Celebrating the art and measina of the Pacific

By Education Gazette editors

Issue: Volume 100, Number 10

Posted: 9 August 2021

Reference #: 1HANyg

Primary, intermediate, and secondary schools from across the Wellington region are in full swing celebrating Pacific heritage and culture with an exciting line-up of events and performances.

This slideshow of images tells the vibrant story of Hutt Fest 2021 held in June. It brings together schools and early learning centres from across the Hutt Valley to celebrate through song and dance – and even an oratory performance – for all cultures to take part in.

2021 TuTagata Festival

This year marked 43 years since the TuTagata Polynesian Festival started, with nine secondary schools in Wellington bringing a wealth of culture, emotion, and passion to the stage at TSB Arena on 28 July.

It provides an important platform for the Capital to showcase the cultural and linguistic diversity of participating schools, and brings together many Pacific parents, families, and community members to watch their sons and daughters perform the art and measina of the Pacific.

The festival paid a special tribute to teachers Rose Tuita'alili-Moreli from Taita College who passed away earlier this year, and Vienna Masoe who left Wellington East Girls' College. These teachers have led their schools and been instrumental in building the capability of their leaders. E le galo oe Rose.

Northern Regional Polyfest

The Northern Regional Polyfest, hosted by Aotea College, took place on 6 August at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, this time with the wider Kapi-Mana area taking the stage for a celebration of Polynesian culture. Aotea, Porirua, Mana, Bishop Viard, Tawa, Newlands and Onslow Colleges bring 20 different performances from across a variety of Pacific Islands.

This event has been going strong for 20+ years and showcases the proud diversity of the region and the strong Pacific community within it.