Government Invests in Polyfest 2026 to Support Pacific Youth and Culture

Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti confirmed the Government will contribute $60,000 through the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to support the event.

The New Zealand Government has announced funding support for Polyfest 2026, the world’s largest Pacific cultural festival, highlighting its role in celebrating Pacific heritage and empowering young people across the country.

Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti confirmed the Government will contribute $60,000 through the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to support the event.

Celebrating Pacific Culture and Youth Leadership

Polyfest has long been recognised as one of the most significant cultural events for Pacific communities in New Zealand. The festival, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, provides a platform for young people to showcase traditional music, dance, language, and cultural identity.

Dr Reti said the Government is proud to continue supporting the event because of its positive impact on Pacific families and communities.

“Polyfest is an important celebration of Pacific culture and youth. It showcases the pride and strength of our Pacific young people,” Reti said.

“Their leadership through culture strengthens families, communities and New Zealand.”

Supporting Pacific Communities Beyond Culture

The Minister noted that while cultural celebration is important, the Government is also focused on improving the broader wellbeing of Pacific communities, including safety, education, health, and economic opportunity.

Reti highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for Pacific peoples.

According to the Government:

• Violent crime victims have reduced by 49,000 nationwide

• Repeat youth offending has fallen by 22 percent

• $1 million has been allocated to support Pacific Wardens

“These initiatives are part of our effort to fix the basics and build the future for Pacific people,” Reti said.

Improvements in Education and Health

The Government says progress is also being made in education and healthcare outcomes for Pacific communities.

Recent improvements include:

• Pacific students meeting expected phonics levels rising from 27 percent to 43 percent

• Childhood immunisation rates reaching 82.6 percent

• More than 300 Pacific students benefiting from Toloa STEM scholarships

These programmes are designed to help Pacific youth gain the skills needed to succeed in modern industries.

Housing and Employment Support

The Government also highlighted housing and employment initiatives supporting Pacific families.

Key programmes include:

• Our Whare Our Fale, delivering up to 300 homes

• 41 homes through the Pacific Affordable Homes Fund

• Alo Vaka employment programme, which has helped more than 300 Pacific people move into better-paying jobs

Reti also noted improvements in economic conditions, saying inflation has more than halved and mortgage rates have declined.

Strengthening Family Connections

The Minister added that maintaining family connections across the Pacific remains an important priority.

The Government recently announced reduced visitor visa costs for Pacific citizens travelling to New Zealand, which will take effect in June. The policy aims to make travel easier and more affordable for Pacific families.

“Through these initiatives, the Government is uplifting Pacific peoples across the country,” Reti said.

Polyfest 2026 Event Details

The 51st annual Polyfest festival will take place at Manukau Sports Bowl in Auckland from 18 to 21 March 2026.

The festival will feature several cultural stages representing Pacific communities, including:

• Cook Islands

• Niue

• Samoa

• Tonga

• Diversity Stage

The 2026 festival theme is:

“Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake!”

Translated as:“The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior for generations to come.”

In addition, Te Paparewa Māori (formerly known as the Māori Stage) will be held separately from 30 March to 2 April 2026 at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau.