The community came in full force to support performers at Polyfest just this past week. The Auckland highschool Māori and Pasifika dance competition, which was hosted over four days from April 14th to April 17th. In its 45th year, the largest polynesian dance festival in the world had students wowing crowds with performances and speeches on the different island stages: Māori, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Cook Islands and the Diversity stage.
The first Polyfest in two years saw thousands of supporters and a multitude of performers. Having been first cancelled by the Christchurch shooting in 2019 and then Covid-19 just last year, the kids have been patiently waiting for their time on the stage. The hours have obviously paid off and the hard work shone on the stage. Recognition must be given to performers and organisers alike who have toiled these past two years to get this festival back up and running.
Despite the drizzling throughout the week, attendees enjoyed their time watching and supporting students and were very grateful to be there.
Despite the drizzling throughout the week, attendees enjoyed their time watching and supporting students and were very grateful to be there. Harley Cronin, went to work as a representative of the Pacific Students Engineering Society in which he is the Vice President. Cronin attended his first Polyfest and had, “felt great knowing Polyfest had finally been put back on.”
The University of Auckland sponsors the Samoan stage and had a side tent promoting the University. Sponsoring the stage also meant running the whole stage. This meant ensuring all the students were prepared and lined by the side of the stage before performances, and keeping the stage clear. The festival saw older University students taking care of their highschool teina.
Cronin also worked with the University as part of a cohort that catered to the judges. They made sure that judges were well fed and looked after. The festival was a chance for Cronin and his group to support performers, judges and families and push the idea of University to kids. Through care packs full of University merchandise and interactive stalls, they were there teaching students about the different subjects on offer and the different opportunities open to them.
This year’s theme of ‘Healing the body, mind, spirit and soul with the strength of Culture’ was appropriate as it showed the resilience of the students and their teachers, families and friends. Particular importance of the coming together and celebration of language and culture with songs and speeches was the focal point of the festival. The Māori translation, “mā roto mai i te Ahurea whirikoka, ko te whakaora tinana, hinengaro, wairua me te ira tangata,” signifies the celebration of communities’ healing through the strength of one’s cultural beliefs, traditions and values. Connecting through identity and diversity by honouring one’s heritage was ever present with schools dedicating items to teachers who have passed on or made a significant impact in their lives. The Manukau Sports Bowl came back to life with performances and attendees were very grateful to be back.
Here’s to hoping that the festivities stay and Polyfest continues to live on and project our national cultures to the world. See you all at Polyfest next year!