'Everything you would want from a community': A day for Māngere

The date 27/5 may not mean much to most people, but for many in Māngere, it’s one day in the calendar that has come to have extra significance, thanks to an innovative businessman.

That's because for the last four years Fitz Manase and his wife Lily have been organising a special community event on 27 May called 275 Day - which this year will be 2pm-6pm at the Māngere Town Centre.

For those unsure about the significance of the number, it's the phone prefix that people in area had on their landlines, and while few people use fixed lines anymore, the number is now widely used as a nickname for the suburb.

Fitz Manase outside his twosevenfive. clothing shop in the Māngere Town Centre. Photo/ PMN News/ Justin Latif

Manase says he can’t claim all the credit as the idea actually came from a neighbouring community.

“It started from seeing an Instagram post from one of the SWIDT boys,” he says, referring to the Onehunga-based hip hop group who have a popular track about their community called 312.

“They were at 312 day and I thought it was so cool how they celebrated it on the 3rd of the 12th [3 December] and I thought how does this relate to us and it so happened that Māngere being known as 275 - we could hold it on 27th of May.”

Te'o Harry Fatu Toleafoa and Fa'anana Efeso Collins at 275 Day in 2021. Photo/ 275 Times/ Jo Latif

Manase says the day has grown from a small event in the Twosevenfive barbershop, to now taking over an entire carpark with musical performances and a plethora of food stalls and small businesses selling their wares.

“When we started it from our barbershop - and we gave haircuts at $27.50 and everyone who purchased merch went into a draw to win prizes from local businesses.

“The event is now all about making sure our locals know who is doing what in the community.”

Ernestina Bonsu-Maru with a performer at the 2021 275 Day. Photo/ 275 Times/ Jo Latif

Asked what first-timers might expect to see on the day, Manase says the event is really a celebration of all that makes Māngere great.

“Just expect everything you would want from a community. Vibrancy, talent, good food - just everything that is good.

“Overall it gives our community something to be proud of and knowing that connection plays a big part of our community and its bringing that connection back to our community.”

275 Day will be from 2pm-8pm at the Māngere Town Centre carpark. Click here for more information.