The ASB Polyfest is back at Manukau Sports Bowl from today until Saturday, with schools and student performers excited to be part of this year’s historic livestream event.
The ASB Polyfest, now its 47th year, is a celebration of youth performance, and a showcase of New Zealand’s diverse cultures.
ASB Polyfest 2022 will look and feel different from previous years, with the usual 100,000-plus crowds not present this year.
The current Covid-19 red traffic light restrictions mean that participating cultural groups will perform in front of ASB Polyfest judges only, while family and friends are able to watch performances live online from home.
Polyfest Trust chairperson Robert Solomone, who is also the principal of Alfriston College, says, “This year’s festival is not about the size of the event, it’s about the opportunity for our students to participate and do so in a safe environment.”
Students will compete in speech, song and dance on the following stages – Cook Islands, Māori, Niue, Samoan, Tongan, and a diversity stage which features cultures such as Chinese, Fijian, Tokelauan, Indian, Korean and Sri Lankan.
This year’s festival theme is “FAMILY / Whānau” which Event Director – Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu believes – “will resonate with our ASB Polyfest community, schools and stakeholders.
Although family can’t join us in person at the festival this year, we hope they’ll enjoy the free livestream from home”.
