By Jenny Suo
One of the biggest school rivalries in Polyfest history continued in Auckland today.
The four-day Maori and Pacific Island festival saw Otahuhu College take on Avondale College, after coming second to them for the last eight years.
Otahuhu College say they’ve been pipped for the title of best co-ed school on the Samoan stage too many times.
“We’ve just put a bit more effort than previous years and been giving our all in practices,” says James Tomas of Otahuhu College.
After eight years on top, Avondale College were keen to keep their winning streak.
“Whatever they do on stage will be what we’re happy with, but we always do aim for a spirit of excellence, there’s no such thing as mediocrity in Avondale,” says Helen Taunga of Avondale College.
The largest Maori and Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, Polyfest is five stages, representing Tonga, the Cook Islands, Maori, Niue and Samoa.
The event attracts around 90,000 people and over 60 competing schools each year.
This year’s Polyfest also marks the 35th anniversary of the event. In honour of this, Sir Edmund Hilary College – the school that started it all – helped organise the festival.
This year, more than any other, Otahuhu wanted to take out first place.
During the highly-anticipated prize giving this afternoon, Avondale were again named as the winners – their ninth title – and giving Otahuhu College plenty of motivation for next year.
3 News