ASB Polyfest's student leaders strengthen connection to past and future + VIDEO

Senior students from across Tāmaki Makaurau came together to connect over the significance of cultural performing arts.

Leading up to the 49th ASB Polyfest festival, the Student Leaders Conference wrapped up its two-day event with over 150 Pacific pupils engaging in workshops, speech and video competitions, and the popular dance challenge.

For Marcellin College student leader Vanessa it’s all about upholding their ancestral gifts.

“Our culture isn’t just dancing and singing, it is part of who we are. Just because you're white (skinned) doesn’t mean we don’t have it through our blood and DNA.

“We should be proud of it because our ancestors didn’t come to New Zealand for us to hate our life, they came for us to be proud and have a good life.”

Marcellin College student leaders Grace (left) and Vanessa. Photo/Candice Ama/PMN News

Festival Director Seiuli Terri-Leo Mau'u says through the conference pathways cemented early in the year have contributed to the growing number of student performers and visitors to ASB Polyfest.

She says this year the renowned contest returns to some form of normality post covid disruptions.

“Whatever that may look like … there’s a lot of excitement, people are just like, ‘cool, yeah! Let’s get ready to come back!’ But I’m expecting a lot more of our schools that missed out on the last few years to actually return to Polyfest this year.”

Seiuli says there’s a lot of preparation going into next year’s 50th celebration with the theme: "Looking to the past to determine the future".

“I like the interpretations schools come up with and seeing what’s actually important to young people today but at the same time it is looking to the past. So how are they going to synergise those two things to make sure it works in today’s society.

“We’re also dealing with a new government as well, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of concepts they put into their performances about that kind of change.”

Despite being a competition, students are keen on ensuring positive support is felt right throughout the festival.

Another Marcellin College student says relationship building has been an example of leadership for her.

“I feel like it’s gonna be one love. We’re gonna support each other even if we come last or come first, we’ll have each other's backs.”

Gio Rose from Aorere College and Joshua Rehutai-Baker from Dilworth School prepare for their final stands at Polyfest. Photo/Candice Ama/PMN News

Proud young woman of Samoa and Niue descent Gio Rose, who’s in her last year at Aorere College, usually takes to the Niue stage, but this year she’s feeling the pull of her Samoan side.

She says the conference gave space for her to reflect and ultimately lap up her last Polyfest performance.

“I really enjoyed where we had to write a poem. The poem was based on 'I am', so who you are, where you come from, your roots and your belonging.

“I want to make the most of it, I think the main thing is I want to make sure I make myself proud and my ancestors proud and hopefully take the win.”

Dilworth School year 13 student Joshua Rehutai-Baker takes his final stand on the Māori stage this year and says the unity of Polynesian cultures amplifies the unique voices.

“It’s a way for different cultures and different communities to come together, celebrate them being themselves but also to tell stories about the past and future.”

He hopes his Polyfest legacy leaves space to foster future student leaders.

“It’s more about nurturing the new students coming in so that they’re able to come into Polyfest in the next few years as their own leaders and represent themselves and their family proudly.

“On a more personal note, it’s my last chance to go all out for my family, tūpuna, and myself and hopefully … nah, I know we’re gonna do good.”

ASB Polyfest Auckland will be from 20 - 23 March at the Manukau Sports Bowl.