Last Saturday 14 March, Darfield High school’s Tui Pongi, Tita Pongi, Junior Ika'ila, 'Ofa Ika'ila, and Luisa Ika'ila blended with Rolleston for SPACPAC’s annual Polyfest.

Polyfest is one of Christchurch’s most iconic events, one that centres around the celebration of our region’s Pasifika community. Over two days, at Hagley Park across from Salisbury Street and the rest of the city, a stage is opened up for schools all over Canterbury to showcase their individual interpretations of traditional dances and songs from the Pacific.

Polyfest and the preparations leading up to it are always a huge commitment. It includes weeks of practice and learning an entire set of dances and songs (up to fifteen minutes), so props to those who gave up their free time and worked hard to put on an amazing show.

Although I unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to perform alongside them (time constraints), I had the honour of watching them represent. The boys were up front for much of the set, their big smiles and joy especially eye-catching as they swung around the stage with their Rolleston peers. In the numbers where they came to the front, girls danced gracefully and were the epitome of beauty in the brilliant blue of their uniforms. I cheered especially loud when the group finished their number, cheering on behalf of the entire school who should be extremely proud of the talented five that carried the Darfield High school name into Polyfest and onto that stage.

Thank you to Tui, Tita, Junior, 'Ofa, and Luisa for their stellar performance at both Polyfest and our school “This is Me” day. It was amazing dancing with you on Friday and watching you at Polyfest the next day!

Mele Bonner-Vaitaki