For the first time, the annual ASB Polyfest secondary school cultural festival in Auckland, will run across two locations in 2026.
The Polyfest Trust has also confirmed the dates.
From Wednesday 18 March to Saturday 21 March 2026, the Manukau Sports Bowl will host performances on the Diversity, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga stages.
The Māori stage will then take place separately at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau from Monday 30 March to Thursday 2 April 2026, a move designed to better align with national events such as Te Matatini.
Polyfest Trust Chair and Papakura High School Principal, Simon Craggs, says the shift marks an important step forward as the festival enters its next 50 years.
“Splitting the festival across two venues and dates creates space for growth and eases pressure on the Manukau Sports Bowl, which has been home to Polyfest since 1996. More importantly, it ensures Polyfest remains a place of unity for Māori and Pacific whānau, staying true to the vision of its founders,” says Craggs.
Events Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says preparations are well underway, with a focus on sponsorship and getting online platforms ready for school and stall registrations, which are expected to open later this month.
