The event was the brainchild of 15-year-old Tiare Makanesi, and 11 pupils from Otago Girls' High School, King's High School, John McGlashan College, Kavanagh College, Queen's High School, Kaikorai Valley College and Waitaki Boys' High School took part.
''Polyfest is the only thing that Pacific Islanders have here, and that only gives us the chance to express ourselves culturally,'' Tiare said.
''I wanted to start something that was academic.''
Tiare secured school and Ministry of Education backing for the competition, as well as organising sponsorship for what is intended to be an annual event.
OGHS principal Linda Miller praised Tiare's efforts, and said she had demonstrated true leadership in making the competition a reality.
All competitors were asked to speak on ''What it means to be a Pacific Islander''.
Otago Girls' High School's Storm Maole won the senior section, and Analeia Kesha of Kaikorai Valley College was the junior winner.
