Polyfest

Polyfest and Fiafia Night at Rutherford 2024 

Background of Polyfest

Polyfest is the largest Pacific dance festival in the world and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Its aim is to demonstrate the pride of cultural identity and to bring schools and the different cultures between them, together. 

Held over four days, over 200 teams from 69 schools took  part in this year's Polyfest held at the Manukau Sports Bowl. Polyfest has six stages: Cook Islands, Māori, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Diversity. Festival director of Polyfest, Mr Terri Leo-Mauu said Polyfest “provides a pathway for people to connect with their cultural backgrounds". He summarised by saying "It's important for them to carry on the tradition, a rite of passage almost.” 

This year Rutherford sent six dance groups: Chinese, Samoan, African, Indian, Tongan and Kapa Haka, covering four of the stages, with a total of 150 students taking part, one of its biggest contingents in recent years. 

Most groups had about 6 weeks to prepare, the performers had spent break times, afterschool personal time and weekends learning, practicing and polishing their dances adding up to a minimum of 40+ hours of hard work. These students have shown dedication and perseverance in their chosen groups. More than 20 teachers had put time into choreographing, costume preparation help and tutoring. 

Fiafia Night 

On the 19th of March it was our Fiafia night. Polyfest groups had an opportunity to showcase their performances in front of an audience. This event was happening after a break. It was held in the sports hall, which had been colourfully decorated with lights, flags, cultural items and even displays of traditional cultural attire. Students, parents and the community came together to support performers and experience their unique performances. Fiafia night was a great success; there was a large turnout from supporters, as well as audience engagement.It served as a great platform for participants to showcase and rehearse their items before the actual Polyfest performance. All the groups were enthusiastic and it was a great way to find out how they could improve before Polyfest. The finale was a show stopper as all the performers did the Haka to thank the crowd for their support. Mr Moore concluded the night by saying that the “students have made memories that they can hold on to for years to come”.  

Our teams at Polyfest

Polyfest this year was held from the 20th to the 23rd of March. Our African, Indian and Chinese groups performed on the 21st of April on Diversity Stage (African, Indian and Chinese groups) and Samoa, Kapa Haka and Tongan groups performed on the 23rd of April. The performers did Rutheford proud by giving their best on each stage. Parents and staff went along to support and those who could not catch them via the livestream platform. Performers, in addition to performing, had a enjoyable day out immersing themselves in the cultures surrounding them and enjoying the fun activities, Polyfest organisers had planned for them.

When award time came around, Rutherford took home several prizes. Our African dance group scored 1st place for the African Continent Award, 1st place for the Fusion Award and 2nd place for the Interpretation of The Theme Award at the Diversity Stage. 

Our Kapa Haka placed 11th overall on the Maori stage, as well as 14th in Mita o Te Reo, 12th for female leader and 3rd for male leader. Our Kapa Haka is in the 1st division (the highest division). 

Our Samoan groups did very well. Every member of this group was a first-time performer. They got 1st Place for Fuataimi (conductor) Vilfred Crawley and 3rd Place for their Pese ole aso. This was written by Varani Crawley, who was the tutor for the groups and Vilfred’s brother. These results are a massive achievement for them all, especially on such a competitive stage with so many schools taking part. 

There were many collaborators for this year's Polyfest. The Art Club helped to make a banner that the performers could bring to Polyfest. The Cultural Committee promoted the event at assemblies and put up information in the Info-comms. They also covered the event at the diversity stage. The prefects played their part in the smooth running of the Fiafia night. Over 50 staff helped make both Fiafia Night and Polyfest a memorable one.

We are very proud of our incredible Whānau made up of performers, staff, parents and  community collaborators for their hard work and stunning performances and would like to thank each and every one who put their heart and soul into making these opportunities possible for our students. 

You can still watch replays of all our schools 6 groups performance on this link: https://www.asbpolyfest.co.nz/p/5650-stages