Polyfest 2025: From a performer in 1976 to now a mentor

10:55 am today

Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific Journalist

A former Polyfest performer has come full circle, leading McAuley High School to victory on the Samoan stage at Polyfest 2025.

The school claimed first place in the girls' category, marking a significant moment in its legacy.

This year's 50th anniversary Polyfest, themed 'Legacy' saw McAuley's Samoan teacher Tauanu'u Perenise Sitagata Tapu succeed.

Decades ago, he was among the first to perform at Polyfest as a student at Sir Edmund Hillary College.

Now, as a Samoan language teacher and community advocate, his dedication to cultural preservation and mentoring has come full circle.

"I was in the first Polyfest when it first started at Hillary College in 1976, and I was sixth form, back then, I think there were only three schools Aorere, Māngere and Hillary College," Tauanu'u said.

"But it was a performance and celebration of different Pacific cultures, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands, Niue and Maori. So, it was more a celebration rather than a competition."

Polyfest took place over four days last week - from Wednesday to Saturday.

Despite three days of rain, students, teachers, families, organisers, supporters, and spectators still came out, resulting in a packed venue.

McAuley High School Samoan group Photo: BC Photography

Over 11,000 students from 77 schools showcased their talents across six dedicated stages, representing Māori, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoan, Tongan, and diverse cultures.

The festival opened with two diversity stages this year, featuring cultural performances from diverse communities, including Chinese, Indian, and South Korean, among others.

McAuley High School Samoan group Photo: RNZ Pacific

McAuley celebrated Tauanu'u's legacy while also emphasising the taupou's presence, as she donned the 'ie sina, an ancient, traditional shaggy mat that was worn by esteemed Samoan women during the 20th century.

This mat was worn by Taupou Onosa'i Muliaga, who achieved 2nd place in the Taupou category, and was handcrafted by Laurel Aloniu the owner of Tolumanuiti Creations.

"When I was first chosen as McCauley's Taupou, I was really proud, and I didn't believe it, to be honest as there were a lot of girls that would have been great."

"But then the nerves hit me, about two weeks ago. I realized that I wouldn't be dancing with the group, and I would be judged by myself.

"But then my beautiful team of girls they have shown me that I actually won't be dancing by myself, because they'll be on the stage with me...supporting me," Muliaga said.

"To be the Taupou it means to carry not only my culture, Samoa, but also my villages and my entire school with me," she said.

When asked what she was feeling on stage, "nerves, but then when I see my family, when I think about the people who have supported and sacrificed for me, I feel pride," Muliaga said.

Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke was at the event to support her cousin, who was the Manaia (the male equivalent of the Taupou) representing Dilworth College; he secured third place overall in his category.

Moemoana mentioned that this was her first experience at Polyfest.

"For myself, I've always been taught when it comes to performing, it's not only about the actions, but how you live every day of your life.

"I think if you live and breathe your culture and its values, then that will make you an amazing performer.

"It's not only what you bring up onto the stage, it's every day, what you do every day. The small things.

"To all of the organisers and everyone that's been a part of it, you have left an amazing legacy for future children to grow up and aspire to be part of, and I'm happy to be here as an observer and just take in all of that is Polyfest."

Tauanu'u said "if it has existed for 50 years, there is no doubt there is value in it, especially for our Samoan language which is one of the major languages, Pacific languages, that's been spoken in New Zealand."

Referring to McAuley, "We have put on something really good to look at, but in doing the journey, we've learned a lot of the lyrics and a lot of things about fa'a Samoa and also the dance, the moves and choreography, maybe a change from the original, but its where the worlds travelling at the moment."

Here are the results for the ASB Polyfest 2025 Samoa stage. For more results, please check this link. You can find the speech results here.

*Ie sina are traditional, shaggy garments resembling mats that were worn by respected Samoan women during significant events until the early 20th century.

*Taupou - functions as a ceremonial hostess, typically the daughter of a high chief. This person oversees public ceremonies and guides unmarried women in her community, normally accompanied by her entourage. (In contemporary times, a taupou can also be the head girl or a skilled dancer, for example.)

*Manaia - refers to the son of a chief, and is the opposite role of a Taupou.

Overall girls school 2025: