Last day for festival of culture

More than 11,000 students from 57 Auckland secondary schools have been performing in Manukau in what is claimed to be the world's largest festival for schools.

The Auckland Secondary Schools Maori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival began at the Manukau Sports Bowl in Otara on Thursday and ends today.

One of the groups performing on the first day was the Hoani Waititi Marae group (pictured) from Glen Eden.

A total of 187 groups sang and danced on five stages at the festival, which provides the opportunity for schools to perform traditional and contemporary cultural performances.

There is also an art competition based around the theme of road safety, with categories of photography, rap, design and fine arts.