KEY POINTS:
One of Greater Auckland's smallest high schools is hosting a show described as the biggest cultural performance event in the world - the ASB Auckland Secondary Schools Maori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival.
Wesley College, which has a roll of just 360 students, is the smallest school ever to host the event - better known as Polyfest - which is now in its 33rd year.
Wesley College principal Ian Faulkner says being the host of such a big event has involved a lot of preparation, with the past week being both hectic and rewarding.
"Students and teachers have worked hard this whole week and it teaches kids useful life lessons like time-managing skills and working together."
Polyfest features high school groups showing off their cultural identities through song and dance.
Groups perform on the Maori, Cook Islands, Niuean, Tongan and Samoan stages.
The festival started off as a modest get-together of four schools and has grown into the largest cultural performance festival of its kind, with a record 200 groups from 67 schools performing this year.
Last year, over 80,000 people turned up to the event, now a highlight of the school year.
Polyfest event director Craig Seuseu acknowledges the need for a festival of this kind, given the face of New Zealand.
"I think Polyfest is as popular as ever. The fact that the Polynesian population is bigger and still growing makes it great."
Yesterday saw the opening of the 2008 Polyfest, with Wesley College welcoming guests including Governor-General Anand Satyanand in a powhiri.
Today, tomorrow and Saturday will see students of all ethnicities performing.
Additions to the Polyfest have included cultural speech competitions on the various Pacific Island stages, as well as a diversity stage which includes Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Korean, Japanese, Filipino and Middle Eastern groups.
Mr Seuseu acknowledges the need for a diversity stage at the Polyfest, which has proven to be popular with spectators.
"It makes it [the Polyfest] inclusive and provides other cultures with a chance to show off their identities."
Mr Faulkner said: "Polyfest is a magnificent expression of culture. It's been a lot of hard work and now we're just looking forward to it."
ON STAGE
What: ASB Auckland Secondary Schools Maori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival.
When: Today: Diversity stage, including Asian and Middle Eastern cultural groups. Tomorrow: Maori and Pacific Island cultural groups. Saturday: Finals.
Where: Manukau Sports Bowl, Te Irirangi Drive, Manukau City.
How much: $3 koha, preschool children are free.
