Stepping into their milestone 15th season, the Tamaki College Samoan Group dedicated the initial six weeks of Term 1 to intense preparation for the ASB Polyfest Competition. This critical preparation period saw the group focus on mastering their performance, strengthening their cultural unity, and embodying the values central to their identity. The culmination of their hard work and dedication was the Polyfest competition itself, which took place in Week 8 of the term.
The rehearsal process was rigorous, demanding a six-week commitment that included daily practice sessions and all-day rehearsals every Saturday. Starting with an eager group of 80 students, the team refined its membership to a dedicated 57 performers over the six-week period. These performers diligently learned the six items required for their set: the Ulufale (Entrance), Mauluulu (group dance), Pese o le Aso (songs based on the theme), Sasa (action dance), Taualuga (solo performance), and Ulufafo (exit). Guiding the students was a returning tutorship team, many of whom are esteemed alumni committed to giving back to their school. The team included Pene Ueta (Head tutor, responsible for the Mauluulu, Pese o le Aso, and Fuataimi), Kevin Savili (alumni from the 2010 Samoan Group, who tutored the Sasa and served as a drummer), Roni Kamu Wright (alumni from the 2016 group, who tutored boys choreography and drummed), Daliz Betham (alumni 2024, tutor of girls choreography), Anaysha Puaga (alumni 2024, tutor of girls choreography), and musicians Sebastian Wayne (current student) and Sione Kamoto (alumni 2025). The group remains profoundly thankful for this team's commitment to the students, the school, and the wealth of expertise they generously shared.
We want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work, effort, and time that our students poured into this year's Polyfest campaign. Their commitment was truly inspiring, especially the dedication shown by our Samoan Group leaders: Tori Apelu, Laloata Iosefa, Iva Brown, Jasel Maunga, Umuesi Tupuola, Zachary Siaosi, Vincent Lupina Pineki, and Simione Pulupaki, whose guidance was invaluable. We also celebrate the key roles played by Mason Liu as the Fuataimi, Patosina Lamositele as the Taupou, and Fa'aoso Nifo as the Fa'aluma, whose performances anchored the set. We are so immensely proud of our young people who completely immersed themselves in the culture, trusted the rigorous rehearsal process, and delivered a performance that was nothing short of brilliant.
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely acknowledge and thank Ms. Dorothy Apelu for her outstanding leadership of this year's campaign for the Samoan Group. Her dedication, vision, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in the campaign's success, galvanizing our community and ensuring we reached our goals. We are deeply appreciative of the passion and commitment she brought to this vital work, setting an inspiring standard for all members of the Samoan Group.
We are profoundly grateful for the journey and the invaluable experience this season has provided, knowing well that the ASB Polyfest is always a tough competition. We celebrate our noteworthy achievement this year, having secured a 3rd equal placement for Togiga (costume) alongside Otahuhu College and Avondale College. Above all, we are most thankful for creating a sacred space for our young people to truly belong, a foundation steeped in excellence, understanding, genuine Fa'aaloalo (respect), and faith. This connection to their culture has fostered a sense of aiga (family) that will last a lifetime. We thank GOD for His constant covering over this season. It is done!
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