April 04, 2023
Māori culture to fore on Māori ASB Polyfest stage
The organiser of ASB Polyfest says it’s great having the Māori stage as a single event after last year’s Covid-driven experiment of streamed performances.
Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says 40 teams from 30 Auckland secondary schools are competing at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau.
The stage was separated from the main ASB Polyfest because many of the participants were also involved with the national kapa haka competition.
She says it’s an important stepping stone for rangatahi.
“We were able to survey people over at the March (ASB Polyfest) event and 97 per cent said culture and language is very important to them. We see it as an awesome collaboration being able to work with our host schools and this year Nga Puna o Waiorea,” she says.
Today’s competition starts at 9 am, and the event finishes tomorrow.