Listen Now: 
March 21, 2026
#culture: Polyfest Day 3 delivers powerful performances and high-profile support
Waatea Team
Posted On March 21, 2026
Day three of the 2026 ASB Polyfest has delivered another strong display of culture, pride and performance, with thousands gathering at the Manukau Sports Bowl to celebrate rangatahi from across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
All festival stages were alive with energy, as students took to the Cook Islands, Diversity, Niue, Samoan and Tongan stages, showcasing months of preparation through song, dance and storytelling rooted in their cultural identities.
The day also drew significant attention with the presence of a number of high-profile guests, including Foreign Affairs Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, Takanini MP Rima Nakhle, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Carmel Sepuloni, and Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina.
Adding an international dimension to the event was the attendance of Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and First Lady Daphne Brown. The pair visited the Cook Islands stage, where they watched a performance by visiting school Tereora College, alongside supporters and host school Southern Cross Campus.
Festival organisers say the visit highlighted the strong cultural and educational ties between Aotearoa and the Cook Islands, reinforcing Polyfest’s role as a platform for connection across the Pacific.
ASB Polyfest Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says the third day of the festival captured the essence of what Polyfest represents, with students stepping onto the stage with confidence, supported by whānau and communities.
She says the atmosphere across all stages reflected the deep pride students carry in representing their cultures, with families turning out in large numbers to tautoko their performances.
A key moment of the day was the annual Fiafia VIP event, where Pasifika and Diversity groups performed for dignitaries, sponsors, host schools and international guests. The event provided an opportunity to showcase the talent and commitment of students in a more formal setting, while also bringing together those who support the festival’s continued growth.
As the festival moves into its final day, attention turns to what is known as Super Saturday, with all five major stages set to deliver a full programme of performances before results are announced later in the afternoon.
Organisers say the momentum built over the first three days is expected to continue, with large crowds anticipated as schools compete and celebrate the culmination of their Polyfest journey.
For many, the festival remains more than a competition – it is a powerful expression of identity, connection and community, with rangatahi at the centre of it all.
RELATED NEWS
