In August 2026 Southland learners had the exciting opportunity to attend Mīharo Murihiku Polyfest 2026.
Polyfest is a week-long celebration of culture, language and identity through the performing arts.
With around 150 performances and more than 8,500 young performers, the festival brings alive the sights and sounds of the Pacific.
Nine learners attend a weekly ESOL Intensive English class in Invercargill. Zuniya, Uwimana Nyiramafishi, Munyakabera, Mwanvua, Francine, Sikitu, Ingabire, Uwimana Ntawuyigomwa and Pascal are originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
ESOL Intensive group classes are designed to improve learners’ English confidence, independence and participation in the wider community and at work.
In the weeks leading up to Polyfest, teacher Suzanne Shaw helped learners prepare for the event. They explored some of the cultural experiences they were likely to encounter. They learnt about activities ranging from haka and poi to waiata ā ringa.
The learners embraced the experience with enthusiasm. They brought their own cultural flair into the classroom and choreographed a poi dance for a traditional Swahili song.
The learners absolutely loved the atmosphere of Polyfest.
For most, a highlight was recognising waiata they had sung themselves in class and being able to join in and sing along at the festival.
Experiencing the power and intensity of a ‘live’ haka was another favourite. The learners were fascinated by the drama - from the pūkana and whētero to the stamping feet and chest slapping. They were also impressed by the speed and skill of the poi performances.
Watching a hāngī being lifted from the ground and being invited to share the food was another memorable moment. For most, it was their first time trying hāngī kai. While the food reviews were mixed, the chicken and potatoes were given the thumbs up!
Visiting Polyfest gave the learners the chance to see, hear and experience Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich cultural diversity.
It gave them a wonderful opportunity to connect what they had been learning in the classroom with a real-life experience.
Free English classes in Invercargill would not be possible without the generous support of local funders including Community Trust South, Invercargill City Council, the ILT Foundation and the Catalytic Foundation.
If you are from a refugee or migrant background and keen to learn English or find work then come and talk to the friendly team at English Language Partners Invercargill. We are also always keen to hear from anyone who is keen to volunteer as a home tutor.
Contact us: Learn English in Invercargill!
