Here at CIDANZ we’ve always kept the values of families at the center of everything that we do, including Island Night. Created as a safe space for all of us to come together and eat, sing, laugh and enjoy everything that makes us who we are, Island Night has grown not because of what we have done as a an organisation, but what our families within our organisation has done to make this night possible.
The night began as a way for our enterprising families, those not quite ready to get into business, to gain business confidence and trade in a market that they were comfortable in. Through this we have seen families set mouth-watering menu’s, investing hours, time and dollars into make those menu’s come to life, attracting friends and families to Island Night, and at the end of it, reinvesting in the next Island Night.
Island Night has also been the host of our arts including being the witness to beautiful performances by Te Au Moana Dance Troupe, and MBrace Pacific Dance Group. It has seen the crafts of several Mama’s, and a fashion line from Varu owned and operated by Richard Tekeu. Island Night has belted out some Cook Island music classics, and housed many performances, creators, cooks, and bakers.
The only investment our organisation makes into the night is staff time to set-up, a venu and a food truck. Otherwise, Island Night is owned and operated by families for families. We’re so proud of our community for coming together to make this happen. If you are in Auckland, pop-in every Friday, 5.00pm till late – and see what our families have to offer.
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