Voices of the Pacific: A Night with ‘Vai’
On Tuesday 27 May, our film screening of Vai transformed the board room at The Rees Hotel into a vibrant and moving celebration of Pacific cultures. As part of our International Storytellers Film Series, the evening was made extra special by the incredible turnout from our local Tongan and Fijian communities, who brought their families, friends, warmth—and incredible kai.
The evening’s film, Vai, is a cinematic collaboration between nine Pacific women filmmakers. It tells the story of one woman’s life journey across eight Pacific nations: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Samoa, Niue, New Zealand, and Aotearoa. Told through eight interconnected vignettes, Vai beautifully explores themes of identity, migration, empowerment, and intergenerational wisdom—many of which deeply resonated with those in the room, especially those who have lived experiences of island migration and diaspora.
🎬 Vai was chosen as a part of this series to honour Samoan Language Week (from 26 May), Samoan Independence Day (1 June), & Tongan Independence Day (4 June). These important dates made the screening more than just a film night—it became a heartfelt moment of recognition, belonging, and pride.
Food from the Heart
Though food is not usually part of our film series, our Tongan and Fijian whānau offered to honour the special occasion by preparing and sharing a feast with attendees. It was a generous and culturally significant gesture—because in many Pacific cultures, food is a powerful expression of love, welcome, and community.
A huge vinaka vaka levu and mālō ‘aupito to the incredible cooks who made this happen:
Evelyn Nai and family: Prepared a traditional pit-roast pork, taro with coconut cream drizzle, and lupulu—a mouthwatering dish of corned beef with coconut wrapped in taro leaves.
Pu Amelia from the Fijian community: Cooked chicken chop suey and rice with care and flavour.
Rene Smith, our trusted friend and board member: Personally sponsored the purchase of the pig for the roast.
Nisiola Fifita for bringing the Liger Academy youth, and sharing words on the significance of Tongan Independence Day before leading a beautiful community song.
The Rees Hotel for their continued support and generous use of their conference room.
These offerings were more than meals—they were memories shared, culture passed on, and an experience that lingered long after the credits rolled.
Heartfelt Highlights
The room was filled with school students from the Liger Academy, newcomers to Queenstown, and long-standing community members—gathered together in reflection, laughter, and quiet moments of emotion. Stories like Vai’s struck chords across generations, especially for those whose paths to Aotearoa carry similar complexities of culture, identity, and home.
As we continue to host events that spotlight global voices, Vai served as a beautiful reminder of how art, food, and storytelling can bridge cultures and nurture deeper understanding.
With Gratitude
We’d also like to give a heartfelt thank you to Nisiola Fifita, who brought the evening to a meaningful close by speaking to the significance of Tongan Independence Day. Her words reminded us of the deep cultural pride and history that this day represents. To mark the moment, she gathered with members of the Tongan community to share in singing a song that filled the room with warmth, harmony, and the unmistakable spirit of home.
And finally, we’d like to extend our warmest thanks to The Rees Hotel for their continued support of our International Storytellers Film Series. Their generous use of their conference space has provided the perfect venue to host powerful, community-focused storytelling experiences like this one.
