It’s Islands’ time at 26th Pasifika

If you’re heading to Pasifika today, take a brolly — and your sunscreen.

The unpredictable Auckland weather means showers are likely but some sunny spells are also expected.

The smattering of rain didn’t stop tens of thousands of people turning out for yesterday’s opening of the festival, which celebrates its 26th birthday this year.

The Western Springs festivities are expected to draw 60,000 to eat their way around 11 Pasifika villages.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Green MPs Golriz Ghahraman and Marama Davidson were among the crowd attending the annual event.

National leader Simon Bridges and his team of MPs were also there, and Bridges was spotted having a go on the drums.

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development is hosting the festival, which comprises arts, crafts, stalls, food and entertainment from the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, Tokelau, Tahiti, Samoa, Niue, Hawaii, Kiribati, Aotearoa and Fiji.

Production manager Leisa Siteine said the two major parties had delegations at the event, and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff was also there.

“This morning was quite hot and sunny so before 1pm it was brilliant. It just went off, as we expected, and there are lots of people here,” Siteine said.

“The rain settled in at 1pm. It's made the site a little more unpleasant than normal, and obviously the Pasifika feeling is having some sunshine.”

As part of the festival, Vector Lights will be putting on light shows on the Harbour Bridge between 8pm and midnight until Tuesday.