Students fired up for cultural carnival

James Cook High School student Haare Popata, 16, leads the rehearsal for the big festival starting in Manurewa today. Picture / Richard Robinson

Almost 10,000 performers from throughout Auckland will strut their stuff from today at the Maori and Pacific Islands Secondary Schools Maori & Pacific Islands Cultural Festival in Manukau.

The event, which runs until Saturday, pits the cream of Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island, and Niuean performers on stage.

Event spokesman Craig Seuseu said the festival, the biggest of its kind in the world, was the highlight of the Auckland secondary schools' cultural calendar.

He said around 100,000 people are expected through the Manukau Sports Bowl gates over the three days to take in performances and enjoy the food and produce at the more than 70 stalls.

"This is the largest sporting or cultural event in the country. A vehicle to showcase the very best," Mr Seuseu said.

More than 50 schools will take part in the event, hosted by Manurewa's James Cook High School.

James Cook High deputy principal John Brandon said the event, in its 30th year, symbolised the varied faces of South Auckland.

"The event cuts to the heart of what we are about. We are a very diverse school, and this is a time to truly celebrate it."

The festival

* What: Auckland Secondary Schools Maori & Pacific Islands Cultural Festival

* When: Starts today and runs until Saturday.

* Where: Manukau Sports Bowl