#culture: Polyfest Backed as Platform for Generations of Cultural Storytelling

 Auckland’s Polyfest has been recognised as a cornerstone of cultural identity and storytelling, with renewed political support highlighting its importance for future generations.

Held annually in Tāmaki Makaurau, Polyfest is widely regarded as the largest Māori and Pacific secondary school cultural festival in the world, bringing together thousands of rangatahi to perform, compete and celebrate their heritage through song, dance and speech.

The festival, now in its 51st year, continues to grow in scale and influence, reflecting both the strength of Māori and Pacific cultures and the role of young people in carrying those traditions forward.

The Green Party says Polyfest represents more than just a cultural event, pointing to its role in preserving language, identity and intergenerational knowledge. The festival provides a space where storytelling is passed down, performed and reimagined by young people, ensuring those traditions remain strong in contemporary Aotearoa.

Support for the event also highlights ongoing discussions around funding and long-term sustainability. As Polyfest continues to expand, including new formats and venues to accommodate demand, there is increasing focus on ensuring the festival has the resources needed to thrive into the future.

This year’s event has again drawn large crowds and participation from schools across the region, with performances spanning multiple cultural stages representing Pacific nations and a growing diversity of communities.

Beyond the performances, Polyfest is seen as a powerful platform for youth development, building confidence, strengthening cultural connections, and fostering leadership among rangatahi.

The renewed commitment to Polyfest reinforces its status not only as a major cultural event, but as an enduring expression of identity, pride and storytelling-one that continues to shape generations of young people across Aotearoa.