Polyfest50: Unyielding spirit shines through

Despite gusty winds and drizzling rain, spirits remain high on the second day of ASB Polyfest’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Around 5000 people turn up to support the speech competitions and performances on the Diversity and Māori stages at the Manukau Sports Bowl.

While the usual vibrant colours of traditional attire are hidden beneath coats and rain ponchos, Blair Sorensen, Diversity Stage Master of Ceremonies, says the atmosphere is filled with “good vibes” despite the weather.

“We’re feeling good, things are running smoothly, the crowd is amazing, we’re just really thankful and blessed to be here and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ASB Polyfest.”

Due to a shortfall in funding, Polyfest had to scale back this year, which meant that the Diversity Stage lost its usual location at the cycling track.

Sarah Woods, one of the Diversity Stage coordinators, says the standalone stage had to be scrapped because sponsorship from the tertiary sector has decreased or been withdrawn this year.

“We did have our own stage, and this year, we’ve been unable to do that because the sponsorship from the tertiary sector and different things has been withdrawn or is less,” she says.

Woods adds that through community networking and the spirit of Pacific alofa, the Niuean and Cook Islands stages were made available for the two-day diversity performances.

“Looking at the goodness of the community, ASB has been incredible. We’ve been reliant on contacts and our fabulous judges have given us names of people to contact.

“We’re really blessed that Niue are sharing with us and we’ve got the lovely Māmā Tupou (Manapori) on the Cook Islands stage. Yeah, it’s choice,” Woods says.

Tamatoa Richmond, an artist, DJ, and parent, is amongst the crowd embracing the cool temperature with a beaming smile.

Richmond empathises with students performing as he has previously been the entertainment during the interval breaks on the Niue and Cook Islands stages.

He's here to watch his daughter stand with Auckland Girls' Grammar College Cook Islands group, while also sharing the love around.

"I represent everybody from the Middle East to Asia, to Europe and the South Pacific," Tamatoa says.

Tamatoa Richmond, a parent, supporter, and former entertainer on the Niue and Cook Islands stages, attends the ASB Polyfest in full support of all cultures and nations. Photo/PMN News/Atutahi Potaka-Dewes

"It's so good to see our children are growing our culture, learning their mother tongue. Plus their ancestors from way back, learning their war dance and incorporating their teachings.

"I'm trying to represent everybody and I gotta be supportive aye? It's awesome."

Biggest range of diversity yet

This year’s festival includes the highest number of Diversity Stage dances ever, with 117 groups participating.

The performance lineup includes representatives from Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Cambodian, Indian, Punjabi, Bhangra, Korean, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, Roma, Mongolian, Turkish, Tibetan, African fusion, Fijian, Tahitian, Hawaiian, Tokelauan, and Kiribati cultures.

Supporters brave the wet weather to cheer on the performers. Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

“I think because it’s the 50th everyone is so keen and so excited,” Woods says.

“We’ve got schools that we’ve never had before and some really different groups. We’ve got a Colombian group this year, two Scottish groups, and the Filipino groups are growing.”

A highlight for Woods is seeing the development of the Fijian groups, which are now including musical instruments and longer performance sets.

“Our Fijian groups who are very strong, some of them are pulling out longer performances, it’s not just the meke. They’re actually doing their own songs and I just love the live music that is increasing. I want that to continue.”

St Cuthbert's College Chinese dancers gracefully sashay across the stage. Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

Having spent 15 years in her role with ASB Polyfest, Woods praises the dedication of Te Kōmiti Whakahaere or the stage coordinators, for fostering a supportive whānau environment.

For MC Sorensen, while students may feel nervous, it’s all hands on deck to help calm those nerves and ensure they shine on stage.

“The vibes have been really good. Students are obviously a little bit nervous coming through but it’s just about setting the tone and letting them know that they’re gonna perform really well.

“They’ve put in so much hard work and to see that come to fruition on stage, all the groups have been doing an amazing job.”

Kelston Girls' College Fijian group performers Wendy Natui, Year 9, and Courtney Tupa'i, Year 11, hope to take home the top spot on the Diversity stage this year. Photo/PMN News/Atutahi Potaka-Dewes