Hundreds of preschoolers and school pupils flocked to ILT Stadium Southland for the first day of Polyfest yesterday.
The event started with an opening ceremony. Performances began at 9.30am and ran until noon.
Fourteen schools performed on the first day and ages ranged from toddlers through to high school pupils.
Songs and dances showcased Maori, Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands cultures.
Miharo Murihiku Polyfest volunteer Parker Ormond said he enjoyed seeing schools continue to get better each year.
"Schools’ and groups’ calibres are stepping up and I think that is because those groups continue to be part of this event year after year.
"It doesn’t matter what culture they come from, but to see them up there enjoying themselves is what Polyfest is all about," he said.
Schools were keen to perform in front of spectators after the event had been hosted online for the past two years, she said.
She acknowledged the help of the whole community to get the event set up and was thankful for the volunteers, she said.
"It’s by the community, for the community."
