Pasifika Festival is one large-scale event that's been badly impacted by COVID over the past three years.
This weekend a small-scale winter version of the festival kicked off at The Cloud in Auckland.
With performances pride-filled and passionate, not even a downpour was going to stop the colours of Pasifika from shining through Monday's rain. Organisers had extra reason to be thankful.
"We've had a bit of a hard run, I mean even if you go back to 2015, we had to move venues for the fruit fly, and then in 2019 with the Christchurch shootings we had to cancel and then obviously COVID," says Torise Flay, Pasifika Festival producer.
This year Omicron meant yet another cancellation for the festival, which usually takes place in March at Western Springs.
Instead, a 'Taste of Pasifika' is being brought to venues across Auckland for three weekends - a different location, but the same energy.
Performers making last-minute final touches, store holders showcasing their craft to the generations, and of course, one of Pasifika's main attractions.
"We got Otai, it's made from fresh mango and pineapple, that's the drink over there, and we got luau, luau is made from taro leaves," says Vaisioata Vimahi, a food stall operator.
Hungry punters agreed, a 'Taste of Pasifika' requires a good sampling of the food.
"Although it is winter in the middle of June and today is raining, everyone is stoked," says Flay.
An energy that will carry the community through until next year, when the large-scale event can finally return.
