Watch: ASB Polyfest gets underway with dawn ceremony
Watch: ASB Polyfest gets underway with dawn ceremony
As the first light of dawn broke over the Manukau Sports Bowl this morning, the air was thick with anticipation, the scent of damp grass, and the powerful resonance of a traditional karakia. The ASB Polyfest, the world's largest Pacific dance festival, has officially begun. This iconic event, a cornerstone of Auckland's cultural calendar, kicked off with a moving dawn ceremony that set a spiritual and respectful tone for the four days of competition and celebration ahead.
For nearly five decades, Polyfest has served as a vibrant stage for secondary school students to showcase their heritage. Today's opening ceremony, led by mana whenua, marks the beginning of a journey for thousands of young performers who have spent months perfecting their crafts. From the thunderous rhythm of the haka to the graceful movements of the siva, the festival is a living testament to the diversity and strength of the Pacific diaspora in New Zealand.
Watch the highlights of the dawn ceremony as students, teachers, and kaumatua gathered in the cold morning air to bless the stages. It was a moment of unity, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and the modern youth who carry them forward into the future.
The Spiritual Significance of the Dawn Ceremony and Mana Whenua
The dawn ceremony, or pōwhiri, is more than just a formal opening; it is a vital spiritual anchoring for the event. This year, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and representatives from the host schools gathered to ensure the safety and success of all participants. The ritual involves traditional chants that call upon ancestors and the environment to protect the space, the performers, and the thousands of spectators expected to flood through the gates.
Participating in this ceremony is a rite of passage for many student leaders. Witnessing the sunrise while standing on the very ground where they will soon perform their heart out creates a deep sense of connection to the land (whenua). It acknowledges that while Polyfest is a competition, it is first and foremost a celebration of identity and shared history.
The role of mana whenua is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the festival. By starting with a karakia, the ASB Polyfest acknowledges the indigenous culture of Aotearoa New Zealand, creating a foundation of mutual respect upon which all other Pacific and international cultures can build their performances.
- Karakia: Traditional prayers to bless the event.
- Whanaungatanga: Building relationships and a sense of family.
- Manaakitanga: Showing hospitality and care for all visitors.
- Kaitiakitanga: Guardianship of the cultural traditions being shared.
A Legacy of 49 Years: The Evolution of ASB Polyfest
What started in 1976 at Hillary College with only four schools has exploded into a massive cultural phenomenon. Today, the ASB Polyfest involves over 200 groups from more than 60 schools across the Auckland region. Over the years, the festival has navigated challenges—including pandemics and extreme weather—but its spirit has remained unbroken. It has become a crucial platform for youth who might otherwise feel disconnected from their roots in an increasingly globalized world.
The festival is organized around several key stages, each dedicated to a specific culture. This includes the Māori stage, the Samoan stage, the Tongan stage, the Cook Islands stage, and the Niue stage. Additionally, the Diversity Stage has grown significantly, featuring performances from Chinese, Indian, Fijian, and Filipino groups, reflecting the changing demographic landscape of Auckland.
For many students, Polyfest is the highlight of their high school experience. It is where they learn leadership, discipline, and the nuances of their language. The hours of practice after school and on weekends culminate in a few minutes of intense, high-stakes performance that often leaves performers and audience members in tears of pride.
Storytelling is at the heart of every performance. Take, for example, 17-year-old Mele, a Tongan student who is lead performer (malu'u) for her school. "When I put on my teunga (costume) and step onto that stage, I'm not just Mele from South Auckland," she says. "I am my grandmother, my great-grandfather, and every ancestor who crossed the ocean. The dawn ceremony reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves."
What to Expect: Highlights of the 2024 Performance Schedule
With the dawn ceremony complete, the competition now moves into high gear. Each stage has its own unique atmosphere and set of requirements. The Māori stage, often the largest, features intense Kapa Haka performances that are judged on everything from the quality of the singing to the ferocity of the wiri (hand vibrations). Meanwhile, the Tongan stage is known for its intricate Lakalaka and the thunderous beat of the drums that accompany the Soke.
Visitors to the Manukau Sports Bowl can expect a sensory overload. Beyond the performances, the "Polyfest Village" offers a literal taste of the Pacific. Food stalls line the perimeter, serving traditional delicacies like hāngī, raw fish, chop suey, and the ever-popular pineapple pies. It is a community hub where families reunite and stories are swapped over shared meals.
If you are planning to attend, here are some key highlights to look out for over the next few days:
- The Speech Competitions: Before the dancing starts, students compete in oratory, speaking their native languages to preserve linguistic heritage.
- The Samoan Stage: Look for the Taualuga, the grand finale dance usually performed by the daughter of a chief or a high-ranking student.
- The Diversity Stage: A colorful explosion of global cultures, showcasing the inclusive nature of modern New Zealand.
- The Grand Prize Giving: On the final day, the top-performing schools are recognized, but as many say, "everyone wins at Polyfest."
The Impact of Polyfest on Youth Identity and Education
Beyond the spectacle and the costumes, the ASB Polyfest plays a critical role in the educational and social development of young New Zealanders. Educators have long noted that students who engage deeply with their cultural heritage through Polyfest often show increased confidence and engagement in their academic studies. The "Polyfest effect" fosters a sense of belonging that is essential for student well-being.
The festival also serves as a bridge for the wider community to understand and appreciate Pacific cultures. In a city as diverse as Auckland, Polyfest is an educational tool that promotes social cohesion. It allows those outside of these cultures to witness the depth, complexity, and beauty of Pacific traditions, breaking down stereotypes and building empathy.
As the drums begin to beat and the chants rise from the stages today, the ASB Polyfest reminds us that culture is not a relic of the past—it is a living, breathing force. The dawn ceremony was just the beginning. For the thousands of students ready to take the stage, this is their moment to shine, to lead, and to tell their story to the world.
Keep an eye on the official livestreams and local news updates as the competition unfolds. Whether you are there in person at the Manukau Sports Bowl or watching from home, the energy of Polyfest is infectious. It is a celebration of who we were, who we are, and who we are becoming as a nation.
Watch: ASB Polyfest gets underway with dawn ceremony
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