“A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported Kaiapoi High School’s Polyfest Performance at Hagley Park on March 22nd. This year, we were part of the largest lineup in history, with 30 schools participating, making it a truly remarkable celebration of Polynesian and Pacific Island cultures. The event was filled with breathtaking performances, vibrant dances, and powerful music, showcasing the rich heritage of the Pacific.
We are incredibly proud of our talented performers, especially our taupou, Hannah Toli, who led us with grace and energy. The hard work and dedication put in by everyone involved were evident, and we are deeply grateful to the volunteers and organisers who made it all possible.
A special thank you to our amazing tutors, Selina, Frank, Wendy, and Tara, as well as our drummers, Rapture and Lema, for their incredible support. We also want to extend our gratitude to our dedicated teachers, Whaea Geri, Matua Nathan, Whaea Molly, Whaea Whitney, Whaea Lou, and Matua Ethan, for their guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. Also, a massive thank you to our student leaders, Hannah, Issie, Waimarie, Mereani, and Kala, who helped behind the scenes, teaching the dances and helping everything run smoothly.
A big shout-out to the 30 schools for helping make this year’s Polyfest the biggest and most unforgettable yet! We can’t wait for next year’s celebration and look forward to continuing to share the beauty of Pacific culture with our community.”
Waimarie Watene-Mercep, Y13
