#POLYFEST 2016

Le Va was out in full force again this year at #PolyFest16, with volunteers to help ignite our communities and create that change. It was also an opportunity to engage tens of thousands of Pasifika young people and raise awareness about the right information, resources and services available for them to access when they need it.

In particular we talked to young people about our new Aunty Dee online tool, a place for them to go to help them solve their problems in a self-reflective way.   

The 2016 event boasted 9,000 performers, 228 performances from 64 schools and groups. 90,000 spectators flocked to the Manukau Velodrome to watch speeches, kapa haka and traditional Pacific dance (with a twist of contemporary flavour) over four days.

Our Le Va stall attracted large crowds of young people testing out our Pasifika temporary ‘tattoos’ (see picture to the right), and keeping cool with water and fans – all the while engaging in positive conversations about wellbeing, where to find the right help when you need it, and how to talk to Aunty Dee about personal problems in a non-stigmatising way.

The ASB Polyfest was a celebration of youth performance and a true reflection of the cultural diversity within our communities today!  It was awesome to witness young people immersed in their culture and proud of their identity! 

If we give radical acceptance, absolute inclusion and full participation,
we will unleash the full potential of our young people.

Members of the Warriors hanging with Le Va at #PolyFest16

Check out more awesome photos from #PolyFest16 on our Facebook page.