Pasifika

From just eight primary schools taking part six years ago, 43 primary and early childhood centres as well as seven colleges, took the stage during the 2017 Hutt Valley Polyfest.

Twelve hundred spectators packed out the Walter Nash Stadium on the final night of the Polyfest, where secondary school students showcased their talent.

Up to seven thousand also witnessed children as young as three and four perform over the week.

Polyfest organiser Luana Leuluai was overwhelmed with the turnout of both spectator and participant.

Men, especially in the older age group, and people living in the most deprived areas, were also more also vulnerable to premature death.

Influenza kills about 500 New Zealanders each year and probably the biggest single infectious disease killer, the study from the University of Otago, Wellington said.

Researchers found that in the 65-79 year age group, Māori were 3.6 times more likely to die of influenza than those of European or other ethnicity.

The free family-friendly event gives people of all backgrounds the chance to experience the colourful sights, sounds and tantalising tastes of the Pacific.

There will be villages representing different Pacific Island nations such as The Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Tonga and Tokelau.

Each village will have a stage, featuring traditional and contemporary performances, surrounded by market stalls and a range of activities for all ages.