Polyfest diversity on show: 'As Pacific people, we’re one'

Polyfest’s 50th anniversary is lighting up Auckland's Manukau Sports Bowl with a vibrant celebration of culture, food, and student performances this week.

Local Democracy Reporting went backstage at the Diversity stage.

From Tokelauan and Hawaiian items to Kiribati and Cambodian showcases, here’s what some of the students and leaders had to say.

Tokelauan pride

Eden Enelio, cultural leader at McAuley High School, performed with her school’s Tokelau group.

“That experience was overwhelming but fun,” she says. “Tokelau is such a small island, and there’s a low percentage of us. Being able to share and express my culture with others who also want to learn is special.”

She says the group had been practicing hard and was proud of how it paid off.

“Polyfest means a lot, especially for people like me who don’t have that direct connection to our homeland,” she says.

Her favourite part? “The food is so good, guys! Definitely come to Polyfest and eat the kai.”

Eden Enelio, cultural leader at McAuley High School. Photo/PMN News/Mary Afemata

She says the group had been practicing hard and was proud of how it paid off.

“Polyfest means a lot, especially for people like me who don’t have that direct connection to our homeland,” she says.

Her favourite part? “The food is so good, guys! Definitely come to Polyfest and eat the kai.”

Watch Diversity Stage judge Alipate Traill's full interview on Pacific Days below.

Aorere’s Fijian group debuts

Racheal Hewson and Katrina Singh from Aorere College performed with their school’s Fijian group for the first time at Polyfest.

“It’s my first time performing,” says Racheal. “Polyfest is amazing. It brings together so many cultures.”

Katrina says being part of the 50th anniversary was a proud moment.

Racheal Hewson and Katrina Singh of Aorere College celebrate their first Polyfest performance as part of the school’s Fijian group. Photo / PMN News Mary Afemata

“We’re all new to the country, and being able to perform and be part of this community means a lot.”

Her highlight? “Seeing all the cultures come together.”

Exploring Hawaiian culture

Jaeda Tuiono Daniel and Annruby Neufeldt from Manurewa High School were part of the Hawaiian performance.

Manurewa High school's Hawaiian group. Photo/ PMN News Mary Afemata

“I was nervous,” says Jaeda. “I felt good,” adds Annruby.

Neither are Hawaiian, but both saw Polyfest as a chance to learn.

“It’s about representing and learning other people’s cultures,” says Annruby. And trying all the different foods!

“I got persuaded by a teacher,” Jaeda laughs. “But I’m leaving for uni next year, so it was a good first-time experience.”

Manurewa High School students Jaeda Tuiono Daniel and Annruby Neufeldt embrace Hawaiian culture, saying Polyfest is about learning and representing. Photo / PMN News Mary Afemata

Annruby says she’d do it again.

Avondale College performs hula

Kali Mave (16) and Nevaeh Momoisea (17) are part of Avondale College’s Hawaiian group, which is performing hula at Polyfest for the first time.

“For Avondale, it’s our first time doing hula,” says Kali.

Kali Mave (16) and Nevaeh Momoisea (17) perform in Avondale College’s first-ever hula performance at Polyfest. Photo/ PMN News Mary Afemata

Although they are not of Hawaiian heritage, both students say learning another culture was important.

“I think it’s cool,” says Nevaeh. “As Pacific people, we’re one. Hawaii sometimes gets left out because they’re far away, so it felt special to share that culture.”

Her favourite part? “Embracing different cultures and being amongst the energy - the vibes.”

Kali agrees: “Performing and seeing everyone smile - that’s the best part.”

Avondale College students perform hula for the first time at Polyfest, embracing Hawaiian culture with pride and aloha. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

Kiribati group brings energy

The Manurewa High School Kiribati group brought pride to the stage.

“We’re representing the best Kiribati group in all of Polyfest - Manurewa!” shouts Cornelius.

Temweri Antares says it’s about visibility.

Manurewa High School’s Kiribati group bring handmade costumes and high energy to the Diversity stage. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

“Kiribati is small, so this is a unique chance to show who we are,” she says. “Our costumes are handmade- our headpieces are made of straws and the rest from pandanus trees.”

Her favourite part? “Seeing all the cultures and being able to perform.”

Cornelius adds, “The food! Big thanks to everyone who makes it - it’s so nice. And [maybe] make the prices cheaper.”

Manurewa High School’s Cambodian group prepare for their performance. Photo /PMN News Mary Afemata

Cambodian culture returns to Polyfest

Manurewa High School’s Cambodian and Chinese groups returned to Polyfest after a long break.

Teacher-in-charge Geraldi Ryan, of Indonesian descent, says it’s the school’s first Cambodian performance since 2021.

“This is the first ever regeneration of 2025,” Ryan says. “It’s been a while.”
He says cultural inclusion is crucial.

“A lot of the students wanted to join to learn new cultures,” he says. “As Southeast Asians, it’s important we unite and showcase the beauty of our cultures.”

The Manurewa High School Chinese group in costume before gearing up for their performance. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

He says their group may be the only Cambodian group performing across all stages.

“They’re not just representing South Auckland Cambodians - they’re representing all of New Zealand. That’s special.”

His highlight? "Seeing the student-led performances. Everything the Cambodian group did, they managed themselves. From February to now, they’ve run it all. It’s been phenomenal.”

Full vibes at the Diversity Stage — from Kiribati to Cambodia, the crowd brought the energy and the love. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

After all the hard work and practices culminated in their on-stage performance, Ryan says there’s a sense of pride and closure.

“It’ll feel strange not seeing them every Wednesday, but all good things come to an end. There’s a real sense of fulfilment.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.