The answer lies in the deeply-rooted traditions of Polynesian culture. The people of the Pacific are intimately tied to the ocean. They sailed the sea hundreds of years before Europeans ...

Only after many years of learning how to voyage long distances, and to survive on the high islands and atolls they found in the sea, did the ocean-oriented Polynesian culture take on its classic form.

The 50th ASB Polyfest kicked off on Wednesday at Manukau Sports Bowl, celebrating half a century of Polynesian culture. Grace Fiavaai was there and has this report.