North Shore takes on Polyfest

Maori studies teacher Tommy King with students Kalolo Otuhaha and Sakea Lemeki. Picture / Bradley Ambrose

Tommy King was on a mission when he set out to form Rosmini College's new cultural group.

The 25-year-old Milford resident says he decided it was high time the North Shore school provided a cultural outlet for Maori and Polynesian students, following last year's Education Review Office report.

Maori studies teacher Tommy's ultimate aim was for the group to compete in the ASB Cultural Festival. Owing to time constraints, the Rosmini group could only watch last year.

Historically the festival, also known as Polyfest, has been the largest Polynesian festival in the world. It has grown significantly, showcasing 8500 students and attracting 80,000-90,000 spectators last year. This year's festival will showcase 188 groups from 62 secondary schools across Auckland.

One of the group leaders, Kalolo Otuhaha, says: "We want to dispel the myth that South Auckland boys are the man - watch out while we show them what the North Shore is all about."

Team-member Sakea Lemeki says he can't wait to perform on the stage.

He says: "I just can't wait to get involved, especially after the way we felt left out being only spectators last year."

Tommy says when he was forming the group he naturally expected it to have a Maori element and had plans to teach some Maoritanga.

"The Tongan boys seemed to gravitate towards it so we decided to run with it."

The 25-strong group's participation at the festival marks the school's inaugural entry.

The two Tongan dance sequences are mako and metupaki (the paddle dance).

Tommy says working with the predominantly Tongan group has been refreshing.

"It's totally different from Maori dancing which is usually serious. And although it's a set dance or song, the students definitely have a good time when they are up there."

Festival Facts
* What: 31st ASB Auckland Secondary Schools Maori and Pacific Islands Cultural festival, also known as ASB Polyfest.
* When: March 22-25.
* Where: Manukau Sports Bowl, Te Irirangi Dr, Manukau.
* Main Entrances: Pedestrian entrances from Boundary Rd and Te Irirangi Dr.
* Parking: Public car parking off Boundary Rd.
* Programmes: Available at both entrances for $3, includes site map.
* Cost: $3 entry. Under 5s free. Eftpos available on-site.
* Cancellations: 531PI, MAI FM, NIU FM, FLAVA 96.1.
* Details: www.asbbankculturalfestival.co.nz (link below).

- AUCKLANDER