Pacific movement helps rangatahi stand proud in culture

For the students of Heretaunga College’s Poly Group, the sound of music, movement and laughter is more than preparation for a performance. It’s a space where rangatahi can stand proudly in who they are, learn from one another and share the cultures that shape them with their whānau and community.

Since the Poly Group began 4 years ago, it has grown to 24 members. Students Zay and Keylee have been involved from the start, helping to create a space where young people can connect with others, have fun and bring performances to life.

For Zay, it’s about sharing and celebrating culture.

“It’s important for our generation to showcase that we love to represent our Polynesian cultures,” he says.

Being part of Poly Group has helped Zay learn about other Pacific cultures as well as his own, while Keylee, in her first year in a leadership role, values learning through dance.

“It helps the group to learn about different cultures in a form of dance,” she says.

One of the things she enjoys most is seeing the performances come together and supporting others to learn.

“It means a lot for us to be able to spread Polynesian culture and welcome anyone and everyone from all walks of life into this space,” they say.

Through these experiences, rangatahi are building confidence, leadership skills and a sense of pride and belonging that reaches beyond the performance space and into their relationships with whānau, peers and community.

The Poly Group performed outside school for the first time last year at HuttFest, joining primary, intermediate and secondary schools in a celebration of Pasifika heritage through song and dance.

Ahead of this year’s HuttFest, Poly Group student leaders helped shape a special Youth Week performance for whānau, creating an evening where students could share their talents and gather afterwards over kai.

With help from local youth centre Kickstart and input from Poly Group student leaders, the whānau night proved a huge success.

Senior youth worker Faa Tuuina says it’s been rewarding to watch the group develop over time.

“I have journeyed alongside most of this group since they were Year 9s and it’s been awesome to witness the growth and confidence they have now in performing,” he says.

Rangatahi come up with their own dances and lead the group, with Kickstart supporting behind the scenes.

That has created an environment where students are thriving. He speaks of one particular rangatahi who has stepped into a leadership role.

“This person knows how to lead the group and the group respects them highly. Their passion for performing means they ensure everyone is on the same page with actions and they keep everyone accountable.”

Faa says many students in the group come from mixed cultural backgrounds and have different levels of access to cultural knowledge, language and traditions in their everyday lives.

“Poly Group provides a space where they can strengthen their identity and build meaningful connections with whānau and the wider community.”