Polyfest is always a lively annual celebration of Pasifika culture.

This year it was held at its regular home in the Red Zone in Christchurch on Saturday, March 13 with twenty Secondary Schools taking part. This event continues to provide students with the opportunity to showcase their Pasifika culture, language and identity through dance and song that reflect the wonderful diversity of Pasifika cultures within Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This year Burnside High School forged a collaborative partnership with Rangi Ruru Girls led by Stephanie Barnett, Deputy Principal. Senior students from Rangi Ruru joined the Burnside group for Polyfest 2021. The entire group, the biggest so far, numbered forty-three students from a diverse range of Pasifika cultures and it also included non-Pasifika students. Many long hours of practise after school for seven weeks, including weekends, culminated in the spectacular and memorable fifteen minute performance.

Burnside High School’s tutors, Greg Galovale and Wes Fifita, composed the original music, lyrics and choreography. They also had help and support from a dedicated crew, which this year included another tutor, Ana-Marie Tulia, plus musicians Addo, Johnny, Benny and Angus. Former BHS students, Ofa, Laiman and Rosa regularly attended practises and added valuable experience. The communities from Rangi Ruru and Burnside High School (whanau and teachers) proved invaluable with their assistance and support for the group in preparation for this year’s Polyfest celebration.

Darryn Findlay, Deputy Principal and Julie Kleinpaste, Pasifika Co-Ordinator, of Burnside High School have overall responsibility for the group.