Faith, family, fashion: Pacific models take their place on NZ’s biggest runways

For Meiya Lemafa and Apaula Viliamu Tilialo, walking a runway at New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) is about far more than fashion.

It is about showing Pacific young people they can take up space in an industry where they have not always seen people who look like them.

Eighteen-year-old Cook Islands model Meiya Lemafa, a former Face of Fusions, and Sāmoan plus-size model Apaula Viliamu Tilialo, the Face of Fusions 2027 winner, were among the Pacific models making their mark at the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) during NZFW.

While their individual career paths differ, both models share a single vision: opening doors for Pacific youth and proving indigenous heritage belongs in mainstream fashion.

Both Lemafa and Viliamu Tilialo tell PMN Cooks that bringing their culture and identity to mainstream fashion is part of the job.

“Our Pacific culture carries so much beauty and strength,” 18-year-old Lemafa says. “Representation is very important, especially for younger Pasifika people that may be watching and they see someone like me who looks like them. It influences them and it helps them realise that we do belong on those stages.”

Watch Meiya Lemafa's full interview below.

Viliamu Tilialo says her presence on the runway carries the weight of her family, village and ancestors.

"When we walk, we walk with pride to be Pacific people. We walk with our ancestors, our family, and our village," she says.

“For me, this experience is not just about fashion, and it's not just about being the face of fusion, but it's about representation. It's about representing our Pacific people in the mainstream area, as well as our plus-size brothers and sisters that I'm always rooting for.”

Watch Apaula Viliamu Tilialo's full interview below.

The polished runway moments come after long hours of fittings, rehearsals and preparation.

Lemafa and Viliamu Tilialo say the backstage experience can be just as demanding as the walk itself, with last-minute wardrobe changes, different designers and choreography all adding to the pressure.

“You have to just practice, practice,” Viliamu Tilialo advises, stressing the need for models to be ready to change their style depending on what a designer wants.

“Some designers might want a particular walk, like a playful walk, and then some other designers might want a straight face, kind of fierce walk. You just have to be versatile…flexible, open-minded. You can’t be picky too…just wear it and just be grateful.”

Lemafa says the early mornings and long fittings are worth it when audiences get to see the finished show.

One of her highlights was walking in Fijian designer Makaira Lee's debut By Kai show at PFFS, which ended in a standing ovation.

“It stood out particularly to me because she got to share that moment with her mum, Jeannie, they both put so much effort and hard work into it. As somebody who has a strong bond and relationship with my own mum, I just resonated with her very deeply,” Lemafa says.

“It was definitely iconic because I think it was the only show that week that ended in a standing ovation.

“That spoke a lot of words and volume for how much love and support she had throughout the entire room.”

Away from the runway, both models say faith and family help keep them grounded.

Prayer is part of their preparation before stepping onto the runway, giving them a moment to center themselves before the pressure starts.

Meiya Lemafa was the PFFS Face of Fusions 2024. Photo/PFFS/Facebook

Lemafa says the opportunity also comes with a responsibility to encourage other Pacific young people to take a chance on creative careers.

“My advice for the young Pacific youth is always take opportunities. Especially in the modelling or creative industries because they're not really considered a reliable pathway.

“You just have to do your best with whatever you're given, no matter how small or big the chance is.”

While Viliamu Tilialo says the message is about believing in yourself while staying humble and trusting that every person’s journey will look different.

But both models agree the runway is becoming a place where Pacific identity is not something to leave backstage. It is something to walk out with.