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More than four decades later, one of Auckland’s most celebrated Pacific Island and Maori cultural performances shows no signs of fading.
The popular ASB Polyfest for secondary schools continues to grow significantly and this year will welcome a record 242 cultural groups – the equivalent of 69 participating schools and more than 10,000 students taking to the stage.
The event started out as an afternoon show with four high schools from South and Central Auckland and it went quite well.
This morning’s opening ceremony will mark the start of the 43rd South Auckland Polyfest. Diversity and Maori Stages that started before the Pacific Stage – Samoa, Tonga, Niuean and Island – Open on Friday and Saturday.
Welcome back, Birkenhead:
Schools taking part in the performance include Birkenhead College on the North Shore, which is competing on the Pacific stage for the first time in about 20 years after competing on the Maori stage for many years.
Principal Craig Waller said the school attached great importance to its connection with Pacific Island students and was proud to welcome the Tongan student group this year.
Connected through local youth worker Josh Iopu Mase of the Bays Youth Community Trust, he found Tongan community members who could help mentor the new group.
“We thought maybe 20 kids at most would come. But we were shocked to see about 50 kids wanted to join the group. This group is really great,” Waller said.
“I think the most important thing for us is we want to build some connections with the Pacific community and give our students a sense of pride in their culture.
“It’s really important and a lot of the kids are thanking their teachers for that. We see a lot of confidence in them.”
The school has 650 students, of whom approximately 20% are Pacific Islanders.
Instructor Davie Leka is from Otara and comes from a family that teaches Tongan cultural performances. At 20, he is considered a very young instructor.
“I’m the youngest of 10 siblings and we’ve been doing this for a long time – teaching dance in schools and colleges in South Auckland.”
As with other schools, rehearsals have been going on for months.
The non-Tongan students in the group were able to gain insight into Tongan culture and language through the songs and dances they learned.
“For me, as a Tongan, it’s humbling to see kids from other cultures wanting to learn this.
“We have Palangi, Samoan, Indian and Fijian kids in our team. Even the head boy, who is Palangi, is in our team – they all know the words, they know the moves and the songs.”
Leka was a prefect at Papakura High School and also performed on the Tongan stage.
“I see Polyfest being passed down from generation to generation. It’s a way to connect with others and learn about the culture.
“It’s also about finding identity and understanding where your roots come from.”
New CEO:
Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu is the new Director of Polyfest, following many years of involvement in student development in Pacific Island higher education.
She succeeds Theresa Howard, who held the position for many years.
“In this new role, I am able to honor the culture in which my parents raised me while also injecting new flavors.
“I am deeply rooted in my (Samoan) culture and I love bringing that culture to my work, along with my passion for working with young people.”
She said the festival’s continued success was based on its authenticity and its move away from commercialism.
“That’s why it has thrived for 43 years, because we have retained its origins and vision – to provide a platform for our children to express themselves.”
Organizers took more steps to connect student leaders from different schools to create a sense of unity, rather than competition. Academics were also a priority for organizers, Leo-Mauu said.
“From day one, we’ve been encouraging everyone: ‘Students, don’t just end your education at Polyfest. Keep working hard and apply leadership and entrepreneurship to your studies.’”
need to know:
when: Wednesday to Saturday.
Where: Manukau Sports Bowls.
priceAdmission: $5. Preschoolers are free.
Must Know: Only sealed water bottles/beverages are allowed. Contemporary and traditional food stalls are available. Portable toilets are available.
do not forget: Water bottle (free water), hat, sunscreen.
PARKING: Parking is $5 but limited. Street parking is available but carpooling or public transportation is recommended.
For group performance times, visit: ASB Poly Gala
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