ASB Polyfest 2026 - New Format Reflects Festival’s Growth

The 51st Anniversary of the world’s largest Māori and Pacific Island festival, the ASB Polyfest, will be staged under a new structure in 2026.

At a recent launch of this year’s festival, Polyfest Trust Chair, Simon Craggs announced the "One Festival, Two Events" structure for the 2026 event.

This structure sees the Diversity and Pasifika stage competitions taking place at the Manukau Sports Bowl from 18-21 March, while Te Paparewa Māori (1) kapa haka competition will take place at Manukau’s Due Drop Events Centre from 30 March – 2 April.

When asked about the need for the festival’s new structure, Simon Craggs says “it is because of our own success. For 50 years the kaupapa has grown from humble beginnings to the largest Polynesian festival in the world. An amazing legacy has been created for generations of young people. In the existing format, we were at risk of having to turn groups away and denying young people the chance to connect with their culture. The festival has grown so much that we can no longer adequately accommodate all of the stages in one venue. We are excited to hold Te Paparewa Māori event at Due Drop Events Centre in late March to early April.”

Craggs says “by splitting our events in 2026, we are ensuring that at each event, every cultural group has the "va" or “takiwā” they need to flourish. This model allows us to grow without compromising the mana of the individual performances. We are one movement, across two separate but intertwined events to best serve our communities.”

The new structure also sees two Festival Directors at the helm for 2026. Seiuli Terri Leo Mauu will lead the Diversity and Pasifika Festival at the Manukau Sports Bowl, while Tracey Watkinson has been appointed as the Festival Director for Te Paparewa Māori.

Long term Festival Director Seiuli Terri Leo Mauu says “as we move forward, transitioning one festival with two venues, we thank the Board, Komiti Whakahaere and our sponsors for the ability to grow and build our Polyfest community. Growth requires time, grace, prayer and much needed financial sustainability. Congratulations to our Te Paparewa Māori, Ohu and Te Paparewa Māori Director Tracey on this exciting new chapter at Due Drop Events Centre. Tatou alo va'a fa'atasi - let us row our va'a together.”’

Newly appointed Festival Director for Te Paparewa Māori, Tracey Watkinson says the move to a new format represents both stability and evolution.

“Te Paparewa Māori carries deep cultural significance for our rohe. Relocating to an indoor venue elevates performance excellence and academic achievement, while upholding the mana and integrity of our kaupapa - ensuring every division performs within a consistent, world-class production environment. We remain one Polyfest movement, serving our mokopuna and rangatahi, supported by whānau and embraced by wider stakeholder communities.”

The theme for the 2026 ASB Polyfest is:

“Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake!” “ The environment lives in me, as I live in it - a ‘Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior’ for generations to come.”

Note:

(1) Te Paparewa Māori replaces what was formerly referred to as the Māori Stage

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