The livestream will run from about 10am to 2.30pm over the course of the next two days.
Programme and events manager Tania Carran said production and staff members and the masters of ceremonies (MCs) counted down the clock as Murihiku Polyfest’s livestream began yesterday morning.
‘‘There was some nerves on whether it would all go all right but it started off amazing and I couldn’t be happier,’’ Mrs Carran said.
They were working alongside Strawberry Sound and Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust to present the programme to online audiences.
It was important to hold this event as it was a good way to celebrate culture and make it accessible to others, she said.
‘‘It makes us feel good and happy in a time when Covid-19 has been hard for everyone.
‘‘So it’s good to be proud of our cultures and to bring joy.’’
She recognised the effort and work schools had put into their videos.
‘‘We value what the schools have done and all the work they have put into their videos.
‘‘We know it has been a hard time with Covid-19 and term four is a busy time but we appreciate all the effort.’’
This year’s Polyfest MCs are Hana Davis (13), Kheelan Thompson-Tonga (18) and Sakaria Peseta (17).
The first day of livestreaming ran smoothly, they said.
‘‘It’s been a miharo experience — miharo means amazing,’’ Kheelan said.
‘‘It’s been awesome to be a part of something which unites people and allows us to see different and diverse cultures,’’ Hana said.
