Photos by Gregor Richardson.
Kiringaua Cassidy, of Ka Paunani o Te Reo, was part of a group performing last night in the first session of Otago Polyfest 2016, the Otago Early Childhood and Schools' Maori and Pacific Island Festival, at the Edgar Centre, in Dunedin.
Also performing at the opening were Komene Cassidy and pupils from Queen's High School
Co-chairwoman Angelina Kiore said the opening was ''packed'' and the festival, which runs until Friday, would feature 6000 performers.
The opening included a special tribute to Dunedin community worker Michael Laufiso, who died late last month from leukaemia.
The annual festival has been running for 23 years and celebrates Maori and Pacific culture.
