Cultures being celebrated

By ODT | Posted: Tuesday Sep 02, 2025

In its biggest year to date, the Otago Polyfest is weaving together cultural sharing and community pride.

Cultures being celebrated | Otago Daily Times Online News

More than 170 educational institutes including early childhood services, primary, intermediate and secondary schools from Dunedin, Waitaki, Clutha and Central Otago are presenting cultural performances of haka, poi, waiata-ringa and items from across the Pacific this week.

About 12,000 performers, kaiako (tutors) and musicians are involved in the event.

General manager Pip Laufiso said the festival would be livestreamed around the world.

There will be eight performance sessions this year along a "village" set up with kai stalls, hauora, education spaces and a large screen to livestream performances.

A George St storefront had also been transformed into the Polyfest HQ, featuring footage of past performances, livestreams from the arena and opportunities for the public to learn about the 32-year history of the festival.

Entry is $2 per person. — Allied Media

Livestream link here: https://vimeo.com/event/5350079