Wanaka Primary School Kapa Haka group performs at the Central Lakes Polyfest in Queenstown last week. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The first Central Lakes Polyfest 2018 has been a huge success, say organisers.
Murihiku Maori and Pasifika Cultural Trust director Pauline Smith said the festival had been “fabulous”. The two-day festival featured performances from kapa haka school groups across Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District, she said.
A number of parents’ faces were “quite tearful” when they saw their children perform, she said.
‘You can see they were really, really proud of their kids.”
The trust “absolutely” wanted to bring the festival back again as schools had “embraced the opportunity”.
Dunstan High School Kapa Haka group member Catherine Smit (15) said she was nervous but loved the opportunity to perform on the stage, and was still buzzing hours later.
Group effort . Pupils from Maniototo Area School enjoyed taking part in the Central Lakes Polyfest in Queenstown last Wednesday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Stand strong .. Pupils from Goldfields Primary School bring a firm stance to their performance at the Central Lakes Polyfest in Queenstown last Thursday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Sense of place .. Pupils from Clyde Primary School celebrate Pacific culture at the Central Lakes Polyfest in Queenstown last Wednesday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Bold moves .. The year 5 and 6 kapa haka group from Wanaka Primary School perform at the Central Lakes Polyfest in Queenstown last Wednesday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Valley warriors .. Roxburgh Area School pupils that took part in the Central Lakes Polyfest in Queenstown last Thursday ranged from year 3 to year 12. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Proud to perform .. Excited for the festival were members of the Dunstan High School Kapa Haka group (back row from left) Cameron Smit (15), Jordan Bailey (16), Jake O’Malley (17), teacher assistant Tim Riwhi, (middle row from left) Arahina Wilson (14), Kadesha Winata-Beazley (15), Kowhai Riwhi (15), (front row from left) Arabela Poihegatama (15), Michaela Crosbie (14), Catherine Smit (15) and Aaria Nathan (17). PHOTO: SUPPLIED
