Polynesian culture to the fore

Members of the James Hargest College senior kapa haka group perform at Polyfest 2020, held at the ILT Stadium in Invercargill yesterday.

Miharo director Pauline Smith said 10 groups performed, including schools, community cultural groups and a band.

The Murihiku and Central Lakes Polyfests were moved to online events this year due to Covid-19 but it was important for groups, especially those made up of year 13 pupils, to be given a chance to perform, she said.

"We wanted to give the high school kids a chance to perform for the last time."

It was hoped the five-day Murihiku and two-day Central Lakes Polyfests would resume next year, she said.