AUT Worldwide Cultural Festival returns for a second year

Danielle Lowenna
May 28, 2024
2 min read

Students from the AUT Niu Collective (Pasifika Student Society) performing on stage as part of AUT Worldwide Cultural Festival. Photo: Danielle Hutchinson.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) held their Worldwide Cultural Festival last week, with the event returning for its second year.

Students came together across the three university campuses to share food, activities and cultural performances, such as dances from the AUT Niu Collective (Pasifika student society).

Over 827 food tickets were redeemed at the city campus alone - an increase from 679 tickets last year.

AUT Niu Collective member Faith Erick-Peleti performed in the Tongan dance and said she was surprised by the scale of the festival.

"The crowd was unexpected... There were heaps that weren't Pacific Islanders, so it was good for them to witness our culture and it's a blessing to be able to showcase our culture here at university."

Students gathered in the Hikuwai Plaza for the AUT Worldwide Cultural Festival. Photo: Danielle Hutchinson.

New Zealand Hindu Students Forum member Disha Kapur also performed on stage and said that the atmosphere was amazing.

"I was so happy to get that kind of support, even though we are from different communities... it felt very uplifting."

Student President Alicia Lemmer said that university should be a place for students to embrace their cultures.

Student President Alicia Lemmer attending the AUT Worldwide Festival. Photo: Danielle Hutchinson.

Communications student Sveta Hackett was among attendees who felt that there could be more diversity and representation of cultures beyond New Zealand’s geographic neighbours.

"I definitely think it's a good event… but it doesn't feel very worldwide to me... I'd love to see some escargots around here somewhere!"

Event organiser Hans Tommy said that the festival was still new to the AUT calendar and hoping to expand.

“I don’t take that as a negative criticism at all - that’s the room for growth.”

“I would love to talk to more international students… [to] build an authentic understanding of those cultures and how they want to be represented.”

Students at AUT hail from over 140 cultures and Tommy said that senior staff are now recognising the importance of the festival.

“The first year or two is always a bit of a baseline… setting up that infrastructure and also proving that this is a worthwhile event.”

Attendees who registered using the AUT app will be invited to feedback about their experiences.

Contacts:

Faith Erick-Peleti

AUT Niu Collective Performer

erickpeleti.faith@gmail.com

Disha Kapur