Unitec & MIT to sponsor the Tonga stage at Polyfest 2025 – Become a volunteer

We’re pleased to announce our return to Polyfest, a showcase of New Zealand’s diverse cultures and a celebration of youth performances. One of the most recognised events on the Auckland calendar, this year, Polyfest is celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

MIT and Unitec are proud to sponsor the Tonga stage, celebrating our shared legacy, longevity, and the depth of our commitment to the Polynesian cultures in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Polyfest provides us with a huge range of opportunities to engage with our communities. MIT and Unitec are hosting a stand at the festival, engaging with potential students and their families, alongside supporting James Cook High School who are hosting the Tongan stage for 2025.

Get involved and become a volunteer for Polyfest

Peter Rees, Senior Communications Partner at Unitec volunteered for Polyfest last year, after many years as an attendee.

From engaging with students to talking to them about Unitec, Mr Rees says he had a great time interacting with young people.

Last year, the Unitec marquee had a chill out zone as well as a graffiti art activation run by one of Unitec kaimahi, that was a drawcard to the students.

“As a volunteer, Unitec kaimahi were organised into shifts to ensure we had sufficient cover for the four days of the event.

“It was our role to engage and interact with people as they walked past to encourage them to come into our marquee and “chill out”.”

He says as Unitec and MIT marquees were set up next to each other, it was great to see the work of both the institutes in the Pacific space.

Mr Rees says the sound, colour, smell and taste of Pacific culture are everywhere at Polyfest.

“It is always an event I look forward to every year being of Samoan heritage – the food, the culture, the entertainment – all in one place!

Sign up to volunteer

If you have capacity in your day (half or full) to support the Polyfest organising team, head over to this form and sign up.