Thousands of ataata, malimali, katakata and matadredredre (smiles) filled Dunedin’s Edgar Centre this week as pupils from 44 schools and preschools from around the region perform at the 33rd annual Otago Polyfest.
Elmgrove School pupils perform at Otago Polyfest on Wednesday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
The five-day festival is a collective celebration of Polynesian culture, language, music and heritage.
The performances have been described online as “breathtaking”, “outstanding”, “polished” and “incredible”.
About 9000 young people will have performed in the event by the time it concludes on Friday. Photos: Gerard O’Brien
Pine Hill School pupils perform at Otago Polyfest on Wednesday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Te Kohanga Reo O Whakaari pupils, from Brockville, perform at Otago Polyfest on Wednesday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Tokomairiro Early Learning Centre and Tokomairiro Early Learning Centre on Spenser pupils perform at Otago Polyfest on Wednesday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Abbotsford School pupils perform at Otago Polyfest on Wednesday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Te Kohanga Reo O Whanau preschool pupils, from Halfway Bush, perform at Otago Polyfest on Wednesday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
