Otago Polyfest 2026
By Moananu Pesamino Tili | Posted: Sunday September 13, 2026
Last week our two groups, Tāngata Moana and Whetū Tīrama, performed amazingly at this year’s Festival, celebrating 33 years of standing proudly on the stage as Māori and Pasifika, and as people who celebrate and promote both of these important kaupapa.
Ngā mihi nunui to the staff, parents, and students who worked tirelessly to prepare our performers and bring their performances to life. A special thank you also to our Trinity community for the incredible love and support you showed throughout Festival time. Amazing to see past students come and still support their alma mater with the school Haka.
A special mention has to be made of the following for Hours and hours of hard work:
Choreography and musical compositions
Whaea Karin, Matua Alex, Diana Sau, Esther Moata'ane, Susana Mafi, Kasileta Iaseto, Liana Iaseto, Shalia Kelekolio, Mata Taua
Admin and performance uniforms
Miss Bresanello, Mrs DeGraaf, Miss Ma'ole, Miss Makensie and Mrs Waide
Our strong sense of community and support was certainly noticed at Polyfest 2026, and we are incredibly proud of everyone involved.
This festival entrenches such a strong sense of cultural affirmation, acceptance and leadership often not seen by many yet still makes a massive impact on the landscape our city of Ōtepoti and in our world.
Enjoy our performances by clicking on the links below. Hopefully the clips will come out on YouTube soon for easy access.
Last week we shared a handful of photos from Tāngata Moana, and this week we proudly share links to the collection of images captured from Te Whetū Tīrama and Tāngata Moana for you to enjoy.
Here is Te Whetū Tīrama’s introduction that was not read out on the night:
Te Whetū Tīrama, the proud 70+ member Kapa Haka rōpū of Dunedin’s only co-ed Catholic High School - Trinity Catholic College. This unique group ranging from Years 7 to 13 are carrying a million dreams for our rangatahi and the future of our cultural identity and creativity. These students stand before you to boldly declare, This is who they are! Proud to stand with their faith community, proud to stand with Māori and proud to stand with this Festival.
Today, Te Whetū Tīrama dedicates their entire performance with heartfelt gratitude to the Otago Polyfest Committee and incredible volunteers whose tireless dedication makes this event possible. From now on, our prayer and action is to ensure this stage thrives for future generations, honouring this extraordinary festival as our region's greatest show.
Thursday Night
Te Whetū Tīrama fwd to 1:40:30
https://vimeo.com/1225509281?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci#t=6033.265
Tuesday Night
Tāngata Moana fwd to 2:44:00
https://vimeo.com/1224809774?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci#t=9840.908
All sessions
https://vimeo.com/showcase/12402920?share=copy&fl=sc&fe=fs
Kia mau ki to tātou Polyfest! - AKE AKE AKE!!! (Let’s hold on to our Polyfest! - FOR EVER AND EVER!!!)
Fa’afetai telē lava, Ngā mihi nui!
Moananu Tili
Thank you to Amelia Bresanello and all those in our Trinity Community for capturing some wonderful images - Thank you for sharing your talent with us all.
Te Whetū Tīrama
https://photos.app.goo.gl/BuQWKsmUfbyWSPoQ9
Tāngata Moana
Image Gallery
