Forty-five kaimahi will deliver MIT and Unitec’s presence at the Auckland schools’ cultural festival which it’s estimated will attract more than 11,000 performers from seventy-seven schools and an expected crowd of more than 75,000.
They will be stationed near the Tonga stage which our divisions are partnering to sponsor this year.
In the lead-up to event; MIT and Unitec’s Polyfest organising team hosted a workshop to pass on to volunteers a deeper understanding of the Kingdom’s culture and customs.
The workshop, led by MIT senior lecturers Anna Cullen and Ana Paea, Pasifika Relations Advisor at MIT’s Pacific Development Office Loloa Alatini, and Helena Finau-Hakalo, Team Leader, Mentoring & Scholarships at Unitec; explored cultural differences within the Pacific and introduced volunteers to the language, greetings, and pronunciation.
Ms Cullen said she felt “humbled, comfortable and privileged” to share their culture and was looking forward to the week ahead.
One volunteer described the session as “a fruitful workshop,” adding, “I was amazed and interested to hear about the culture and heritage—how rich and deep the history is.”
Volunteers were taught the Tongan alphabet, phonetics, and how to initiate meaningful engagement with festivalgoers. They were also encouraged to immerse themselves in the cultural experience—including joining in traditional dances.
Another attendee said, “It was encouraging. I felt comfortable and included, and had fun being asked to join the dancing.”
For more information on this year’s event and programme, visit: asbpolyfest.co.nz
Good to see so many kaihamhi volunteering and supporting this year’s Polyfest. I would like to support it next year wearing my puletasi when I learn to dance this beautiful dance. 🙂