Polyfest will stay in Ōtara for its 50th anniversary, thanks to a $64,500 contribution from the local board.
He oha nō tua, he taonga tuku iho / Legacy – a priceless treasure handed down – the guiding kaupapa of Polyfest 2025, and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board’s decision to support it.
The annual festival started in Ōtara in 1976 to celebrate Pacific and Indigenous culture, has grown into one of the largest Pacific festivals in the world. When it faced a funding shortfall, the board stepped in to offer its support.
Photo credit: ASB Polyfest.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said there is unanimous support to fund the festival and keep it local.
“This is a significant amount, but it’s essential to ensure Polyfest goes ahead in Ōtara next year, as there were plans to move it to Takanini otherwise.
“With its roots firmly in Ōtara, we had to ensure that the 50th anniversary could go ahead, preserving its heritage and supporting the kaupapa. This milestone is a celebration of community, culture, and resilience, and we’re proud to be part of keeping that spirit alive for future generations,” says Apulu.
A beautifully captured image of a Kapa Haka performance. Photo credit: ASB Polyfest.
The funding covers a bond required by the Greyhound Track Club, the event’s venue.
Polyfest also has major corporate sponsorships, such as ASB Bank, but board deputy chair, Vi Hausia said there was still a funding shortfall.
“We were left with a hard decision to make, which was to commit $64,500 to support Polyfest being held in our local board area.”
A lovely display of colour and culture. Photo credit: ASB Polyfest.
Due to the costs, some community groups might miss out, and navigating funding cycles has been a bit of a challenge.
Since the board’s financial year ends in June and Polyfest is in April, the challenge is timing – whether the bond will be available before the event.
"The issue with the grant is about the timing of the bond. PolyFest is in April, but the financial year ends in June. If the bond isn't used by then, it creates a timing problem. Receiving the bond before June means it can be added to our budget. However, if it arrives after June, it will go to the wider Council budget and won't be available for our community," explains Apulu.
The event has already received $75,000 from Auckland Council’s Regional Events Fund and will take place on April 2 to 5, 2025.
A moment in time. Photo credit: ASB Polyfest.
Board member Topou Folau best sums up the value to the community and its legacy.
“The people who started it 50 years ago will probably be proud of us for this decision to continue,” says Folau.
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