CANTERBURY POLYFEST

SCHOOLS INFORMATION

A Canterbury celebration of young people showcasing their Pasifika culture, language and identity through song and dance to reflect the diverse Pasifika cultures residing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Let’s get started!

Talofa! We’re so excited to have you and your school join us in celebrating our Pacific heritage. Below you will find all the information you need for this event.

It is important to ensure you read through all information regarding the school’s information for our upcoming Canterbury Polyfest event through the dropdown of each sub-title below thoroughly.

SPACPAC Canterbury will not be held liable should you fail to read through the information provided regarding the event.

Any further information or questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us!

Group of people in traditional tribal attire posing outdoors in front of a decorated backdrop.
Three women dressed in traditional Polynesian attire, standing in a line with hands on their hips, smiling, each wearing a black and gold patterned dress, white shell necklaces, a large orange flower in their hair, and red face paint on their cheeks.
A woman in a blue traditional Hawaiian dress with a flower crown is dancing on stage with children sitting around her, all wearing traditional Hawaiian attire.

  • SPACPAC Canterbury Polyfest 2026 is brought to you by SPACPAC Canterbury.

    This Code of Conduct applies for the duration of the event: Friday 13 March (5pm–8pm) and Saturday 14 March 2026 (8.30am–5.30pm).

    School groups are expected to register at the main entrance for their allocated performance day:

    -Friday 13 March: Registration from 4.15pm, briefing at 4.45pm

    -Saturday 14 March: Registration from 7.45am, briefing at 8.15am

    Please note that photos and video footage will be taken throughout the event and may be used for future marketing purposes. After the event, students are expected to leave the venue within a reasonable timeframe as arranged by their family and/or school. The teacher in charge will be contacted to uplift or arrange transport for any students remaining onsite.

    Any associated costs will be the responsibility of the attending school.

  • 0.1 Compulsory Online Tutors, Teachers & Lead Student Meeting A compulsory online meeting will be held to go over set guidelines and expectations:

    Thursday 12 February, 7pm–8pm

    Following this link: https://teams.live.com/meet/931141444671?p=kBcuIEWFUFgIIYwDiJ

    Attendance is required for all tutors, teachers in charge, and lead student representatives

    0.2 Backline Equipment Provided

    SPACPAC Canterbury will provide a standardised backline for all performances, including:

    • 2x Pātē

    • 2x Kick drums

    • 2x Apa Keyboard

    • 2x Guitars

    • 1x Snare

    • 1x Bass

    • Schools may bring additional equipment, but it must be listed in the equipment list submitted prior to the event.

    • 0.3 Music Submission Deadline All schools must submit the following by Friday 27 February: Final music tracks Set order Cues for when each track is to be played The link to upload these is here: https://forms.gle/7hCtGSUDQwKmhLLw8 This ensures AV and stage teams can prepare and avoid delays on the day.

    • 0.4 Performance Time & Stage Dimensions Performance time is strictly 15 minutes, including entry and exit. Please ensure your group is well‑prepared to stay within this limit. The stage dimensions are 20m wide x 15m deep, and each school is responsible for managing their performance within this space.

  • 1.1 If at any time during the event, an individual student or school group conducts inappropriate acts relating to smoking, alcohol or drugs may be subjected to a random bag check by authorised personnel and appropriate authorities will be notified.

  • 2.1. There is to be absolutely no ‘initiation/hazing’ before, during or after practices.

    2.2. Students are to uphold RESPECT and SHOW COURTESY for others throughout the day and to be mindful of other performers and public viewers.

    2.3. Inappropriate and abusive language will not be tolerated.

    2.4. No loitering – where individuals or groups are found to be loitering, they will be given a warning by a SPACPAC collective member (including authorised volunteers). Failure to adhere to the warning may result in actions as outlined under section 4.2 of this document.

  • 3.1. Please be aware of the limited areas available in and around the performers’ tent. Please keep walkways free at all times.

    3.2. Please respect the property of others. Any lost property is to be handed into the Volunteers’ tent or to a member of the SPACPAC team members.

    3.3. Lost property
    3.3.1. Schools are to contact the SPACPAC Collective (spacpacc@gmail.com) within seven days of the event being held.

    3.3.2. Any property left in the possession of the organisers at the end of the event will be disposed of.

  • 4.1. Any individual deemed as displaying outrageous or indecent behaviour will be requested to leave the site; failing to comply, the individual will be escorted off site and the school and/or appropriate authorities will be notified.

    4.2. Should an individual fail to comply, the teacher in charge and student leader(s) will be advised and the associated school will be withdrawn from the programme.

    4.3. Where inappropriate behaviour has taken place by an individual, school management will be contacted as soon as practical. A restorative justice process will be undertaken with the individual, family, school and the SPACPAC Collective.

    4.4. In all situations the event coordinator and SPACPAC Collective will discuss the situation and the decision will be final.

School Registration Form

Register below and answer the questions as best you can. If you are unsure, please put in the estimated numbers.
Schools are limited to a maximum of 10 support people.

We will be in contact closer to the date to confirm details and the SPACPAC Collective will be doing school visits to check timings from the week starting 10 March.

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL NOW
SCHOOL INFO & CODE OF CONDUCT

“‘Ātui’ia au ki te vaka o tōku matakeinanga - Connect me to the canoe of my tribe’ ”

— Cook Islands Language Week Theme 2024