March 11, 2014
Record entries for ASB Polyfest
An increased number of competitors means the Maori section of Polyfest has started early, with the first roopu taking to the Hapai Te Hauora Maori Stage at the Manukau Sports Bowl this morning after a shortened powhiri.
Organisers have received entries from a record 222 groups from 62 schools for the Auckland secondary schools performing arts festival.
The other stage in operation today is the non-competition Diversity Stage, which will feature 67 groups over two days including a Middle Eastern performance from Manurewa High School, a Tuvaluan performance from Massey High School and a Mongolian group from St Cuthbert’s College.
Event director, Theresa Howard, says in total 10,000 students will perform at the ASB Polyfest, which winds up on Saturday.
She says it’s opportunity for students and their school communities to come together early in the school year, to learn and share their ideas and interpretation of culture through song, speech and dance.
For Maori & Pacific Island communities, Polyfest helps provide a sense of community and acknowledges that the city is multi-cultural, where people can learn each other’s customs and traditions.
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