Polyfest50: Spirits remain high despite cancellations, delays

Bad weather has led to the cancellation of the Māori Stage Division Two performances at ASB Polyfest on Friday, but a stallholder remains hopeful, encouraging students to cherish their practice and look forward to future opportunities.

Polyfest organisers have prioritised safety and repairs, confirming that Division One will proceed as scheduled on Saturday.

For Brian, who runs Jandal Broz - Aotearoa, the sudden cancellation is not a defeat.

He says Jandal Broz - Aotearoa, a clothing business, aims to connect people with their culture.

“Look, you can't do anything about it,” Brian says.

“The weather obviously just does what it does and we just have to keep going in the waka, you know, and just see what happens. It is devastating in terms of we can't all be together.

His message to the hundreds of students who were set to perform but missed out is encouraging.

“You’ll get an opportunity again. It’ll happen.

“As much as it’s the 50th [Polyfest anniversary], you’ll still find every time you do something special even when you practice, that’s just as meaningful as when you perform.

“Just keep going with what you’re doing. You’re doing an amazing job.”

Maori stage remains empty. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

Organisers confirm cancellation

In a statement, the Māori Stage team explains that the cancellation is due to weather damage to the Māori Stage and grounds.

“On behalf of the ASB Polyfest Maori stage, we apologise for the late notice. The team has worked hard to provide today's programme, but due to weather damage to the Maori Stage and grounds, we will prioritise repairs to ensure this is ready for Saturday.”

Division One will still go ahead on Saturday at the Manukau Sports Bowl as planned.

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“It’s just unfortunate”

Tangaroa College principal Chris Bean says while the news is disappointing, safety must come first.

“It's just unfortunate, just the weather is what it is and it's just caused that concern for us so obviously a decision's been made to close it for the safety of all and it is just what we have to do to make sure that everyone is in a safer situation.

Tangaroa’s kapa haka group narrowly avoided the disruption by performing on Thursday.

“We were very fortunate, our kapa haka group performed yesterday so we got the start of the softer rain and the weather that was changing on us but when the weather is fine, stage is perfect, the whole setting is actually fantastic,” Bean says.

Tangaroa College principal, Chris Bean. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

“For the occasion, it's just a shame that because of today it just couldn't carry on.”

Ticketholders for Friday’s cancelled event are advised to contact support@iticket.co.nz for refund queries.