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Source: ONE News -
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Thousands of students and tens of thousands of spectators have turned out for the annual Polyfest in Auckland.
It is the festival's 35th year and organisers are leading a drive to see participants earn marks towards their schoolwork.
Polyfest organiser Tania Karauria says for young people it is one of the very few events that celebrates them in their totality.
"[It is] the pride and the passion of who they are and where they come from," she says.
Friday is the penultimate day and sees big numbers let out of school early to watch mates compete in the second division champs.
But is any of that a fair trade for time most should spend in classes?
"The confidence that they gain just being able to perform on a stage here - when you watch them going on and then they come off - they are just totally different people. It's life-changing for a lot of kids," says Karauria.
Some of the young people can actually earn credits towards their NCEA for taking part in the speaking competitions. The organisers want that broadened so that the dancers can qualify as well
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia welcomes that, despite the government's sharp focus on reading, writing and maths.
"They train literally for months and I understand that the credits that they're looking for are level two and absolutely they should be able to get them. If it's good enough to give it for music performances we should give it for cultural performances too," says Turia
Polyfest is working with Massey University to try and convince the sceptics in government to let these students leave the stage with more than just a trophy or the thrill of taking part.
