A complete Pacific village and lagoon was re-created for participating nations of the South Pacific for their representation at Expo ’88. Cool waters and swaying palm trees greeted tiresome guests, where they could be entertained by performances of traditional South Pacific islands dancing, music and view traditional cultural activities, such as basket weaving and other craft-work.
Cook Islands
Cook Islands: September 8, 1988
Agreement to Participate : 15 Decmeber 1987
Commissioner – General : Mr Chris Wong
The Cook Islands representation focussed on the power of dance to communicate it’s message – in this case the stories of their forefathers’ travels throughout Polynesia for war, love and adventure.
Fiji
National Day: September 6, 1988
Agreement to Participate : 28 October 1985
Commissioner – General : Sir Charles Stinson
Fiji’s representation at the Pacific Lagoon featured two additional traditional structures – a ‘bure kalou’ (male meeting house) – where accommodation, culture and tourism information was displayed – and a ‘volau’ (island workshop) – where contemporary Fiji manufacturing and investment opportunities were highlighted.
Western Samoa
National Day : September 3, 1988
Agreement to Participate : 27 March 1987
Commissioner – General : Mr Robert Wall
Western Samoa’s representation featured a display of traditional handcrafts in it’s oval fale (island house) – and tourist information.
Solomon Islands
National Day : August 30, 1988
Agreement to Participate : 9 September 1985
Commissioner General : Hon Augustine Rose
Amongst other displays, at the Solomon Islands representation one could view the carving of an ancient war canoe – some 9 metres long – by a traditional elder.
Kingdom of Tonga
National Day: September 10, 1988
Agreement to Participate : 2 April 1985
Commissioner – General : Mr Richard Tupoa
The Kingdom of Tonga’s representation was also strong in the performing arts – focussing on the power of dance to communicate a story – in this case the stories of their forefathers’ travels throughout Polynesia for war, love and adventure.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu National Day : August 9, 1988
Agreement to Participate : 11 December 1986
Deputy Commissioner – General : Mr Ian Beeson
Vanuatu – known as the New Hebrides until 1980 – focussed on it’s centre as a tourist haven to it’s 80 islands.
CELEBRATE 88! 