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The 2005
Smokefree Tu Tangata PolyFest marked 20 years in celebrating and
reaffirming the strength of Pacific cultural identity in Wellington
Secondary Schools.
The Wellington Opera House on Thursday the 22nd September 2005 flowed
of Pacific flava; students showcasing their talents and cultural
knowledge. A night of high energy and the graceful fusion of
traditional and contemporary dance expressions by Pacific youth today.
The Smokefree Polyfest is about celebrating achievements with strong
health messages to Pacific youth on creating a safe and healthy
environment for families which is the key focus for Pacific students,
families and communities within the Wellington region said Lee Pearce
(Pacific Manager Capital & Coast District Health Board).
The Tu Tangata Polyfest organising Komiti comprised of both student
representatives and teachers from six secondary state schools in the
Wellington region: Wellington Girls College, Wellington East Girls
College, Wellington College, Rongotai College, Naenae College and
Porirua College.
The Polyfest preparation for this year has been well planned several
months back with the guidance and support of representatives from the
Capital & Coast District Health Board, Smokefree, Health Sponsorship
Council, Wellington City Council, Lavea’i Trust and the Ministry of
Pacific Island Affairs.
The Tu Tangata Polyfest is an important showcase of Pacific Island’s
diverse cultures through performance, music, dance and songs. Realising
the incredible value the Polyfest adds to their cultural programme,
schools across the region are now taking part each year.
This year’s event attracted over 1,000 spectators and supporters. The
participating Wellington schools provided a combined total of over 300
students participating from all over the region.
“The festival is important because it provides a real opportunity to
foster leadership development and event and project management
experience for Pacific student representatives on the Tu Tangata
student organising Komiti”, said Bessie Fepulea’i, Chairperson of the
Tu Tangata Komiti. |
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