In a year when many events and festivals are being cancelled due to Covid-19, students across Tāmaki Makaurau can perhaps breathe a sigh of relief.
ASB Polyfest will go ahead this year, instead as a livestreamed event due to Covid-19 restrictions.
While students are accustomed to the iconic stages, the crowds, the sounds and colour, the digital event still allows students the opportunity to perform on the big stage.
Participating cultural groups will be performing in front of the ASB Polyfest judges only, while friends, families and supporters can catch the performances live online.
Polyfest Trust Chairperson, Robert Solomone says this year’s festival has a contingency plan for every scenario under current traffic light restrictions and that school groups will be able to perform on stage within the Ministry of Health guidelines.
Solomone, who is also the Principal of Alfriston College says, “this year’s festival is not about the size of the event, it’s about the opportunity for our students to participate and to do that in a safe environment.”
ASB Polyfest Events Director, Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says the event’s digital strategy, which includes a livestream service from each of the cultural stages, ensures that family and friends of student performers can watch their loved ones perform live.
“We have started conversations with our stage co-ordinators and schools and as we prepare for a digital event,” says Seiuli.
“This includes going through entry and exit plans for schools coming onsite to the Manukau Sports Bowl and following all the current advice and regulations from the Ministry of Health”.
“The 2022 ASB Polyfest event theme will still be centered around FAMILY, a theme which will resonate with the ASB Polyfest community, schools and stakeholders.”
