MASK CARNIVALE 2024

AUGA o AUTE is a Samoan Dance group that elegantly rides across the Pacific Ocean, weaving through the fine mats delicately created by their women, coconuts pressed into fine smooth oil, the cacao bean pounded into a smooth and earthy Koko drink. They view themselves as strong and beautiful Samoan women, telling their story of voyage, journey, and routine through Samoan siva. 

Birchwood School Pasifika is a developing group based in the heart of Stoke. They are a keen and enthusiastic collective of primary–aged students from seven to eleven years old. They draw from a range of Pasific influences and strive to be an inclusive group, all having a go and enjoying themselves. 

EFKS Youth Group’s main aim is to continue profiling Samoan culture throughout the Tasman Region. Dancing traditional Samoa Dance together with Christian beliefs is also their passion. Christianity is a significant part of Samoan Culture, as defined by the Samoa motto: “Faavae ile Atua Samoa” – meaning: “God be the foundation of Samoa”. 

The Kainga Tonga Nelson Tasman Community Trust (KTNTCT) started their dance group “Hakauola o Tonga” to teach and share knowledge of traditional dance and culture from their homeland. Haukauola o Tonga translates to “Successful Reefs of Tonga” which speaks to keeping their cultural dance practices alive and nourished by learning and celebrating together. They have enjoyed being able to celebrate who they are as Tongan people with everyone, performing at the launch of the KTNTCT, during Tongan Language Week 2023 and now being a part of the Nelson Arts Festival. 

Magafaoa Niue is a humble group of Tangata Niue looking to revitalize and reconnect with their culture. Their community is very small – the performance group will consist of eight children and seven adults. They consider the Festival to be a mechanism to learn song and dance as part of a personal journey for the performers. They are aiming for an outcome that encourages more Tangata Nuie to engage. 

The Pasifika Dance group at Garin College was founded at the start of the year and has benefited greatly from the support of local Pasifika community members. These individuals have generously volunteered their time to teach and mentor students eager to explore and showcase Pasifika culture. 

Tamaiti ole Vine Dance Group: Children of the Vine Introduction 
Choreographer: Saumarina Auvaa 
Nation: Samoa 

Tamaiti ole Vine is a group of young Samoan female dancers, who – all being related (cousins) – consider themselves to be like a family dance group. The name Tamaiti ole Vine reflects their Blenheim-based routes – an area surrounded by vines and known for some of the world’s best wine.  

In 2019 the Samoan Community hosted the celebration of 57 years since Samoa stood alone, or ‘Samoa Independence Day’, by having a Siva Samoa Competition, and the winner was Tamaiti ole Vine. In 2020 the number of dancers increased, and the group performed in a variety of primary schools in Blenheim (Havelock School, Blenheim School, St Mary’s School, Redwoodtown School) as well as at the Pacific Trust. 

The group’s choreographer, Saumarina Auvaa, considers her involvement in the group as an opportunity to use  the talent that was given to her by God to continue to reawaken the Samoan Culture and – especially for those children who were born in New Zealand – to not let hearts and souls forget it.

Tinumasalasala Siva Academy is a Pasifika group of traditional dancers hoping to pursue, share and inspire other Pasifika people through Siva/Dance and performing arts. They cherish their culture and values through dancing, with hopes to learn and grow. 

The Huli Wigmen are a proud tribe from the Huli Territory in the highlands of Papua New Guinea who believe they descended from one man called Huli, who was a masterful farmer and gave them the rich fertile land they enjoy today.

Young Huli adolescent males are separated from their mothers and sisters due to the belief that the Huli women are dangerous witches who suck away a Huli man’s masculinity.

Young Huli boys join the Haroli bachelor cult and live in seclusion, hidden in a secret place deep in the Papua New Guinean Jungles. After a period of 18 months to three years, where they ritually purify themselves and their hair with oils and herbs, the Huli boys present themselves to the village with their full head of hair, ready to be harvested and become a Huli Wigman. 

