Mana Moana: Celebrate Pacific culture in a mesmerising night of music and unity

Rehearsals are in full swing as an ensemble of Pacific voices prepares to resonate through Auckland’s Spark Arena next month.

After the success of their 2023 show, the soul-stirring Mana Moana will return for a one-night-only performance accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO).

The 80-strong Signature Choir is divided into two groups, with music directors Jadrah and Helen Tupai conducting rehearsals in Wellington while maestros Philip Fepulea’i and Sola Vuna lead the Auckland sessions.

Fepulea’i says that despite the logistical challenges of coordinating between regions, excitement is still brewing within the choir.

“There’s a bit of a buzz going on. Now it’s for real, it’s crunch time. Everyone is trying to learn their words, get them down fast, and look the part. So, everyone is trying to lose weight,” he jokes.

Fepulea’i acknowledges the trust the Tupai duo have placed in them to carry “the vision” of the Signature Choir.

“Everyone has been united under the spirit of the music we sing and exploring our identity as Pacific people.”

Mana Moana celebrates the rich songs of the Pacific, bringing together traditional and contemporary songs from Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau for a special community event.

Watch as phone lights illuminate Auckland’s Spark Arena and impassioned audience members are moved to siva and cheer at Mana Moana 2023.

Helen says the powerful blend of choral harmony and orchestral grandeur is “truly a magical experience”.

“Singing our songs in a really unique, but still familiar fashion is so surreal and fun, so we are excited for our communities to see Mana Moana in person,” Helen says.

“Partnering with a world-class orchestra to sing songs that are prominent and significant to our Pasifika communities provides a huge sense of pride, so much so that it's hard to not get emotional when performing.”

The emotional sentiment was echoed by attendees of the 2023 concert, which was MC’d by Tofiga Fepulea’i. The enthusiastic crowd waved flags, danced, and moved through the aisles.

Locking in the lyrics. Photo/PMN News/Atutahi Potaka-Dewes

Fepulea’i says the essence of Mana Moana lies in representing the proud Pacific community.

“It’s a real community-based effort to bring singers that might not have this opportunity otherwise to be able to come and perform with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and at Spark Arena.”

PMN News has learned that the Signature Choir has not received funding for their involvement in Mana Moana, but the NZSO has received support from Pub Charity, The Trusts Community Foundation, and the Auckland Council.

In 2023, Mana Moana released a 10-track album available on all major music streaming platforms and YouTube.

The repertoire for the upcoming show will include traditional music featured on the album, such as Faliu Le La, a song depicting the beauty of Sāmoa’s vast landscape; Siueli ‘Oe Pasifiki, written by Queen Salote Tupou III to proclaim her love for her beloved country, and the Fijian farewell song, Isa lei.

While the last concert included prominent icons such as Indira Stewart and Wayno, Fepulea’i is keeping the lineup for this year under wraps.

“We have a few new pieces to showcase, the show is longer, and I can’t spill who it is, but there will definitely be people you’ll recognise.”

Mana Moana plays at Auckland Spark Arena at 7pm on Friday, 2 May. Tickets are only available through Ticketmaster.