This year, Miss Henry, Whaea Lee and I were fortunate to take a group of 30 students to ASB Polyfest to perform on the Cook Island stage. The Cook Island group has three leaders; Rangatira Vaine (female leader - dancers) Benine Vavia, Rangatira tane (male leader - dancers) Ojan Sa’u, and Rangatira tane (male leader - band) Zac George. Our Cook Island group consists of members from all corners of the Pacific and it has been a privilege for our tamariki Kūki Airāni to become leaders and experts in their culture. This has been a pillar of our group because we have seen our Cook Island students step outside of their comfort to lead, encourage and support their group members.

The tutors for our 2024 Cook Island group are Ngamarama Chanel Faireka, Aurametua Vavia and Jason George. Our group was able to learn and take the stage thanks to the rich knowledge, guidance and patience of our tutors. We also had a behind-the-scenes team that helped with costumes, dancing and the overall organisation which resulted in a few all-nighters and a lot of coffee! This year's Cook Island group would not have been possible without the love and support from fellow staff members, students, and especially, our families.

The Polyfest theme for 2024 was “E ‘anga ki muri kia kite koe i te kā tupu apōpō" - Looking to our past to determine our future. We interpreted the theme by focusing our items on the importance of our reo Māori (native language) that was passed down from our tupuna (ancestors). Our songs reflect the need for our people, especially our younger generation to nurture and learn our language so that we can sustain our culture. It is important for our tamariki to be aware of our culture and show a willingness to learn, and it is just as important for our families to help support our tamariki through their journey. This is a reflection of our local community at Waitākere College which we represent here today, encouraging our Cook Island people to show pride in their language, embrace our unique customs and continue the traditions that serve as a foundation of the knowledge we hold. We need to acknowledge and learn from our past as we navigate our path toward the future. 

The group still remains active to this present day and has already started conversations around the 2025 Cook Island polyfest group. We encourage students to join a cultural group even if you are not Pasifika yourself. It is a valuable and rewarding experience that is not limited to native students - this is evident in our group this year.

Kia Manuia, 

Tekura Iripa.