41st ASB Polyfest starts this Wednesday

41st ASB Polyfest starts this Wednesday

The 41st ASB Polyfest starts this Wednesday at 7:00am with a special flag raising ceremony and powhiri at the Manukau Sports Bowl.

Launching in 1976 with four schools taking part, ASB Polyfest is now the largest Maori & Pacific Island festival in the world. With more than 9,000 students participating, ASB Polyfest 2016 will see 228 groups perform kapa haka and traditional dance, hailing from 64 schools across Auckland.

From its small beginnings 41 years ago, the ASB Polyfest has developed into one of Auckland‘s largest events. It is recognised as an important showcase of New Zealand’s diverse cultures and a celebration of youth performance.

The Mayor of Auckland, Len Brown said recently – “if anything spells out the essence of Auckland, it is the ASB Polyfest.”

ASB Polyfest Event Director, Theresa Howard believes that the record number of performing groups this year is due to – “the recognition within schools that ASB Polyfest helps bring together the wider school community in a way that engages students with their families and peers, creating discipline which is beneficial in the classroom.”

When questioned on the recipe for a successful ASB Polyfest, Theresa Howard said – “exceptional cultural performances and great food.”

Traditional Island food will be aplenty during this week’s four day festival, while more than 228 groups compete for the honour of being named best performing group.

ASB Polyfest begins Wednesday 16 March with a special flag-raising ceremony at 7:00am, followed by a Powhiri at 8:00am. The powhiri sees the festival guests (manuhiri) welcomed by the hosts (Tainui & Pacific Island leaders), and a mass haka performed by the festival’s Kura Matua School (host of the Maori Stage) - Western Springs College.

Mayor Len Brown will be attend the Powhiri.

Following the official proceedings in the morning, the Manukau Sports Bowl will come alive with Maori and Pacific Island colour and culture. The Te Whare Wanaga o Awanuiarangi Maori Stage gets underway at 10am on Wednesday.

Each stage has a surrounding village with the food and craft stalls from the respective culture.

Website: www.asbpolyfest.co.nz

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