ASB Polyfest to commemorate passing of Eru Thompson

ASB Polyfest to commemorate passing of Eru Thompson

The 40th Anniversary of the ASB Polyfest starts tomorrow (Wednesday, 18 March) with a special flag raising ceremony at 7am to mark the recent passing of long-serving festival kaumatua – Eru Thompson.

Eru Thompson was the festival kaumatua for much of the event’s 40 year history and performed a key role at the festival flag raising and powhiri each year.

With his passing late last year, this year will be the first time in many year’s, that Eru will not be at the Manukau Sports Bowl présiding over the opening the ASB Polyfest.

The ceremony will take place at sunrise on raised ground overlooking the Maori Stage, and will be officiated by Kaumatua Martin Cooper who played a prominent role alongside and in support of Eru Thompson.

In reflecting on the passing of Eru Thompson, Chairman of the ASB Polyfest Trust - Steve Bouvaird said – “the Trust, and members of the Polyfest community, were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our Kaumatua Eru Thompson late last year. Eru as a representative of Tainui and Kingitanga made an enormous contribution to our understanding of protocol and Maori culture. He
led the flag raising and Powhiri each year. He was a no nonsense person with a long tradition of involvement with the festival. He will be sadly missed.”

At the recent launch of this year’s festival, Event Director – Theresa Howard said “Eru Thompson was my rock and will always be remembered for his dedication to this festival. I thank him for sharing his knowledge, and believing in this kaupapa”

Following the special flag raising ceremony, which is expected to last for 45 minutes, the powhiri is scheduled to start at 8am. This is the formal welcoming of guests (manuhiri) to the festival by the hosts (Tainui and Pacific Community leaders). Once the Powhiri concludes the Festival Mauri (the sacred pink stone), is taken from the powhiri to each of the stages to perform a blessing. Special guests confirmed for this year’s Powhiri include Mayor Len Brown and the Minister for Pacific Peoples – Peseta Sam Lotu-iiga.

The 40th Anniversary of the ASB Polyfest is shaping up to be a very special occasion at the Manukau Sports Bowl from 18 – 21 March, with the flag-raising ceremony at 7am to open the event and acknowledge the contribution to the festival of Eru Thompson.

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