Cloudless skies and a rousing haka kicked off the world’s biggest Polynesian and Maori festival this morning.
The 38th annual ASB Polyfest opened at the Manukau Sports Bowl with a flag-raising ceremony and a powhiri.
More than 9000 performers from 59 Auckland schools will perform at the festival, which runs until Saturday.
An estimated 100,000 people will pack the arena to watch Maori and Polynesian dances.
Mayor Len Brown opened the festival, saying it was a highlight on his calendar and the performances were always ‘‘brilliant’’.
‘‘This continues to be one of the greatest expressions of our Polynesian heart and soul in this beautiful land of Aotearoa New Zealand,’’ he said.
Johnny Rex from the Niuean Secondary Schools Teachers Association said he was proud of all the young people performing over the next four days.
‘‘It’s one thing to say that you’re proud of your culture. But to get up on stage and express that culture through song and dance… that’s the purest form of cultural pride,’’ he said.
*Entry to ASB Polyfest is $5 with pre-school children free of charge.
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