618 days ago

How good was Polyfest 2023?

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Auckland Stuff

After four years of disruption, high schoolers all over Auckland finally got the Polyfest they had been waiting for.

It was estimated about 60,000 people attended Polyfest last week, where 8000 students from 181 cultural groups representing 55 schools performed traditional speech, song and dance.

It’s the first time in several years that the festival has gone ahead without a hitch, following cancellations due to the Christchurch terror attacks in 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

For most, it’s not about the win, but the chance to celebrate their culture and embrace their Pasifika heritage.

Manurewa High School’s Sarai Makara-Moreland, 16, was completely out of breath as she stepped off the Cook Islands stage following their high-energy performance.

She said it was a “real privilege” and “a blessing” to get on stage tell the audience: “Hey look, this is my culture. This is where I’m from.”

“The most important thing was we made it up there, and we performed as a team. We are going out, win or lose, as a team.”

Read more of our coverage at Stuff.co.nz, and tell us below - did you watch or compete at Polyfest? How did it go?

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.9% Second half of November
    4.9% Complete
  • 44.6% 1st December
    44.6% Complete
  • 17% A week before Christmas
    17% Complete
  • 32.3% Whenever you wish
    32.3% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
1354 votes
1 day ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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5 hours ago

Connect For Women

Kayleen from Orewa

🌟 Join Us in 2025! 🌟

Next year we will continue meeting three times per month, giving you plenty of opportunities to connect with other women and fit Connect For Women into your schedule! 🗓️💬

We hope you’ll intentionally carve out some time just for you - to relax, socially network, and be inspired in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning, we’d love to see you! 💖
Make 2025 the year you invest in you.

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🎁 Share the Joy This Christmas! 🎁

This festive season, let's make it special for children in our community. If you'd like to donate a new gift for a child, we would be honored to pick it up and deliver it to the Hibiscus Coast Salvation Army. 🎄✨

They’ll be supporting 80 local families in need this Christmas, and your thoughtful contribution could brighten a child’s holiday with joy and hope. 💝

Thank you for spreading the spirit of giving—together, we can make a difference. 💚

#TimeForYou #WomenSupportingWomen #CommunityAndConnection

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