Iva is the 9th consecutive annual Pacific Arts Festival to be organised by local Christchurch arts collective Pacific Underground. Commenting on this milestone, Festival Director Pos Mavaega says, “we hadn’t projected a 5 or 10 year plan when we took on the festival … but we’ve managed to develop a unique event which hosts some of the world’s most honoured and prolific Pasifika artists.” This year’s festival runs from 4-7 February and features music from celebrated Maori Reggae group Herbs Unplugged, songstress Toni Huata, Dunedin Reggae band Koile, local bands Niu Seila, Neon Sophora, Restoration and D’sendantz with local tattoo artist Aki Aupa’au. Tusiata Avia will read from Bloodclot, her new collection of poems. Art enthusiasts will also have their last chance to see “Bite Me” and “Baby You Can Drive My Car”, two exhibitions curated by Maria Ifopo and Stephanie Oberg featuring work by Andy Leleisi’uao, Lonnie Hutchinson, Stone Maka, Maria Ifopo, Raphael Stowers, and Cerisse Palalagi. The popular Family Day returns as do the craft workshops at the Canterbury Museum led by master weaver Emma Kesha , Maria Godinet Watts (Pacific adornment) Reihana Parata and Morehu Flutey (traditional Maori poi-making). For a full programme, visit the Pacific Underground Website.
Toni Huata, one of the star performers at Iva 2009. Photo courtesy of Tanya Muagututi'a
