SAANZI Sumazau dancer
By Allan Dumbong
International Correspondent
SAANZI Cultural Advisor
AUCKLAND, New Zealand : – This year’s Kaamatan Festival here will be financed by the New Zealand Government.
The Sabah Auckland Association of New Zealand Incorporated (SAANZI) will host its third official Kaamatan Festival on 31 May 2025 at the Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre, Auckland.
SAANZI president Devy Delecia said the festival, themed “Popotihombus Koubasanan Tina’u” (Preserving Cultural Heritage), is a significant step towards recognising the Indigenous of Borneo’s harvest festival.
Previously, the event was held informally in members’ homes, but it has since grown into a well-organised and well-participated annual celebrations.
“Thanks to support from the New Zealand government, particularly the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, SAANZI has established the festival as an official event.”
“This year, we are better organised as our financial situation has stabilised with the funds we received from the New Zealand government,” Devy told talantang.com here Saturday .
“While there are still additional expenses to accommodate the event, we are also supplementing our funding by selling tickets to the public,” she added.
The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is the chief advisor to the government on ethnic diversity and inclusion in New Zealand society.
It provides information, advice, and services to ethnic communities, and give out funds to support community development and social cohesion.
The festival will showcase a variety of traditional cultural performances, including an Indigenous costume fashion show, singing, dancing, and traditional sports, all integral to the Kaamatan celebration.
This celebration is important not just for Sabahans living in New Zealand but also for children from mixed marriages and others from across the country.
It plays a vital role in preserving the Sabahans’ heritage and fulfilling the needs of members who cannot return home to Sabah to celebrate.
“We are also privileged to be able to send greetings to all Sabahans back home on 31 May 2025 via TV Sabah,” Devy added.
The upcoming Kaamatan Festival in Auckland marks a significant milestone for the community.
This event will celebrate the harvest festival and promote the preservation of Sabah’s rich and diverse cultural heritage globally.
It is expected to showcase the vibrancy of Sabah’s indigenous culture while strengthening relationships among various communities in New Zealand.
The SAANZI, established two years ago, serves approximately 2,000 Sabahans from different ethnic groups in New Zealand.
Although this year’s Kaamatan Festival will be an independent event, there were initial plans to collaborate with the Sarawakian groups for a joint Kaamatan-Gawai celebration.
Unfortunately, logistical issues have delayed these plans.
However, Devy expressed hope for a future partnership.
Meanwhile, SAANZI Cultural Advisor Allan Dumbong agrees, saying, “The Kadazan Dusun and the Muruts have similar cultural traits to the Ibans and other indigenous groups from Sarawak and are essentially part of the 10 million Dayak who inhabit Borneo
“So it would be good if we could celebrate our festivals together.”
“Despite these challenges, we are honoured to participate and support our Sarawakian fellow group for the Gawai celebration in Hamilton on 10 May 2025.”
