During the holidays, Our cultural group leaders from the schools Filipino, Sāmoan, Indian, Kapahaka and Cook Island Group, attended the two-day Annual Polyfest Leaders Conference.

This get-together with leaders of Polyfest groups from around Auckland, and our guest school from Hamilton who joined us this year, is always a great start to Polyfest season.

Having Le Va and Auckland University as the conference sponsors, and running workshops gave the leaders a deep insight into what makes a good leader, putting values into action via individual cultural groups and knowing the importance of "I am" which extends meaning into our cultural background, customs and beliefs. A special part of the two-day conference was having VIPs come along and share their journey with the 100+ students. Swiss and Tree (both singers and music artists) helped out by teaching the students one of their own songs as part of a singing challenge. An awesome two days was had by all with leaders getting to know each other from all schools, learning to bake or weave or make something from a different culture, embracing this with love and sharing with everyone. This year's make was - Fa'apapa (a Sāmoan delicacy) & Ai Katu (Cook Island headpiece. The conference was finished off with a big group dance challenge. Malo aupito.

- Ms Itamua