Six stages, four days, 214 groups from more than 60 schools, 10,000 performers . . . it’s time again for ASB Polyfest.

The event kicked off this morning with a flag raising ceremony at the Manukau Sports Bowl, and the Maori stage is the first to open at 10am.

Event coordinator Theresa Howard says there have been months of preparation from the rangatahi, and for many it’s about celebrating their culture rather than competing.

"The diversity stage is definitely one highlight for many people as we don't exclude any cultural groups, no matter what they are or whether they are from the Pasifika Islands or the Asia Pacific. So we've got some Hawaiians groups performing, Tibetan and Kiribati. A lot of different groups," says Theresa Howard from the ASB Polyfest

Follow us on &