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587 days ago

How good was Polyfest 2023?

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Auckland Stuff

After four years of disruption, high schoolers all over Auckland finally got the Polyfest they had been waiting for.

It was estimated about 60,000 people attended Polyfest last week, where 8000 students from 181 cultural groups representing 55 schools performed traditional speech, song and dance.

It’s the first time in several years that the festival has gone ahead without a hitch, following cancellations due to the Christchurch terror attacks in 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

For most, it’s not about the win, but the chance to celebrate their culture and embrace their Pasifika heritage.

Manurewa High School’s Sarai Makara-Moreland, 16, was completely out of breath as she stepped off the Cook Islands stage following their high-energy performance.

She said it was a “real privilege” and “a blessing” to get on stage tell the audience: “Hey look, this is my culture. This is where I’m from.”

“The most important thing was we made it up there, and we performed as a team. We are going out, win or lose, as a team.”

Read more of our coverage at Stuff.co.nz, and tell us below - did you watch or compete at Polyfest? How did it go?

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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1 day ago

Poll: Would you commute by public transport if it was free?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Using your car is convenient, except for finding parking.

Cycling lets you leave anytime, but you might arrive soaked.

So, neighbours, if public transport had the perk of being free, would it be your main way to commute?

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Would you commute by public transport if it was free?
  • 67.3% Yes
    67.3% Complete
  • 29.3% No
    29.3% Complete
  • 3.4% Other - I'll share below
    3.4% Complete
1818 votes
7 hours ago

Bird house

Resene

It’s easy to create your own colourful bird house from an old wooden box and some Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions. Find out more

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