Polyfest 2025, the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Cultural Festival, officially opened on Tuesday morning, 1 April at the Manukau Sports Bowl.
A flag raising ceremony led by Mana Whenua, Tainui, took place at dawn and was attended by delegates from the participating schools, sponsors and Māori and Pacific community representatives.
This was followed by a pōwhiri held at the Tonga stage, which Unitec and MIT are co-sponsoring for this year’s legacy-themed event celebrating 50 years since Polyfest’s inception. Our support for this year’s event continues our institutions’ strong partnership with the community through Tauhi Vā: nurturing Pacific cultures in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The pōwhiri was to celebrate the significant kaupapa behind the anniversary milestone, and acknowledge the whakapapa, rangatahi and the enduring spirit of Polyfest.
Students from Ngā Puna o Waiōrea and Kia Aroha Campus performed the wero, conch and haka pōwhiri with Pacific students from various schools responding. The karanga was performed by Tainui kuia.
Among the Unitec and MIT delegation attending the Pōwhiri were Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and SLT members Vivienne Merito and Julie Prentice.
During the mihi and responses, Unitec Academic Development Lecturer, Pacific, Ioane Aleke Faavae, spoke on behalf of the Niuean Stage.
MIT kaumatua Vince Hapi, Martin Cooper, Rangi McLean, Peseta Sam and Aupito William Sio
Polyfest starts today (Wednesday, 2 April) running until Saturday, 5 April and 45 kaimahi from both institutions will be working at the two marquees at the Tonga stage with over 100,000 people expected over the four days.
School Activations at our Unitec-MIT marquees will change each day:
Wed 2 April – Education
Thu 3 April – Sport, The Stars
Fri 4 April – Trades
Sat 5 April – Nursing
Show your support and come visit our teams at the Tonga stage at Polyfest 2025! See the full programme and more info on the Polyfest website https://www.asbpolyfest.co.nz/