Polyfest 2017 wrapped on Saturday afternoon and we've got more behind the scenes, performances & action from the Cook Islands & Niue Stages PLUS the results for each Pacific Island stage at Polyfest.

COOK ISLANDS STAGE 

OVERALL WINNERS:  Mangere College 

2nd - Aorere College

3rd - Sir Edmund Hillary College 

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Behind the scenes, some performance highlights & action from the Samoan & Tongan stages at Polyfest 2017

Ei katu's or Head Lei's/Garlands seemed to be the popular head adornment of the day.

Check out some of the different designs on display down at Polyfest today ...

Shiva’s story begins on the island of Fiji, in the poverty stricken Ba. He grows up to become a kind, conscious, and intelligent man who’s dedicated his life to humanitarian aid across the globe. It’s no coincidence that his upbringing has influenced his direction in life, as well as his drive to make a meaningful difference. Here he shares his story, from humble beginnings to big ambitions – all in the hope of creating a better world for people in vulnerable situations.

I’m one of four boys brought onto this planet by Sada and Kamla Gounden. I’m an identical twin (though our visions of humanity is the one and the same, our lifestyles and paths to that goal is completely different). My name is Shiva Gounden and I am a human first, Fiji born Indian next and fortunate now to be an Australian.

I lived 15 years of my life in Fiji, completing Primary schooling in the town of Lautoka but originally and proudly a product of poverty stricken villages in Ba (Wailailai and Navoli).…more

John Belford-Lelaulu

Architect

Samoan 

I am an Architectural Graduate from Unitec's school of Architecture. I am a New Zealand born Samoan, raised in various parts of Auckland but matured into who I am in South Auckland. My parents, at separate times, moved (from Samoa) to New Zealand, the world of milk and honey, in search for a life of prosper. 

When/How did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in architecture? 

I attended De La Salle College where my passion for architecture began. I vividly recall running home one day after school in third form inspired by a speech by 'Electric Technology' teacher gave me and told my mother I wanted to become an electrician and she said "Auuuu leai, alu e fai le architecture" ("Auuuu no, go do architecture"). Made me second guess my electrical path so I invested most of my time on where my talents lay, Graphics.…more

Brother's Dane Ingham (17) and Jai Ingham (23) have both been named in the All Whites squad for the OFC Stage Three Qualifiers against Fiji - the next step of FIFA World Cup qualifying. 

Australian born Dane, the youngest of the brothers was selected to join the 23-man squad along side his brother Jai, the first brothers to be named in a New Zealand squad since Neil and Kenny Harlock in 1997. 

"It was a pretty special moment...I was sitting at home and I got a call from my agent saying that New Zealand were interested and they were going to call me up and I got on the phone straight away to my brother and my mum and we just talked and mum was really happy to have both of us called into the squad." - Dane Ingham. 

The pair qualify to play for New Zealand through their mother Virginia, who was born in Dunedin before moving to Australia when she was 16.…more

Great Poly talent threw it down in the ring last night for Canteen at the Cloud with support from well known artists and entertainers.

Our very own Tofiga Fepulea'i put his Aunty Tala dress away & took on MC duties with ring master Jared Turner.

22 individuals from all walks of life had trained and fundraised for the last few months which culminated with them stepping into the ring last night in 11 corporate boxing matches.

Supporters and spectators were also treated to 3 Professional exhibition matches which included Kickboxer & MMA fighter Genah Fabian.

Genah along with Ritchie Hardcore and Rod Mcswain had also helped with the training, preparation and corner support for each of the corporate matches as well.

Throughout the night there were also performances by Boh Runga, General Fiyah, Kings & Stan Walker with an outstanding 3 course meal designed by celebrity chefs Michael Meredith & Aaron Freeman.

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More highlights & behind the scenes shots from the night below ....

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Suggested Links:  

Humans of the Islands - Gabrielle Solomona 

Humans of the Islands - Genah Fabian 

Gabrielle Solomona 

Receptionist/Actress/Trainee Producer 

Samoan

I have learnt the pursuit of your dreams requires a lot of sacrifice and in my case being able to work full time and earn more money is one of the sacrifices I have chosen to make because I know in my heart the dreams God has called me to pursue. I know one day my time will come where all my hard work and sacrifices will come into frutation and God willing I will be able to pursue acting and producing as a full time career. However I love that being a receptionist has connected me to so many new people on a daily basis and the variety of responsibilities that come with the role. I get to learn new skills and be challenged so I am constantly growing.…more