Thousands of Māori and Pasifika performers convene for Otago Polyfest

Thousands of young Māori and Pasifika are gathering to perform this week in Dunedin for Otago Polyfest.

Otago Polyfest is one of the oldest Pasifika festivals in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The 2023 edition of the festival celebrates 30 years of cultural performances which have helped young people connect with their heritage and languages.

It began in 1993 as a half-day event. But now, it's a five-day celebration involving more than 140 schools and early childhood services.

"We want them to feel proud. They deserve the celebration," South Island native and festival director Tanya Muagututi'a said.

This week, about 4500 performers aged 3-19 years old are expected to grace the stage.

"It's incredible…30 years. It really does mark the significant growth of how young people are able to mark their own identity."

This year, there is a village space for audience members to roam through filled with stalls with everything from health checks, massages, Pacific art and even a booth to enrol in the upcoming election.

Stage Manager, Pesamino Tili's parents immigrated from Samoa to Dunedin.

Growing up in Otago, he wrestled with his own identity. Performing at Polyfest was an outlet that helped him discover who he was as a Samoan.

"Otago Polyfest is a platform for us as a community to feel proud of who we are," Tili said.

He has attended almost every Otago Polyfest since it first began.

Each performance is completely unique and schools "get to decide what they do," Otago Polyfest general manager Pip Laufiso said.

Performances have ranged from Kapa Haka to song and dance hailing from Samoa, Kiribati, Fiji, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands.

"Our Pacific people have been settling in the South, that's Otago and Southland for over 60 years," Laufiso said.

"They've always been here. Recognising that legacy and our pioneers of pacific communities is important."

The festival runs throughout the week, concluding on Friday.