Polyfest50: How a Sāmoan entrepreneur inspires his tamariki to celebrate their heritage

This year’s Polyfest is alive with colour and exciting performances, but one vendor stands out: Sāmoan entrepreneur Vaimili Alefosio.

More than just selling goods, he is passionate about teaching his children the importance of self-reliance and preserving their cultural traditions.

This is Alefosio’s first time at the festival, and he proudly displayed traditional Sāmoan crafts, emphasising how vital it is to pass on these skills and the heritage to future generations.

Having moved to Aotearoa in 2001, Alefosio holds a deep connection to his Sāmoan roots.

At his stall on the Sāmoa stage, he showcases beautifully crafted items created by his family in Sāmoa, such as handmade ulafala, mea taulima, to’oto’o, and cricket products.

While this was his first experience at Polyfest, Alefosio has a background in similar cultural activities back home. He uses this event as an opportunity to teach his four children about self-employment and the value of hard work.

“This is to show my kids how to be self-employed, not working for someone else. We’ve got our own things we can do,” he says.

“God already blessed our hands, and the Bible says here we are blessed if we put God first,” Alefosio says.

This year’s Polyfest is particularly special as it marks its 50th anniversary, a milestone that fills Alefosio with pride.

Vaimili Alefosio's traditional handicrafts from Sāmoa. Photo/PMN News/Sariah Magaoa.

He draws connections between this celebration and important biblical events, emphasising its significance.

Alefosio is also dedicated to encouraging the youth to embrace the Sāmoan language and culture.

“Always try to use your language … be proud of your language. It doesn’t matter if you’re not fluent in it, but as long as you try, because that represents who you are.”