Tauranga played host to a major cultural milestone last week with the launch of the Latin American and Spain Film Festival (LASFF) at the Cargo Shed.

For the first time in its 23-year history, the festival has come to Tauranga, thanks to the efforts of local MP Sam Uffindell and support from Peru’s Ambassador, HE José Bustinza, along with Ibero-American embassies, said a statement released this week on behalf of Uffindell’s office.

The launch attracted a wide cross-section of Tauranga’s arts community.

The launch included Latin American food and cultural performances.

Tauranga City Councillors Kevin Schuler, Marten Rozenboom and Rod Taylor also attended, reflecting strong civic support for the initiative.

Uffindell, a long-time advocate for the arts in Tauranga, said it was an honour to help bring the festival to the city.

“I met the Ambassador for lunch in Wellington earlier this year, and we both agreed Tauranga has huge potential as a city of culture. Bringing this festival here is about more than film – it’s about deepening international partnerships while enriching our community with greater arts and cultural experiences.”

Ambassador Bustinza emphasised Tauranga’s importance in the wider Southern Link Initiative, which seeks to connect South America with Asia through New Zealand.

“We at the Ibero-American Group are looking to strengthen our commitment to Tauranga because we believe in this thriving city and in its potential to become the regional hub that connects the economies of South America and the economies of the Pacific, Southeast and Southwest Asia, and beyond.”

He said Tauranga was key to making the Southern Link initiative a reality.

He also outlined Peru’s newly established Golden Triangle logistics hub, comprising the ports of Chancay and Callao along with the new Lima Airport City.

“The key factor for this massive venture of connecting the economies of South America with those of Asia and beyond, is Tauranga’s participation. So, it’s up to Tauranga – it is up to you – to reshape the South Pacific transportation and logistics scenario,” he said.

Pictured with Uffindell are from left to right: Astrid Freeman (Vice president of the Latin Community Tauranga), Jason Scott Paulin (Consular Assistant for the Embassy of Peru in New Zealand), Peruvian NZ Ambassador HE José Bustinza, Karen Gibney (president of the Latin Community Tauranga) and Michelangelo Mangiavacchi (Administrative Assistant for Embassy of Peru in New Zealand). Photo / Supplied

A partnership between the Port of Tauranga and Chancay could reduce transit times between New Zealand and Latin America from 40 to 14 days.

Earlier this year, Uffindell introduced the Ambassador to the Port of Tauranga to begin discussions on how the city might play a role in both cultural and trade partnerships.

“It’s been a pleasure to experience the historic and modern aspects of Latin American and Spanish cultures, while also looking to the future – building stronger tourism, trade, and cultural connections across the Pacific," said Uffindell.

The festival, which runs until October 3, features films from across Latin America and Spain and is being screened in 10 cities nationwide. Tauranga residents can view the full programme at www.lasffnz.co.nz/venue-tauranga.