Source: Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec
Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – 11 March 2026 – One Waka. One Future. Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec will present a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose at ASB Polyfest 2026, unveiling a joint presence that reflects their unification this year as a single organisation serving our communities and learners in Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland.
ASB Polyfest will be held across two events in 2026: the Pacific and Diversity Stages from 18–21 March at the Manukau Sports Bowl and Te Paparewa Māori stage from 30 March–2 April at the Due Drop Event Centre.
At the heart of MIT and Unitec’s presence this year will be a shared marquee – which brings to life Tāmaki Waka Hourua, a values framework guiding MIT and Unitec as they align their strengths, expertise and aspirations in one shared direction and purpose.
Waka Hourua, means ‘a double-hulled canoe’ and symbolises what were previously two institutions now travelling forward together alongside the communities they’ve proudly served for over 50 years.
Director Maori Education, Dr Wiremu Manaia explains: “This framework is grounded in core Māori principles:Whakapapa – the ancestral line that binds crew and vessel, Mana whakahaere – authority and responsibility to steer, Kotahitanga – unity of purpose, Mauri – the collective life force.”
These principles align with this year’s Polyfest theme, “Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake!” (“The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior for generations to come”).
MIT and Unitec’s shared presence represents a unified future under the guiding whakataukī:
“Nā te kaha ka whakatutuki, nā te kotahitanga ka whai hua.”
With strength we achieve; through unity we succeed.
“Nā te kaha ka whakatutuki, nā te kotahitanga ka whai hua.”
With strength we achieve; through unity we succeed.
A Defining Year. A Legacy Spanning More Than Two Decades
As Polyfest celebrates its 51st year, MIT and Unitec’s united presence marks a defining milestone.
In January 2026, the two institutions formally came together as the largest on campus provider of vocational education in Aotearoa New Zealand — a single, independent regional entity focused on delivering stronger outcomes for learners, industry and communities across Auckland.
Polyfest, widely recognised as Australasia’s largest secondary school cultural festival, will once again draw more than 80,000 visitors across six cultural stages representing the Cook Islands, Diversity, Māori, Niue, Samoa and Tonga.
MIT and Unitec’s presence at Polyfest builds on a longstanding relationship with the festival and the communities it represents.
“Although MIT and Unitec have come together as a new joint entity, our long and proud history of serving our communities and learners across Tāmaki Makaurau for more than 50 years remains as strong as ever. Our presence again this year at ASB Polyfest reflects that commitment,” says Executive Director, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.
For more than 20 years, our institutions have stood alongside the festival — supporting ākonga (students) as they develop confidence, cultural pride and leadership.
For more than 20 years, our institutions have stood alongside the festival — supporting ākonga (students) as they develop confidence, cultural pride and leadership.
“Unitec became the first tertiary sponsor of Polyfest in 2003. MIT proudly sponsored the Niue stage in 2010, and together we sponsored the Tongan stage in 2025. These milestones reflect a deep and enduring relationship with a festival that celebrates the identity, culture, and aspirations of our Pacific communities,” Peseta says.
Visible Unity, Stronger Pathways
Polyfest is more than a cultural festival — it’s a powerful platform where education can lift the hopes and aspirations of Pacific youth.
“Through events like this, we can help young people see the pathways available to them in education and employment with our schools,” Peseta says.
“At MIT and Unitec, we are incredibly proud of our Pacific learners. They are achieving great qualifications and going on to strong career outcomes, contributing their skills and leadership back into their communities and across the country.”
MIT and Unitec are strengthening pathways from secondary school to tertiary study and employment. As one organisation, they offer broader programme options, enhanced learner support, deeper industry connections and a regionally focused approach designed specifically for Auckland.
“We’re continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools, families and communities across the region. This week, we welcomed careers advisors from across Aucklan to connect with our teams and learn more about the opportunities available for their students,” Peseta says.
For high schools, whānau and communities attending Polyfest, the message is clear: MIT and Unitec are united, future-focused and committed to being the education provider of choice for Auckland’s young people — now and for generations to come.
Want to know more about our course offerings, programmes and career pathways at MIT and Unitec? Find us at the MIT and Unitec Marquee at Polyfest. Come meet our amazing kaimahi (staff), take a selfie at our activations, or leave a message.
