Photo: Coco Lance
Over 200 students gathered in Auckland for the ASB Polyfest student leaders' conference ahead of this year's 50th anniversary.
The conference has been held annually for eight years. This two-day event brings together student leaders, including head girls, head boys, prefects, mentors, and cultural leaders,
Participants engaged in workshops focused on themes such as 'Wairua' (spirit), 'Mafana' (joy), and 'Mana' (pride). There were also group activities, special guests, and the popular ASB Polyfest dance challenge. All of these events are aimed at empowering young leaders and fostering relationships among schools.
This year marked the event's largest turnout.
"It was always about bringing the kids together to equip them and get them around cultural masters who can prepare them culturally before school starts next week and before Polyfest.
We've had schools outside of Auckland attend; it's not exclusive and is open to all leaders around the country," Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu explained.
"It's our 50th year this year; looking back to our humble beginnings in 1976 when it was held at Hillary College, schools such as Mangere College, Hillary, Aorere College, and Western Springs took part in the first festival."
(L-R) Saint Mary's College leaders Grace Tipi (the head girl) and Claryn Gray (the deputy head girl). Photo: Coco Lance
"We were hoping to return to our pre-Covid numbers of about 285 students. This year has been our biggest year yet."
Seiuli, a former Saint Mary's student from Ponsonby was pleased that Saint Mary's College has returned to the festival, after a 30-year absence.
"It's nice to see that there is still value in Polyfest in Ponsonby," Seiuli added.
Two Saint Mary's College leaders, Grace Tipi (the head girl) and Claryn Gray (the deputy head girl), felt blessed to be participating in the Conference.
Gray, who has been at Saint Mary's since Year 7, expressed her enthusiasm: "It shows the growth of culture at Saint Mary's College and represents the opportunities we get. It's a privilege to represent our cultures."
"Growing up in a Westernized society, I often felt segregated. Being in an environment like this, where Polyfest embraces and expresses your culture, is an honor."
Among the teachers attending were both experienced and new educators such as Charis Perelini (Avondale College), Torina Samuelu (Aorere College), and Via Tumaai (James Cook High School), who were former students themselves not long ago.
Polyfest Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu Photo: Coco Lance
"There are many students who are second or third generation, and this is where they can learn and understand culture through the performing arts," Perilini said.
"My father was a Samoan teacher, so I grew up within the education system. I felt it was important to preserve the culture for the next generation. It's great to teach and tutor while being part of it," Samuelu said.
They all had one piece of advice in common: "Show up; it's half the battle. Doing so should set you up for success in the future. Remember your 'why', teachers can only do so much. We want the best for you. Go hard in school this year," Tumaai said.
This year the Conference's guest speaker is Fepuleai Helen Tupai from the Musika Moana Choir competition, who will introduce students to an exciting new addition to this year's scheduled workshops.
This year's Polyfest theme is "Legacy - a treasure handed down." The event will run from April 2-5.
