Ngā Puna O Waiōrea are our Polyfest Champions again!

ASB Polyfest 2026 was a celebration of 51 years of Polyfest history and this year, Ngā Puna O Waiōrea (NPoW) were the hosts of the Māori Stage that took place in the last week of Term 1 (30 March-2 April) in Manukau at the Due Drop Events Centre.

This year’s theme was “Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake! – The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a ‘Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior’ for generations to come”.

NPoW entered four teams in 2026 – three competitive teams (O Rehu, Ngā Oho, Waiōrea) & one non-competitive (Whakangahau).

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to all of our teams on their results:

• Division 1 Overall Champions – NPoW Waiōrea
• Division 2 Overall 2nd Place – NPoW Ngā Ōho
• Division 3 Overall Champions – NPoW Ngā Puna o Rehu

Check back soon for some of the official photos!

Report from Matua Tom Alesana

Ko te mea tuatahi ka tika, ka tika ko te mea tuatahi!

ASB Polyfest 2026 was a great success with over 200 students taking the stage over the 4-day festival. This year the Māori Stage, Te Paparewa Māori, moved indoors after the unfortunately postponement of Division 2 last year. The students spent 9 weeks preparing for their performances and four kapa took the stage with pride and gusto.

The week started with Whakangahu opening Te Paparewa Māori on Monday 30th March. Despite the initial challenges with buses, our kapa took the stage gracefully and with huge confidence. Although this kapa was not a competitive team, they wowed the crowd with their harmonic singing and sweet melodies.

Day two saw Ngā Puna o Rehu take the stage in Division 3. Performing last on the day, they had a great preparation in the morning that meant they were able to leave without stressing or rushing. Ngā Puna o Rehu placed first in Division 3.

Day three was another big day with Ngā Oho o Waiōrea taking the stage in Division 2. Being the host school meant that our kapa performed last on their respective days. Ngā Oho moved the crowd and the judges with their emotional performance, coming home with a few trophies and second place overall in Division 2.

The final day of competition was smooth sailing for Ngā Puna o Waiōrea. Their preparation was seamless and they were ready to leave kura with plenty of time to spare. On stage, they looked cool, calm, and collected from the first strum of the guitar. Ngā Puna o Waiōrea came away with top honours in Division 1, a great stepping stone towards the nationals at the end of June.

These results are reflective of the hard work and dedication of our students, their whānau, and our kura. But their stage craft would not reach the heights it does without the guidance of our amazing tutor teams. Te Whare Haka o Waiōrea would like to thank all of our tutors for their hard work in preparing our students for Polyfest 2026.

On Monday 20th April, the whānau will host our kaihaka and tutors at the Mihi whakatau – an opportunity to celebrate the great achievement by all.

HANDY LINKS

The 2026 Stage Replays are available via this link here by registering for a Replay Ticket.

Full lists of the ASB Polyfest 2026 Results are linked here.