Commentary – For half a century, Polyfest has been a vibrant celebration of Pacific heritage, showcasing the talents of thousands of students who pour their hearts into dance, music, and storytelling.
Yet, as the festival marks its 50th year, a pressing question remains: What happens next for these young performers?
The answer may lie in the long-discussed vision of a Pacific Cultural Centre in Aotearoa—a dedicated space where artistry meets opportunity, tradition fuels innovation, and the skills nurtured at Polyfest can translate into careers, cultural preservation, and economic growth.
The idea is not new. The Pacific Leadership Forum previously engaged with the National government, and a 2016 feasibility study confirmed that such a centre could be financially viable, particularly if it leveraged Auckland’s international visitor market and operated sustainably.
The success of Hawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Centre offers a compelling blueprint, proving that cultural tourism can be both economically rewarding and deeply enriching for local communities.
Polyfest isn’t just a festival—it’s a cultural powerhouse. As the largest Pacific Islands festival in the world, it draws thousands of performers, tens of thousands of spectators, and decades of pride.
Yet, despite its scale and significance, we’re missing a golden opportunity: leveraging the Polyfest brand to create real, lasting benefits for our Pacific youth.
A Pacific Cultural Centre in Aotearoa could provide employment for performers, artisans, and educators, turning cultural skills into livelihoods. It could attract tourists, filling a gap in New Zealand’s tourism offerings by highlighting Pacific stories.
It could preserve heritage through workshops, language programmes, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. It could offer educational pathways, much like Hawaii’s centre, which supports students with scholarships and work opportunities.
Polyfest has already laid the foundation—now it’s time to build upon it. With strong public-private partnerships, iwi and Pasifika leadership, and government support, a Pacific Cultural Centre could transform Auckland into a global hub for Pacific arts and identity.
The talent is here. The demand is proven. The time is now. Let’s turn festival passion into lasting prosperity.