Join recording artist, producer and session drummer Alistair Deverick, aka Boycrush, and veteran kiwi crate-digger Uncle Barnie as they go back-2-back with laptops and turntables, exploring the contemporary clubbing sounds of Africa and South America, whilst mixing in some obscure disco and other rare oddities. Come for the mind meld, stay for the dancing…

Flossie Fizzberry likes to create moments of joy for children of all ages with Balloons, Face Painting, Big Bubbles and a dash of Magic. 

Broadcaster, music writer and proprietor of Nelson’s famous Family Jewels record store plays carnival-friendly tunes from around the world: soca from Trinidad, funk from Ghana, Colombian cumbia, Nigerian Afrobeat, Jamaican dancehall, NYC/ Brazilian salsa.

All the way from Chile, Pablo, has been gathering knowledge for the last 10 years about dance and culture from his South American roots. Here he is today sharing his passion and his skills with Nelsonians, as a leader of the local Latino community, and also as a creator of his own dance school. If you want to get your body moving and learn a few steps of Merengue, join now! 

Mo Etc. is Te-Whanganui-a-Tara born-and-based music artist. In 2021, Mo self-produced her debut album Oceanbed from her flat in Newtown. Known for narrative-driven storytelling, Mo’s music is intimate and expansive. Their 2022 single Underwater touches on themes of overcoming uncertainty and leaning into independence. Mo’s 2023 EP release, Buoys, blends electro-soul with indie-alt with tracks like Deep Down and Before the Light Breaks.

Mo Etc. is performing with Blair Gowan on keys, Ete Reupena on drums and backing vocals, and Jacqui Nyman on bass.

Established in 1857 as part of the military and with roots going back to 1841 Nelson City Brass is one of the oldest Brass Bands in New Zealand. The band is made up of a diverse cross section of the community ranging in age from 13 to 85. The band meets every Thursday night at its bandrooms.

Members of the band believe that having fun is a prerequisite to also making good music. Over the years the band has had considerable success at local and national level and is currently graded C Grade. The band also undertakes concerts in the community and has supported many national artists in their performances.

Percussion and Dance group performing Brazilian-global fusion beats to get the crowd dancing along!

A display of Morris Dancing; a form of English dancing that dates back to the mid 15th Century. The performance will be a mixture of traditional and contemporary dances. 

Using face paint to create works of art. Your only limit is your imagination.

Originally from London, George AKA Fam was educated by the city’s labels and selectors, from Brownswood to Swamp81. Now based in Te Waiharakeke Blenheim, Fam curates dance floors in non-traditional venues, holding space for all movers and steppers. 

Suena Oro is a project launched to weave together musical experiences from the Māori and Spanish worlds. Out of this creative landscape emerges an immersive space, filled with songs that explore our languages and musical traditions while expanding into open-ended experimentation. Inspirations are drawn from genres such as mōteatea, waiata Māori, Spanish folk music, children’s music, and drone music, all combined to create an orphic experience that serves as a metaphorical retreat, where the listener can seek mental and spiritual refuge.

The indie pop-rock trio of your dreams. Comprised of Emma Common (lead vocals), Luke Wilkes (guitar) and Sam Edmonds (drums), originally three independent musicians in their own right, together, they produce a rich soundscape that is a combination of ruminative and introspective lyrics, with catchy and energetic instrumentation. Joining them on bass for a one-off performance is Jack Rollinson. The band is inspired by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, The Beth’s, and Bright Eyes.

The Twisty Twinz are known for their acrobatic play that is bound to add a sparkle to your day! Spot them amongst the crowds twisting on their stilts!

Velocine is a wandering installation work that brings wild nature into a city. It’s Dolphins twist and flip, Toroa soar, and schools of fish dart and corkscrew around the bike as it passes, each with a composed soundtrack fitted to its animation. Velocine is an ongoing urban projection work which can also become (literally) a vehicle for the artwork of local writers, animators, and artists.

Looking to add a dash of excitement into your fitness routine? Look no further than Renata’s Zumba classes! Join us for a high-energy workout that combine easy-to-follow dance moves with Latin and international rhythms. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, Renata’s dynamic instruction will have you moving and grooving in no time! Join our Zumba community today and experience the joy of exercising like never before!