Le Va is back and bringing the energy to Polyfest 2026

The buzz is back at ASB Polyfest 2026, and Le Va is once again at the heart of the action at the Manukau Sports Bowl.

As a Platinum Sponsor of the world’s largest Pacific secondary schools cultural festival, Le Va ensures its fale is a magnet for young people eager to connect and share their voices.

Chief Executive of Le Va, Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati, says, “Wishing all our incredible Polyfest performers the very best as you take the stage. Le Va is honoured to stand alongside the organisers, families, schools, tutors and communities whose love and dedication make this beautiful celebration of our culture possible.”

Le Va’s fan-favourite corned beef lifting challenge and temporary tatau station are drawing enthusiastic crowds and, if you’re aged 16 or over, there’s even more reason to stop by – be one of the first 1,000 to complete Le Va’s online youth wellbeing survey and receive Polyfest dollars to spend at the surrounding kai vendors.

Polyfest is a vibrant celebration of culture, identity and youth leadership where the known link between cultural identity and wellbeing is clear.

As such, the Pasifika youth survey is at the heart of Le Va’s presence at the festival. The insights gathered from young Pacific people directly shape the programmes and resources Le Va develops for communities across Aotearoa – covering mental health, coping strategies and what support young people want and need.

There’s another special reason to visit Le Va’s fale this Friday, 20 March. Aotearoa New Zealand’s Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, will be joining Dr Mati to speak with Pacific youth at 1pm.

Her visit is a strong signal that the voices of young Pacific people matter at the very highest levels and promises to be a meaningful and memorable moment in the festival.

It underlines the national importance of listening to young Pacific voices and ensuring those insights reach the people and systems that can act on them.

ASB Polyfest 2026 continues to be a powerful reminder that when communities come together, our young people thrive. The event runs until Saturday 21 March at the Manukau Sports Bowl, so come and find Le Va’s fale and make your voice heard!

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