The 50th ASB Polyfest has kicked off at the Manukau Sports Bowl, where students from Auckland will showcase traditional songs and dances across six cultural stages: Cook Islands, Māori, Niue, Samoan, Tongan, and Diversity. The festival runs from Wednesday to Saturday this week.
ASB Polyfest Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu expressed excitement for the event, noting the pride students will feel performing on stage, representing their culture and schools. Reflecting on the 50th anniversary, she highlighted the festival’s long-lasting impact, with many families and vendors returning year after year.
This year, 11,000 students from 77 schools will perform, with a record 291 groups participating. Due to the high number of entries, the festival schedule has been extended.
Leo-Mauu also mentioned the 50th anniversary as a reason for the increase in participation, with some schools returning after a long absence, such as St Mary’s College.
The festival opened on Tuesday morning with a flag-raising ceremony and powhiri. The theme, “He oha nō tua, he taonga tuku iho!” (Legacy – a treasure handed down), reflects on the festival’s history and the struggles overcome to make it what it is today.
ASB has supported Polyfest for 40 years, and Executive Manager Mark Graham praised the festival for uniting many cultures into one community.
The festival is expected to draw large crowds, and attendees are encouraged to buy tickets online to avoid queues.
