Arts

‘Still climbing': Sāmoan tenor Pene Pati on faith, fearlessness, and becoming a Laureate

The 2025 Arts Foundation Laureate says the honour marks a celebration of persistence and plans to pay his $50,000 award forward.

Atutahi Potaka-DewesFri, 17 Oct

Arts

From adversity to ancestry: Pacific wayfinding through a neurodiverse lens

Simone Kāho will spend three months at the University of Hawai‘i exploring ancestral navigation, precision, and her neurodiverse perspective.

Atutahi Potaka-DewesWed, 08 Oct

Arts •

Niue •

Aotearoa New Zealand

‘The journey that never ends’: Niuean arts collective celebrates book launch milestone

Niutupu Pulapulaola co-leaders Maryanne Lapana and Margaret Jackson say their first book captures the collective’s four–year journey of reconnecting tagata Niue through arts and crafts.

Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uWed, 01 Oct

Arts •

Tonga

From sacred comb to family conflict: Tongan play to premiere in South Auckland

Fā’onelua ‘o Manako Polohiva, written by Seluvaia ‘Iloahefaiva, explores loss, revelation and resilience through a noble family at Māngere Arts Centre.

Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uTue, 30 Sep

Māngere's very own Emillie Iliganoa Pritchard.

Arts

‘Periodt. You did that’: Teen Siva Afi champion Emillie Pritchard’s cultural journey

From lockdown training to world competitions, the 14-year-old Māngere local proves girls can hold their own with fireknives, and then some.

Atutahi Potaka-DewesMon, 29 Sep

"Moana: Voices of Our Ocean is remembering, reimagining, resistance." - Danielle Kionasina

Arts

Moana voices: Tagata Atamai brings Pacific poetry to the page

The bookstore-publisher’s latest anthology, Moana: Voices of Our Ocean, gathers 20 indigenous poets to weave connections to Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa.

Atutahi Potaka-DewesWed, 24 Sep

Arts •

Tonga •

Aotearoa New Zealand

Tongan student’s art shines at Te Papa’s Ringa Toi showcase

Patrick Lemeki’s works pay tribute to women in his life and celebrate the shared Pacific and Māori identity, earning recognition at the 2025 exhibition.

Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uMon, 22 Sep