Manafest - Fiefia Night Celebration

Held at James Cook High School, 25 March 2025

Village Collective proudly sponsored and hosted James Cook High School for their Fiefia night, which they named Manafest. They evening was a vibrant celebration of culture, identity, and school pride - led by students, supported by whanau, and filled with performances that showcased the heart and spirit of the James Cook High School community. 

Students from the school's cultural groups poured blood, sweat, and tears into their rehearsals, preparing to represent their heritage at Polyfest 2025. Manafest provided a platform for these young performers to shine, bringing families, peers, and staff together in an atmosphere of laughter, music, dance, and community spirit. 

In addition to the performances, Manafest focused on the wellbeing of attendees. In partnership with SouthPoint Family Doctors, we hosted an immunization drive offering HPV, Boostrix (tetanus & whooping cough), MMR, meningococcal, and flu vaccines, alongside free health checks. Our resident chiropractor, Dr Bo Wong, was also on site to provide support and realignment for students and whanau, ensuring everyone left feeling cared for in both body and spirit. 

Manafest was more than just a performance night -- it was a celebration of youth leadership, cultural pride, and community connection. By placing students at the centre of the event and supporting their health and wellbeing, the evening fostered confidence, strengthened relationships, and highlighted the power of culture to unite and inspire. IT was a shining example of what is possible when young people, whanau, and community come together to celebrate identity, talent, and collective achievement.