Secondary schools showcase Pasifika pride at Hamilton's Claudelands Arena
Mary-Louise Booth, 14, in red, on stage with schoolmates for Tuakau College's performance at the Pasifika by Nature Festival at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton on Saturday.
They were the smallest secondary school competing at the Pasifika by Nature festival, its performers' dazzling outfits carefully handmade by parents.
But what Tuakau College lacked in size and funding, its students made up for with raw talent and an infectious passion that drew cheers from a packed Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton.
Twelve secondary schools took the Claudelands stage on Saturday, each giving a 20-minute performance celebrating Pasifika culture.
Tuakau College teacher Michelle McMillan formed the Pasifika group at her school in 2017.
The Tuakau College kids were the fourth group on stage, all 22 performers aspiring to match or better the school's debut performance in 2017.
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Student Mary-Louise Booth, 14, said group members had been learning and rehearsing their performance since February, using lunchtimes and breaks to perfect their act.
Sosaia Oscar Tonga, 14, right, and Mosese Maea, 17, both performed for Tuakau College.
"It's definitely been fun and brings everyone close together.
"Performing on stage is important because we get to show that New Zealand is a multicultural society and we get to represent our cultures."
Tuakau College teacher Michelle McMillan said hours of practice had gone into blending six Pasifika cultures into one performance.
Sosaia Oscar Tonga, 14, onstage.
With no budget for a band or choir, the group used a guitar and drums for backing sound.
And the result on the day was nothing short of breathtaking.
The Pasifika by Nature festival was launched 20 years ago as a way to showcase Pacific cultures in five Hamilton schools.
Some of the 22 Tuakau College kids who performed on Saturday.
Today it draws secondary school students from throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Pasifika by Nature Trust chairperson Akarere Henry said the event's focus was on connecting young people to their cultures.
For the first time, the event showcased traditional cuisine from across the Pacific Islands.
"In our first year, we held the festival at Melville Intermediate and today we can fill the Claudelands arena, so that gives you some idea as to the success of the event," Henry said.
"We also strive to be relevant and having authentic food available at the festival for the first time is significant to us because, like so many cultures, sharing food, breaking bread together, is important."
Organisers hoped to attract 7000 visitors to the two-day weekend event, but Henry said numbers could exceed 10,000.
Sunday's activities will be held at the Wintec Atrium in Hamilton with the focus on song.
- Stuff
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