At St Cuthbert’s, we embrace the rich diversity that defines our vibrant community. We believe that by nurturing cultural awareness and inclusive dialogue, we prepare our students to thrive in our interconnected world as compassionate global citizens committed to positive change. This is recognised through the many opportunities that students and families can be part of.
Through events and festivals like Pōfiafia and Polyfest, multiple kapa haka groups, cultural clubs, and special celebrations, we foster an environment where students’ traditions and heritage are explored and celebrated. We have a range of senior cultural groups including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Kapa Haka, Korean, Mongolian, Samoan, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tibetan, Tongan, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
“The arts develop essential skills for the real world—collaboration, curiosity, risk-taking, and innovative thinking. Most importantly, they cultivate empathy, a quality vital for today’s world.”
Oliver Gilmour, Head of Faculty Performing Arts
Cultural Performances
Pōfiafia is our annual celebration of cultural diversity and heritage, showcasing performances from our 16 student cultural groups including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Kapa Haka, Korean, Mongolian, Samoan, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tibetan, Tongan Ma’ulu’ulu, Tongan Tauʻolunga, Turkish, and Vietnamese. The evening features traditional dances, music, and cultural expressions, creating a colourful tapestry highlighting our school’s rich diversity. Students immerse themselves in new cultures or celebrate their own heritage. Pōfiafia embodies our commitment to cultural understanding and inclusion.
Polyfest
St Cuthbert’s proudly participates in Polyfest, Auckland’s premier cultural celebration, with our groups consistently achieving outstanding results across multiple stages.
Kapa Haka
There are opportunities in both our Junior School and Senior School to take part in Kapa Haka groups for students who wish to engage with te ao Māori through performance art. The groups meet regularly throughout the year and perform at assemblies, events and competitions.
In 2025, our Senior School Kapa Haka group, Kahukura made St Cuthbert’s history with their exceptional performance at the Polyfest Māori Stage, earning first place in multiple categories: Haka taparahi (Traditional war dance), Waiata Tira (Choral performance), First equal in Kākahu (Traditional costume). Their excellence extended to third-place achievements in Manukura Wahine (Female leadership), Mōteatea (Traditional chant), Waiata-ā-ringa (Action song), Mita o te reo (Language fluency). These achievements reflect the group’s dedication to cultural authenticity and artistic excellence.
Tongan Group
The St Cuthbert’s Tongan Group achieved second equal for their tauʻolunga performance—their best placing ever in the school’s history. This graceful and elegant dance was performed to the late Queen Sālote Tupou III’s composition ‘Manu o Palataisi’ (Bird of Paradise), with intricately handcrafted costumes made from si leaves to resemble the bird of paradise.
“My heart is content to have represented both my roots and school all in one for my final year,” says Lois, a sentiment echoed by Joesalina: “To place for the first time at the Tongan stage was the cherry on top—it was an honour to represent both my culture and the college.”
In the prestigious Tongan Stage Speech Competition, Head Girl Justina Cocker-Maka achieved an outstanding second place, delivering her speech entirely in Tongan. Year 9 student Jordan Vahaʻi also participated impressively, continuing the legacy of excellence and cultural fluency.
Samoan Representation
The return of St Cuthbert’s Samoan representation to Polyfest after a five-year hiatus marks an important revival of this cultural tradition within our school. Led with energy and style, our Samoan performers brought authentic cultural expression to the stage, further enriching our diverse cultural program.
Diversity Stage
The Diversity Stage at Polyfest features twelve additional St Cuthbert’s cultural groups: Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Scottish, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tibetan, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Each group brings distinct cultural elements to their performances, showcasing the exceptional breadth of cultural knowledge and talent within our community.
Community Events
Mihi Whakatau to welcome new families
At the start of every term, we warmly welcome our new students and their families into our community with a mihi whakatau.
Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year brings vibrant traditions to St Cuthbert’s each year. Our parent-led Asian Friendship Group (AFG) coordinates celebrations, distributing traditional red envelopes (hongbao) symbolising good fortune throughout the Junior School and Atrium. The annual Lunar New Year dinner features symbolic Chinese hotpot, transforming Violet Wood Dining Hall with cultural performances and traditional foods.
Mooncake Festival
In Term 3 each year we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. This popular event is attended by hundreds of our students and their families, senior staff and trust board members. The Mooncake Festival is a beautiful and vibrant evening of celebration. Our Asian Friendship Group and the student-led Chinese Cultural Group provide traditional games, mooncake samplings, lion dances and exceptional student performances.
Festival of Flavours
Festival of Flavours is a dinner celebration honouring Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This special evening brings together our community to celebrate with traditional Indian cuisine and the vibrant spirit of this significant Hindu festival, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
Pasifika Chapel, Talanoa and Whanau Group
St Cuthbert’s honours Pasifika culture through dedicated community initiatives including Pasifika Chapel gatherings, Pasifika Talanoa sessions, and our Pasifika Whānau Group. These programmes provide great opportunities for Pacific students and families to come together, maintain cultural connections, share traditions, and support one another while strengthening their sense of belonging within our school community.
Cultural Honours
St Cuthbert’s recognises outstanding cultural contributions through our Cultural Colours awards. These prestigious awards acknowledge students who demonstrate exemplary leadership and service to the cultural life of our school community. Recipients are celebrated at a special ceremony that highlights their commitment to cultural excellence, leadership, and the enrichment of our diverse community.
