GWM Game Day Guide: Pasifika Night at home

GWM Game Day Guide: Pasifika Night vibe at home

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Thu 26 Mar 2026, 03:15 PM

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.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Friday 27 Mar

7:00 am

Warriors

Wests Tigers

Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland

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“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 the celebration of Pacific identity.

Key cultural elements include:

Pacific music and artists integrated across stadium audio
Traditional and contemporary Pacific dance performances
Cultural elements incorporated into the player run-on, pre-game build and halftime show
Pacific-themed visual content across stadium screens
Representation of multiple Pacific nations across entertainment and activations

Cultural authenticity and respect will be a priority in the delivery of all elements.

In addition to the Pasifika Night theme, the Warriors will celebrate milestones achieved during the round three match against Newcastle including Jackson Ford’s 100th NRL career game and co-captain Mitchell Barnett’s 50th appearance for the club. This match will be Barnett’s first game back at Go Media Stadium since round seven last year after being sidelined through State of Origin duties and his season-ending ACL injury.

The build-up to the NRL match will include celebrating the Ōtara Braves, who were named overall junior club champions across all ages at the 2025 Global Games in Queenstown. The Braves went unbeaten and recorded the highest sportsmanship score in Global Games history across any code — a testament to the character of the players, management and supporters behind the team.

Fans can enjoy a range of activations around the stadium including the One New Zealand Sign Making Station and Chemist Warehouse Passing Wall.

The 2026 One New Zealand Warriors poster will be available from the Flava unit at Gate C, with flags distributed at all gates thanks to One New Zealand. Wendy’s and Hallensteins will also be roaming around with special offers for fans.

Adding to the Pasifika theme, representatives from Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands will form a guard of honour for the team run-on.

Fans are encouraged to scan the QR code on screen to be part of the in-stadium light shows throughout the game.

At halftime, fans are encouraged to remain in their seats for the Pasifika Super Group Halftime Showcase. This large-scale performance will feature multiple Pasifika cultural groups performing both individually and collectively, celebrating the diversity and unity of Pacific cultures within the Warriors community. The performance will build to a combined finale moment.