Polyfest 2020 - Behind the cancellation; a story of hope and affirmation.

This year the Tamaki College Samoan Group entered the ASB Polyfest Competition 2020. This was 10th year competing on the Samoan Stage. Starting in 2010, I have had the privilege and honor of leading the Tamaki College Samoan Group for 10 years (we had a break in 2019).

Going into the 2020 season one of my goals was to approach the festival smarter and more intentional with rehearsals. Over a period of 6 week a team of teachers, tutors and myself lead 58 young people. We were able to finalize their performance set at the end of week 5 (which was a first for me in my 10 years - we usually finish the set the weekend before the competition). Unfortunately we were unable to take the stage due to the COVID 19 pandemic cancelling the Polyfest - which saw the cancellation of many large gatherings and eventually a lock down for the country, closing all schools until mid April.

Despite the uncertain chain of events that were out of our control, I am still so proud of the team. In particular the team of tutors who I had the privilege of working alongside. The tutorship team over the years but in particular the last 5 years has consisted largely of former students and members of the Tamaki College Samoan Group. This year 7 out of the 8 tutors are former students and members of the Samoan Group - Millie Mara-Oti (2015), Roni Kamu Wright (2016), Norman Fogavai (2015), Lisi Fogavai (2013), Kevin Savili (2010) supported by Jelsma So'oalo (2018), Tim Fatialofa (2018) and Kitiona Leitufia (2018). Pene Ueta, who has tutored the Samoan Group since 2012, was back on board this year leading the Pese section of the performance.

They say success breeds success and to have these former students come board to share their time,

talent and gift was and is a blessing. They know what it takes to perform at competition level, they have helped to build the legacy that is the Tamaki College Samoan Group. Personally, I am not phased by the competition aspect, what I am drawn to and what I want to be a part of is a movement where young people feel empowered to lead, share their gift and give back to their community. That is what this is all about for me. I am hopeful that going into 2021, I can work alongside a team of tutors who are just passionate if not more so to help bring this vision to life. I would like to acknowledge the teachers who do this with me year in year out, who make sure that the behind the scenes business is managed and sorted - Ms Dorothy Apelu, Ms Sonya Robertson and Ms Amber George. I am incredibly proud and humbled by what God has allowed me to do with the Samoan Group since 2010.

Here is a breakdown of what we have achieved at the ASB Polyfest since 2010 - we look forward to doing this again with our students, staff, tutors, parents and community.

• 2010 - 1st Place Ulufale (Entrance)
• 2011 - 2nd Place Fuataimi (Conductor - Falaniko Liava'a)
• 2013 - 2nd Place Overall (Co-Ed Section) 1st Place Taupou (Solo performance - Nive Isaako), 1st Place Equal Sasa (Group Dance), 2nd Place Fuataimi (Conductor - John Tuilata Lemalie), 3rd Place Ulufale (Entrance), 3rd Place Ulufafo (Exit), 3rd Place Mauluulu (Group Dance), 3rd Place Togiga (Uniform)
• 2014 - 2nd Place Togiga (Uniform), 3rd Place Taupou (Solo performance - Laura I'u), 3rd Place Sasa (Group Dance), 3rd Place Maluulu (Group Dance)
• 2015 - 3rd Place Pese o le Aso (Songs), 3rd Place Fuataimi (Conductor - Norman Fogavai)
• 2016 - 3rd Place Pese o le Aso (Songs), 2nd Place Fuataimi (Conductor - Roni Kamu Wright), 2nd Place Taupou (Solo performance - Mui Niue) 
• 2017 - 3rd Place Pese o le Aso (Songs), 2nd Place Fuataimi (Conductor - Tim Fatialofa)
• 2018 - 2nd Place Equal Pese o le Aso (Songs), 2nd Place Fuataimi (Conductor - Tim Fatialofa)
• 2020 - Polyfest Cancelled