Talent shines through on Pasifika festival stage

They were the smallest secondary school competing at the Pasifika by Nature festival, its performers’ dazzling outfits carefully handmade by parents.

But what Tuakau College lacked in size and funding, its students made up for with raw talent and an infectious passion that drew cheers from a packed Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton.

Twelve secondary schools took the Claudelands stage on Saturday, each giving a 20-minute performance celebrating Pasifika culture.

The Tuakau College kids were the fourth group on stage, all 22 performers aspiring to match or better the school’s debut performance in 2017.

Student Mary-Louise Booth, 14, said group members had been learning and rehearsing their performance since February, using lunchtimes and breaks to perfect their act.

‘‘It’s definitely been fun and brings everyone close together.

‘‘Performing on stage is important because we get to show that New Zealand is a multicultural society and we get to represent our cultures.’’

Tuakau College teacher Michelle McMillan said hours of practice had gone into blending six Pasifika cultures into one performance. With no budget for a band or choir, the group used a guitar and drums for backing sound.

And the result on the day was nothing short of breathtaking.

The Pasifika by Nature festival was launched 20 years ago as a way to showcase Pacific cultures in five Hamilton schools.

Today it draws secondary school students from throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Pasifika by Nature Trust chairperson Akarere Henry said the event’s focus was on connecting young people to their cultures.