The 50th ASB Polyfest kicked off under intermittent showers at the Manukau Sports Bowl on Wednesday, marking a significant celebration of Polynesian culture over the past half century.
The festivities commenced with a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, followed by a pōwhiri to welcome participants and attendees.
Massey High School's Tuvalu group
Massey High School's Tuvalu group Photo: Thomas Wandstraat
Throughout the week, more than 11,000 students from 77 schools will perform across six dedicated stages, representing the Māori, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoan, Tongan and Diversity cultures. The performances promise to deliver a vibrant mix of traditional and modern styles.
The festival opened with two Diversity stages this year, featuring a range of cultural acts from Chinese, Indian, South Korean and other communities. Festival-goers were treated to traditional performances alongside Pacific food stalls and an array of arts and crafts on display.
Festival-goers were treated to traditional performances alongside Pacific food stalls and an array of arts and crafts on display.
Baradene College's Fijian Group
Baradene College's Fijian Group Photo: BC Photography
Baradene High School has entered a Fijian group for the first time, with one student of Fijian descent eager to showcase her cultural heritage through her performance.
Marley said she wanted to express her culture as well as embrace it.
"We've built a good community of girls and it's lovely," she said.
The highly popular speech competitions also began today, with Kristen College participating for the first time.
Salan Tima stood out as the sole participant from his school, focusing his speech on reviving Pacific languages in a foreign country.
"My school doesn't have the most passive people," he told the crowd. "I'm proud to represent and hopefully this is a step in bringing more people to participate in Polyfest.
"Being away from South Auckland, where it is the base of our Polynesian people, it's different up there. I felt like I wanted to do this for myself, my people and for god."
The festival attracted over 2000 visitors on its opening day, attendees who were there for the performances as much as the food stalls on offer.
Massey High School's Tuvalu group
Massey High School's Tuvalu group Photo: Thomas Wandstraat
One Tongan worker encouraged attendees to try a unique horse dish, describing it as tangy and unlike anything else available.
Festival director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu said the celebrations was a significant moment for the community.
"It's about the legacy of our cultures," Leo-Mauu said.
Papatoetoe High School plays host to the Samoan stage this year, with principal Vaughan Couillault expressing pride in his school's involvement and contributions to the celebration.
ASB Polyfest Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu
ASB Polyfest Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu Photo: RNZ Pacific
"Gooooo Papatoetoe High School on the Samoan stage - in fact on every stage," Couillault said. "Big day for us on the Diversity stage as well, everyone having a big time of their lives."
"Congratulating in advance all of the students who will participate over the next few days," he said. "When you look out, theres nothing but fun and engagement. That's what education is all about."
Polyfest continues through Saturday, 9 April, offering many more visitors the chance to explore the rich tapestry of Polynesian culture.