Thousands of Southland school pupils got up on stage this week to embrace Māori and Pasifika culture.
More than 120 early childhood centres, primary schools, high schools and community groups from throughout Southland took part in Polyfest at ILT Stadium Southland.
The event began on Monday for a five-day celebration of the community.
Donovan Primary School’s Kapa Haka group performs on the third day of Polyfest at ILT Stadium yesterday. PHOTOS: COLE YEOMAN
Event organiser Peta Kuresa said it was a great feeling to see everyone coming together.
"Polyfest is a showcase of cultural performances from our early childhood education all the way up to our secondary school.
Donovan Primary School pupil Stella Burns, 6, has fun during the school’s class performance at Polyfest.
"So each of these schools are practising all year to come along to Polyfest and showcase their bracket — so this could be a couple of kapa haka brackets, the Pacific Island brackets ... just a big celebration of culture and identity."
Rimu School's Pasifika group pupils (clockwise from back left) Millie Tait, 9, Stella McCrostie, 9, McKenzie Newell, 9, Arlo Perriam, 7, Oliana Lafogo, 9, and Kyahn Hamilton, 7, before their performance.
Polyfest is running at ILT Stadium Southland until tomorrow.
Limehills School pupils Ferguson Hammond, Angus Collie and Flynn Roskhan, all 12, finish their haka with a pukana.
