomatic Missions, mainly from the Pacific Region. The Ambassador of Ireland and the US Chargé d’affairs also attended. Entertainment was provided by different cultural groups representing the various Pacific Island Countries as well as groups representing Aotearoa. Many delicious Pasifika Foods from different Island Countries was available from many Stalls which also displayed and sold a variety of beautiful handicrafts. The Festival ended at 6.00pm.