The Queenstown Events Centre buzzed with excitement as the Central Lakes Polyfest celebrated its 5th anniversary on 23 and 24 October 2024. Around 700 tamariki and rangatahi – from early childhood through to secondary students – took to the stage to perform while their whānau cheered them on.
Mīharo Murihiku Trust, based in Murihiku/Southland, has long been a champion of arts and culture, delivering events and workshops that celebrate heritage and bring people together. One of their flagship events, Polyfest in Invercargill, draws groups from across the South Island each year. Recognising the growing interest in cultural performing arts within the Central Lakes region, Mīharo launched Central Lakes Polyfest in 2018. What began as a smaller initiative has rapidly expanded, with participation and audience numbers growing steadily each year.
Central Lakes Polyfest offers much more than a stage for young people to perform – it provides a valuable opportunity for the wider community to engage with and celebrate the richness of Māori and Pasifika cultures. The festival has become a vibrant space where diverse identities are not only recognised but embraced, creating a shared experience that fosters greater understanding, connection, and appreciation for cultural heritage.
This year’s festival was particularly significant, marking half a decade of growing engagement with Māori and Pasifika culture in the region. From its humble beginnings, Polyfest has become a vital part of the Central Otago cultural landscape, creating a sense of pride in the young performers and deepening cultural connections within the community.
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) is proud to have supported Central Lakes Polyfest for the past four years, contributing to the festival’s success and helping ensure the event continues to flourish. Their support has helped provide essential resources, such as sound and lighting, that allow the performances to shine and the festival to grow year after year.
With five years now under its belt, Central Lakes Polyfest stands as a symbol of the region’s commitment to celebrating culture, bringing people together, and encouraging the next generation to take pride in their heritage.