ASB Polyfest '24 - A Celebration of Alofa & Pasifika Pride

Held at Manukau Sports Bowl, 20 - 23 March 2024

Village Collective had the exciting opportunity to attend Polyfest 2024, a vibrant celebration of Pacific culture and heritage. Our team set up a colorful and welcoming booth that served as a hub for sharing information about our initiatives, resources, and programs. Through interactive displays, and engaging talanoa, we connected with our Pasifika communities around the importance of health and wellbeing, inclusivity, and healthy relationships.

We were proud to have the Teu Wardrobe active throughout the festival - providing accessible clothing that our talavou could utilize. The Teu Wardrobe first and foremost champions gender-affirming clothing for our Rainbow+ community, while also helping young people access good-quality outfits for job interviews, special events, or fashion exploration - all without breaking the bank. 

Our Rainbow Wall was a festival favorite - a creative space that invited everyone to give and express alofa loudly for all to see! Visitors were encouraged to leave messages of love, pride, and encouragement, turning the wall into a living tapestry of color and community spirit. 

We also teamed up with Samoan Sefa and Drink Da Milgy, adding to the fun with drink giveaways that kept everyone refreshed and smiling throughout the week. 

Across all four days, our team engaged with thousands of young people, kicking off Wednesday with interactive learning activities - pulled straight from Navig8 handbook - for our out-of-Auckland students, and continuing through the weekend with meaningful talanoa and connection. 

A highlight of the festival was when our Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) had the special opportunity to sit and talanoa with Dr Claire Achmad, the Children's Chief Commissioner and Mana Mokopuna. Over kai and laughter, our young leaders shared their lived experiences and walked away feeling heard, valued, and inspired - a moment that beautifully embodied the spirit of Polyfest. 

Fa'afetai tele lava to everyone who came through, shared their stories, and celebrated Pasifika pride with us. Until next year - alofa tele and see you at the next Polyfest 2025!