Auckland's Pasifika Festival cancelled over police resourcing concerns

March 19, 2019

Auckland's annual Pasifika Festival has been cancelled over police resourcing in the wake of the Christchurch terror attacks,

The event, which was to be held at Western Springs over the weekend, was cancelled following talks with police, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) general manager destination Steve Armitage said in a statement.

"Initial discussions with New Zealand Police gave us hope that through the festival we would be able to bring Auckland's communities together at this time of national mourning," Mr Armitage said.

"However, given the unprecedented nature of what has happened, we appreciate and respect that the New Zealand Police must prioritise resourcing to ensure the safety of all our communities across Tāmaki Makaurau."

The Pasifika Festival is expected to be held next year.

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