Polyfest Marks 50 Years with Reconciliation

Atereano Mateariki Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu | Polyfest Marks 50 Years with Reconciliation

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ASB Polyfest Event Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says the pōwhiri highlighted unity as Polynesian cultures reflected on 50 years of the festival.

Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina and the Tongan Stage delegate apologised to Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae for a 1996 incident that led the kura to boycott Polyfest and start Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga.

Leo-Mauu says the healing has taken years, and the schools’ discussions set a strong example for future generations.

“And be able to just sow the seeds of healing as they remember what it’s all about, and it’s all about the kids,” says Leo Mauu.

Polyfest, which began in 1976 with four schools, now features 77 schools and 11,000 students.

Today is the first day, with the festival concluding on Saturday.

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