Te Wāhi Toi/The Arts Place exists to connect the creative community of Queenstown and Wānaka with audiences, students, teachers, spaces and each other. We are a not-for-profit organisation powered by Three Lakes Cultural Trust and inspired by local arts and culture.
Central Lakes Polyfest: Celebrating Five Years of Māori and Pasifika Culture and Community
The journey of Polyfest began with the success of the Murihiku Cultural Polyfest in 2009. Ten years later, the Central Lakes Polyfest was introduced, bringing the beauty and vibrancy of Māori and Pasifika culture to an even wider audience. Now, in its fifth year, Mīharo Central Lakes Polyfest has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar.
Polyfest provides a platform for Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary students to showcase their cultural performances, which they prepare for throughout the year. In October, these students take to the stage, bringing their well-rehearsed brackets to life, celebrating their heritage with pride. What makes Polyfest truly special is the way it connects families, communities, and schools—streamed live on the Mīharo website for whānau all over the world, it allows loved ones near and far to share in the joy of the performances.
Behind the scenes, the event is powered by the passion of volunteers, including local rangatahi from Wakatipu High School. These young leaders, mentored by experienced guides, play an active role in making the festival a success. Polyfest offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to gain behind-the-scenes insights, take pride in contributing to this kaupapa, and help make the festival an unforgettable experience.
At the heart of Mīharo’s mission is Tania, the General Manager who has been with the Trust since day one. Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the growth of both Polyfest and Mīharo’s wider initiatives. Recently, Tania was recognised as a finalist for her contributions to the arts, while Mīharo itself won the Community Catalyst Organisation award—a reflection of the Trust’s impact and the strength of its team.
The spirit of Polyfest is deeply rooted in the community, with many involved having a personal connection to the event. From the Mamas and Aunties who lovingly prepare meals for the volunteers and key leaders, to the teachers who dedicate their time to support the students, everyone has a story to share. Polyfest is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of cultural identity, belonging, and the bonds that tie us together.
While the festival itself takes place in October, the planning and preparation begin long before that. The journey starts in November of the previous year, with Mīharo’s team hard at work developing the Annual Events Programme, engaging with venues, contractors, performers, and curating the experience to ensure every detail is perfect. No two years are the same, with new dynamics and opportunities emerging each time.
Funding plays a crucial role in bringing the festival to life. The Mīharo team is dedicated to seeking out opportunities that align with the Trust’s values, ensuring that the vision of Polyfest can be realized.
In 2024, Mīharo is introducing a new element to the Polyfest experience—a Community Showcase Evening. This exciting addition invites the local Māori and Pasifika communities of Central Lakes to take the stage and showcase their talents. Whether you're part of a church group, youth group, or another community organisation, this is your chance to shine and help make Polyfest even bigger and better.
Scheduled for Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, the Community Showcase will only move forward if enough participants register by 27th September. If not, the event will be rescheduled for the following year, but in the meantime, Mīharo is keeping the invitation open and encouraging anyone interested to reach out.
The Mīharo team dreams of a future where Polyfest expands to its fullest potential, serving as a beacon of cultural celebration and connection. If Mīharo suddenly won the lotto, they dreams of Polyfest taking place in a state-of-the-art arena that can hold thousands of spectators, with cutting-edge technology and world-class facilities. But beyond just an event space, this dream includes a vibrant hub for the community—a place that nurtures creativity, education, and wellbeing. From a recording studio to a digital innovation lab, a wellness centre to outdoor gardens, Mīharo envisions a space where people come together to learn, grow, and celebrate their culture.
But even without millions in funding, Mīharo continues to thrive, thanks to the incredible support from the community. Polyfest is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to celebrate their shared heritage and foster a sense of belonging.
Central Lakes Polyfest is an event that thrives on community support, and there’s no better way to get involved than by taking the stage yourself. Whether you’re a performer, a volunteer, or a spectator, Polyfest offers something for everyone. Reach out to Mīharo today to find out how you can contribute to this incredible celebration of art, culture, and identity.
Polyfest is a vibrant expression of the unity and diversity that defines the Central Lakes region. It’s a place where Māori and Pasifika cultures shine, where the community comes together, and where everyone is welcome to take part in the celebration.
