Cast and crew were apparently consulted on the "comprehensive risk management plan".
"It's a rite of passage. There's generations of families that have gone through the festival."
It's where the Hobbit trilogy's music was recorded.
Gemma Taylor wants the big prize from the pop culture expo's debut talent contest.
Secondary school students from 49 Auckland schools will take part in the festival.
The world's largest secondary schools Pacific cultural festival is back this year - in April.
"We're so isolated, we're completely left out on our own financially. We are really struggling."
