The popular Polynesian Festival or Polyfest in New Zealand is back after a two year absence and will close on Saturday after four days of celebration.

The 2021 ASB Polyfest started on Wednesday and will run for four days at the Manukau Sports Bowl in Auckland and close on Saturday.

In a revised layout of the festival grounds, there will be more space for stallholders to spread and social distance as the local authorities continue to maintain their vigilance on COVID-19 infections.

The festival, which is often dubbed the world’s largest Polynesian cultural festival, was initially cancelled in early 2019 following the terrorist attacks in the New Zealand city of Christchurch and opted to keep its doors shut when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world early last year.

Members of a Samoan dance group from the Manurewa High School told Tagata Pasifika how delighted they were that the festival is back.

Emoni Fetaiai Motuga, who will for the first time be a taupou, said it would be her first time wearing the attire which she says is meaningful as she gets to represent her family and showcase her pride and joy for her culture.

“My friends inspired me to take on this role. They saw the passion in me and I guess it just motivated me to just try it out,” she told Tagata Pasifika in an interview.

Wilson Silipa, also of Manurewa High School and is the fuataimi (conductor) of the Samoan group, said he loves culture and wanted to be one of the standouts in the group.

Another student, Joseph Toleafoa is the faaluma of the group and his job is to hype up the group if they are feeling tired or exhausted.

He has dreamt of taking on the role of faaluma since he was in Year 9 and added that he is looking forward to performing.

According to media reports, the 2021 ASB Polyfest was opened on Wednesday by the Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff during heavy rain, and he referenced the bad weather in his opening address.

“A terror attack and a pandemic did it, but we’re not going to let rain stop us in 2021.”

Festival director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu added,  “We’re on. Rain or shine, ASB Polyfest will persevere, we’ve been resilient this far, so a little rain won’t hurt us.”

The 2018 Polyfest attracted 9,000 performers and over 90,000 people passed through its gates to watch the festival.