Pasifika culture, pride and passion will be front and centre when the One New Zealand Warriors stage a spectacular Pasifika Night under lights at Go Media Stadium this Friday.
While the NRL marked its annual Multicultural Round across round three, the Warriors will put the spotlight on Pasifika cultures when they host Wests Tigers this week (8.00pm kick-off).
The occasion will draw on the standing the One New Zealand Warriors have as the NRL club with the strongest connection with Pasifika people and cultures through its playing group, families and fans.
Of the Warriors’ 294 NRL players since 1995, more than 45 per cent are of Pasifika heritage while the ratio is up to 60 per cent among the 75 players who have represented the club in the NRLW. The percentage is much higher again throughout the club’s pathways squads.
The night will celebrate the Pasifika heritage that sits at the heart of the club across the board,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“We encourage fans to make this Friday night one to remember, when Pasifika pride comes to Go Media Stadium again.
Match: Warriors v Wests Tigers
Round 4 -
home Team
Warriors
1st Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
5th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
“We saw the phenomenal support Samoan and Tongan supporters brought with their flags, their singing and their passion in last year’s Pacific Championships. Let’s bring that vibe again next week, not just from Samoan and Tongan fans but from all Pacific nations.
“We want fans to bring their flags, songs and culture to turn this into an amazing celebration adding another dimension to the NRL’s Multicultural Round.”
Pasifika Night will focus on the spirit of community, pride and celebration of Pacific identity. Key elements will include:
- Pasifika music and artists integrated into all stadium audio
- Traditional and contemporary Pasifika dance performances
- Cultural elements incorporated into the teams’ player run-on, pregame build and halftime show
- Pasifika themed visual content on stadium screens
- Representation of multiple Pasifika nations across entertainment and activations
