Eastern Southland and West Otago school pupils were among the thousands of performers who took to the stage for Miharo Murihiku Polyfest in Invercargill last week.
The event showcased song and dance from Maori, Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands cultures from schools throughout Southland and Otago.
Family, friends and supporters filled the seats of ILT Stadium Southland to cheer the young ones on.
Miharo Murihiku Polyfest volunteer Parker Ormond said he enjoyed seeing schools continue to get better each year.
‘‘Schools’ and groups’ calibres are stepping up and I think that is because those groups continue to be part of this event year after year.
‘‘It doesn’t matter what culture they come from, but to see them up there enjoying themselves is what Polyfest is all about,’’ he said.
Events and programmes manager Tania Carran said 120 schools and groups performed during the week.
Schools were keen to perform in front of spectators after the event had been hosted online for the past two years, she said.
She acknowledged the help of the whole community to get the event set up and was thankful for the volunteers.
‘‘It’s by the community, for the community.’’
