Students represent Macleans College on Polyfest Diversity Stage

Macleans College students took to the stage at the ASB Polyfest Diversity Stage Competition - showcasing culture, talent and creativity in one of the world’s largest cultural festivals.

Four student groups represented the school at the event, held over four days at the Manukau Sports Bowl.  The festival featured a wide range of cultural performances, including music, dance, speeches and traditional costume.

Established in 1976 as the Māori and Pacific Islands Secondary Schools Cultural Festival, Polyfest is now in its 51st year.  It has grown into one of the largest Pacific festivals of its kind in the world.  Despite this growth, it remains grounded in its founding kaupapa (principles) of unity, excellence and cultural pride.

The Diversity Stage continues to expand the festival’s reach by welcoming a broader range of cultures.  In 2026, a total of 117 groups performed on this stage.

This years’ theme Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake!, translates to 'The environment lives in me, as I live in it.'  It highlights sustainability and the responsibility to care for the land and sea.  Each group presented its own interpretation through performances lasting between five and 15 minutes.

Macleans College was represented by four groups: Indian Dance, Chinese Lion Dance, Chinese Flag Dance and Chinese Dance.  Each group performed traditional dance and music.  Student leaders introduced their performances, explaining both the cultural significance and the connection to the theme.

All groups were student-led, with choreography created by the performers themselves.  The standard of performance reflected both commitment and teamwork.  Each group represented the school with pride.

The group leaders are as follows:

• Indian Dance: Sukhman Kaur (Mansfield House), Heshveen Manjit Singh (Te Kanawa), Lakshya Narooka (Hilary), Nithuki Pudagodage (Snell), Kinjal Pandey (Rutherford).
• Chinese Lion Dance: Stephanie Lin (Rutherford), Yanxi Wang (Upham).
• Chinese Flag Dance: Christy Feng (Rutherford), Dennis Sun (Rutherford).
• Chinese Dance: Sophia Teng (Kupe), Mimi Chang (Hilary).

The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to share their culture with a wider audience.  It also allowed them to experience performances from other groups and take part in the wider festival activities.