Auckland arts centre provides 'home away from home' for Pacific communities

Nestled in the heart of Henderson, West Auckland, lies the Corban Estate Pacifica Arts Centre.

Established in the late 1980s by a group of Pacific Mamas, all of whom were first-generation immigrants to New Zealand, the centre provides a home away from home for indigenous communities.

The leading founder was Cook Islander and Pacific Arts advocate, Mary Ama. She encouraged fellowship through the exchange of stories and maintenance of traditional art practises among members.

Her daughter Jarcinda Stowers-Ama follows in her footsteps as director of the centre.

"When we are living away from our ipukarea, when we're living away from our home, it's essential that we still gather. Our identity, our language, even the food that we eat is so important to who we are as people of the Moana.

"That's what our centre hopes to provide, a home base for all our communities. It's not just about having a place to gather, its in our DNA, we have to do this we have to keep this (our traditions) alive."

The space provides the opportunity for an intergenerational exchange of traditional knowledge. Community elders provide workshops on the unique creative arts from their island homes.

Weavers, carvers, artists, dancers and more congregate at the centre to share their talents with younger generations of New Zealand-born Pacific Islanders.

Some communities gather at the centre just to socialize and reconnect. The biggest indigenous group is Tuvalu, which meets twice a week.

A member of the Tuvalu community, Anita Molotoi said it was a way for their people to hold on to their cultural heritage.

"It's open to anyone, they're welcome to join, they usually come here just to be with each other, to socialize over a game or story, playing cards, dominoes, over a cuppa tea as well.

"Sometimes we sing songs together, we make the fatele traditional dance, it's a very informal gathering just to socialize, reminiscing about the good times in Tuvalu and also talking about the issues we face here and how we can better equip ourselves as elders, to still maintain our culture."

Every Thursday the women in the Tuvalu community have a dedicated crafts session where they produce Fafetu Tuvalu (woven stars), Kolose (crochet) and traditional mats. The heartwarming sound of their laughter and singing can be heard from afar as they work together on their creations.

The centre is busy all year round, hosting a number of similar workshops, social gatherings, formal events and much more for the 32,000 members - made up from 26 ethnic groups.

Stowers-Ama feels great pride at the success of the centre, which has been in operation for almost four decades. She sees great value in providing indigenous communities with a space to meet together and stay connected.

"The people find comfort in being around their community, sharing the fellowship, and our centre is located right in the heart of Henderson and has naturally become a place for the community to gather and it is something that we're really honoured and really blessed that the community feel safe here and have it as a second home."

The centre has been recognised for its contributions to the community. In 2012 it was acknowledged with the Creative New Zealand Pacific Heritage Arts Award, and the Aotearoa Arts Access Corrections Community Award in 2015.

There are a number of gatherings, workshops and classes available for Pacific Islanders of all ages in Aotearoa. These can be found on the centre's website here.