The Samoan stage was off to a rocking start as Marist College impressed in the opening act at the 2024 ASB Polyfest at Manukau Sports Bowl in South Auckland on Friday. 

The event, known for celebrating the diversity of culture, saw 19 secondary schools across Auckland participate in this prestigious event held annually. Marist College was the first of the 19 schools to perform on Friday. 

Despite the nervousness, the Marist College girls, Lasita Maletino of Leauva’a and Addison Brbich of Lefaga rose to the challenge and believed they had done well. 

Anna Senio, one of the proud teachers who lead Marist Colleges' Samoan group, said, “They went out confident, and the fact that they were opening the stage gave them quite a good challenge.”

Leading up to the Polyfest, Miss Maletino said they had faced long hours of practice but were reassured on performance day that it was all worth it.

 “Opening act sets the bar high and I think we did pretty good,” said Miss Maletino. 

Brbich added, “I was so nervous - I couldn’t even se'e properly because my feet were like rock hard.” 

Marist College’s performance was a result of a team effort from all teachers and parents. Senio was proud of the uniforms and said that the girls really loved having their own fitted uniforms, thanks to her mother and sister, who made them. 

Asked why an event such as Polyfest is important to today's youth Senio replied, “Polyfest is like a little piece of the islands that they can see for themselves here in Auckland,” highlighting the importance of all students, Pasefika or not, attending such events. 

On Saturday the Samoan performances will continue with 14 other schools yet to perform and the results for the overall winners of the Samoan stage will be announced from 3 pm onwards. 

All schools are marked on over ten categories, including Ulufale, Ulufafo, Togiga, Mauluulu, Faataupati, Sāsā, Fuataimi, Pese o le Aso, Taupou/Manaia, Taualuga, and also a category of the best-behaved school. 

The live stream for the performances can be found on the ASB Polyfest website. 

The schools that are yet to perform are Marcellin College, Rutherford College, Manurewa High School, Mangere College, Otahuhu College, Avondale College, Waitakere College, Alfriston College, Tamaki College, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Senior School, James Cook High School, Massery High School, Aorere College, Papatoetoe High School.