It was perhaps the last evening at the Vairai Park … victim of its success! Last night, the Fenua Live made almost 4,000 people vibrate despite more strict rules. The town hall of Punaauia has taken measures after several complaints filed (noise pollution) by residents (two hours less for alcohol and fence at 10 p.m.). Festival -goers and organizers adapt to avoid final closure.
“This is where the trip is there”cry festival -goers, ignited in front of the stage. This phrase of local DJ music has almost become the motto of Fenua revelers. At the Vairai Park, the evenings are always boosted.
“It’s a first for us, we really discover the live fenua and frankly it’s great, thank you for the organization. We have a lot of fun and we are too happy!”exclaims a festival-goer from New Caledonia. Nearly 4,000 people vibrated to the rhythm of the songs offered by the 13 groups playing this Saturday evening. Even the deputy Moerani Frebault took a tour. Sissa sué, Paka Issoré, Rehesound, White Seeds, Tiheni or Nohorai… and of course the highly anticipated international groups of Reggae Three Plus (Hawaii) and Sons of Zion (New Zealand).
The Vaira park was growing success since the very first events it has welcomed. Fenua Live, One Vibes or Tiki Fest attract each time between 3,500 and 6,000 festival -goers. The arguments are multiple. “It’s open, it’s airy, it’s great!”describes Raani. “It’s great, in addition we have a dedicated parking for everyone and watched so it’s great!”adds Manahiti. Located by the sea, the large space surrounded by nature is unanimous (except perhaps for the toilets). The spectators do not hesitate to take their folding chair or their hangs. Food stands are made available as well as two scenes for a wider choice of music.
But since the beginning of the year, the town hall of Punaauia says it has received “Three or four complaints” of the neighborhood for noise pollution and neighborhood disorders. “This spot is successful because it is by the sea, because it is attractive. As there is an important success, there are many organizers who want to come to the town. However there are To’ata and other spots also around the island. We are also on a road node so people want to come. But unfortunately here, we have had complaints completely legitimate since the beginning of the year so we have been convenient to ensure public “explains Jean-Eudes Filiatre, director general of services at the town hall of Punaauia. Tavana therefore imposed the closure of alcohol at 8 p.m. and the event at 10 p.m.
The manager of Pacific M Event had to adapt and say goodbye to part of his turnover. “We have no choice, it is certain that we will not do as we usually do, because as I said we reached our maximum capacity the last two hours. So there are some who will happen the last two hours just to enjoy the concert. What do you want me to tell you, we are forced to adapt and Pacific M is one of the companies that respected these rules”explains Tearikinui Taata. But the biggest fear of the 28 -year -old entrepreneur is that the town definitely closes the door to them.
Last night, the host of the evening repeated the festival -goers to have fun in case it was the last evening … So the public benefits as much as possible, despite the constraints. “It’s the same for Heiva, at some point the guys … We have so little to do here that they can take them from time to time and in addition it is until 10 pm, after it’s over, they can sleep”, Lance Raani. “I come from the Sub-le-vent islands. The evening is very pleasant. I don’t see why it would be canceled the next times”underlines a young man from Tahaa.
To ensure security inside the park, 40 security guards, 6 fire safety officers and 6 rescuers were mobilized. The device does not change. The police are doing rounds inside and check that the bars have closed well at 8 p.m. Gendarmes and police are also posted at the entrance to the park to avoid any overflow. The town hall of Punaauia also hired eleven additional police officers to strengthen the ranks and especially during this type of event. For Stéphane Gavignet, prevention manager and present on all festivals, “We never have problems on this type of event because the public comes above all to have a good evening, have fun, and there are no overflows”.
29,000 inhabitants live in Punaauia – 6,000 in the Outumaoro district, near the site of Vairaira- which makes it the second largest municipality in Polynesia. Its role is to guarantee security and preserve the serenity of its citizens, many of which are Matahiapo. You have to be able to satisfy everyone with a limited budget.
It remains to be seen whether or not the mayor will grant authorization for the next events.
