Students staged a dazzling celebration of Pacific culture at the sold-out Tu Tangata Polynesian Festival at the Wellington Opera House last night.

More than 500 students from different Wellington high schools put together their best, with stellar performances delivered to a lively crowd.

Rongotai College opened the show by mixing up the Polynesian theme, doing their own versions of the pop songs Gangnam Style by Psy and Some Nights by Fun.

Tu Tangata roughly translates to "stand tall and be proud of who you are". The festival, in its 31st year, was an opportunity for the young Pacific generation of Wellington to celebrate Pacific culture and leadership.

St Mary's College student Joeclyn Toleafoa said she joined the school's Polynesian group this year as a way to learn the Samoan language at school.

"The only way possible to maintain the language is through the Polynesian club."

She said she enjoyed being a part of the group because of the bonds she made with the other students.

"We come away as a family."

She said the St Mary's group had been practicing since February for last night's performance.

This year's festival was organised by the students themselves.

Rongotai College, St Catherine's College, St Mary's College, St Patrick's College, Taita College, Wainuiomata High School, Wellington East Girls' College, St Bernard's College and Wellington Girls' College all performed during the evening.

- © Fairfax NZ News