A Polynesian Night Market lit up the the cold winter night in South Auckland this month with a fire show that shone through grey and drizzly skies.  

The show, held on 17 July 2020, was the first of its kind and attracted more than 2000 people.

Attendees experienced events centred on food, shopping, culture and entertainment. 

The success of numbers was measured not just in the number of attendees but in the vendors and exhibitors, event organisers said in a statement.  The organisers of the show were PolyX Ltd's Polynesian Experience Cultural Tours.

"[The event] was originally intended for overseas tourists,” the statement said.

The coronavirus ruined those plans. 

"[The PolyX team] needed to shift gears quickly or face an abrupt death for the business,” the statement said.

“The turnout, gave us confirmation that the locals, both Pacific and non-Pacific are keen for our Pacific kai, entertainment and its traditions being displayed for all to enjoy which created an atmosphere of being at home, in the islands, which is in line with the theme of the 'Markets bringing the islands to you'”, said Zeprina Fale, the C.E.O. of PolyX Ltd. 

“People travelled from across Auckland, and as far as Hamilton to attend the markets which shows the strength of our product and brand, as well as the marketing reach.“

Prominent Pasifika community leader, Tuiloma Gayle Pec said: "Even in the pouring rain, our Pasifika community has come out to support our Pasifika businesses...thank you for an amazing event". 

Another attendee, Andrew Waipouri expressed a similar sentiment: "Awesome night.”

Teena Enoka said: "I love that my beautiful bag was woven by a blind man".

Promotional videos posted on social media were viewed by over 30,000 people and the event page reached over 60,000 people in the space of three weeks leading up to the event. 

Their next event is scheduled to take place on 21 August at the Mangere Arts Centre.