Polyfest is a much-anticipated event here at BestStart Kelvin Street
Our tamariki love every part of the experience – from the excitement of the bus trip to the joy of practicing and performing on stage.
This year, our performances were inspired by the theme Legends of Our Lands – Our People, Our Places, Our Stories. Through our songs, we welcomed everyone with warmth and manaakitanga. One of the highlights was a special waiata written by one of our talented kaiako, celebrating who we are and what’s important to our centre.
Our songs reflected our deep connection with the land and the sea, and one of our favourites this year was Pīwakawaka – a beautiful song about the birds we often see on our bush walks. Polyfest offers a rich, hands-on learning experience that supports tamariki development across many areas. It’s a chance for our children to connect with their own culture and learn about others.
They develop a sense of pride in their heritage and gain respect for the diverse backgrounds of their peers. As they prepare for the performance, tamariki are exposed to te reo Māori and other Pacific languages, building their vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence in speaking and performing. They learn actions, dances, and movements that support their coordination, gross motor skills, rhythm, timing, and spatial awareness. Being part of a group performance also nurtures cooperation, patience, and empathy.
It’s a wonderful way to foster teamwork and strengthen relationships – whanaungatanga – between peers, kaiako, and whānau. Performing on stage builds confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of accomplishment. The excitement of the trip and the event itself creates a shared sense of purpose and celebration.
Polyfest is so much more than a performance – it’s a joyful, meaningful way to affirm tamariki in who they are, while also helping them appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that surrounds them. We look forward to it every year – it’s a celebration of learning, identity, connection, and pride.