Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15yrs

The Arts Pasifika Awards are returning to Tāmaki Makaurau for the first time in over 15 years.

This year marks three decades of recognising Pacific artists.

Creative New Zealand (CNZ) says the 2026 awards celebrate Pacific creative work across eight categories, from traditional heritage arts and contemporary practice to performing arts and creative business.

Recipients will receive grants ranging between $7500 to $25,000 to support their work.

Among this year's recipients is PMN’sIsland Time radio host, comedian, actor, and MC Tofiga Fepulea'i, who receives the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to Pacific performing arts in Aotearoa and internationally.

Sharing the news on social media, Fepulea'i wrote, “God is Great. Grateful for my village”.

Arts Council member Maiava Keven Mealamu MNZM reflected on 30 years of career-defining support for Pasifika creatives.

“The awards are an important platform to recognise the dynamic contribution of Pasifika artists to Aotearoa and the world,” Maiava said in a statement.

“It has launched and contributed to the careers of many well-known and successful Pacific artists including opera singers, theatre-makers, visual artists, writers and hip-hop dancers such as Parris Goebel working overseas.”

The awards were established in 1996 under the vision of acclaimed writer Albert Wendt CNZM ONZ, who was then-chair of CNZ’s Pacific Arts Committee.

This year’s recipients reflect the range of Pacific arts and the different paths artists are taking.

Julia Mage’au Gray receives the Senior Pacific Artist Award for her long-standing multidisciplinary arts practice across Aotearoa, the region, and the world.

The Black Grace Trust receives the Pacific Arts Business Award for its sustainable business model and Pasifika-led economic impact.

Tu'ifonualava Kaivelata, master artist (tufunga) and traditional musician, receives the Pacific Heritage Artist Award for preserving and promoting Pacific heritage artforms.

The Pacific Contemporary Artist Award goes to Benjamin Work for his sculptural and mural work while Manuha’apai Vaeatangitau, a Tongan interdisciplinary artist who identifies as Leitī, receives the Emerging Pacific Artist Award.

Amosa Lene Isara receives the Iosega Enari Memorial Award, which supports the career development of Pasifika classical musicians, singers, and composers.

The Pacific Toa Award goes to Taliaoa Jokani Umutaua, a Christchurch dancer, recognised for his contribution as an artist with lived experience of disability.

Isara shared his gratitude on a social media post.

“Not unto us, O Lord. Thank you Creative NZ for this prestigious award which represents our families, our friends and communities.”

Jannita Pilisi, an Arts Council member, says the anniversary is as much about the future as it is about the past.

“It's a reminder to us all that the legacy of our Pasifika arts is not only something we inherit, but something we continue to nurture, grow, and pass on to those who come after us.”

CNZ Chief Executive Gretchen La Roche says the awards continue to provide an important platform for Pasifika artists.

“It’s an incredible testament to the Awards that 30 years on from their establishment they continue as a focal point to acknowledge and celebrate Pasifika excellence,” La Roche said.

“This milestone speaks to the strength of our arts community, to the generations of artists who have shaped the wider Aotearoa arts ecosystem and the generations to come. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients - this celebration is for you.”

The Arts Pasifika Awards will be held on 22 October with the venue yet to be confirmed. Click here for more details.