Tofiga Fepulea’i brings the laughs while taking top honours at Arts Pasifika Awards

The Pacific comedian, actor and MC says receiving his latest accolade means a lot to him, giving his biggest thanks to his wife.

Fepulea'i is one of several talented artists recognised at the 30th anniversary ceremony of the Awards, held last night in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

The prestigious event celebrates three decades of Pacific excellence and achievement across the arts sector.

Tofiga Fepulea'i, the recipient of the Special Recognition Award 2026, accepted his prize with his trademark humour, gratitude to Creative New Zealand and bringing laughter to the audience.

In his acceptance speech, Fepulea'i joked he is also thrilled about the financial award of NZ$50,000 that comes with the honour.

“But what an honour it is to be here, really humbled, going to see so many beautiful faces, the faces that inspired me growing up, and the faces that are still here, that continue to make me want to be better.”

He shared his gratitude to the institutions that helped shape his early journey, his family, friends and the peers in his craft and career.

Tofiga Fepulea'i. Photo/Creative New Zealand

“The biggest thank you, really, is to my beautiful wife. I've always [made] a lot of jokes about her. She's held in there and she's still with me, so it takes a lot of resilience.”

Other distinguished recipients include The Black Grace Trust, winning the Pacific Arts Business Award.

Tu'ifonualava Kaivelata, a master artist and traditional musician, takes home the Pacific Heritage Artist Award, while Benjamin Work receives the Pacific Contemporary Artist Award for his innovative approach.

Julia Mage’au Gray, a multidisciplinary artist and cultural practitioner receives the Senior Pacific Artist Award, making history as the first New Zealand and Papua New Guinea artist to win it.

Julia Mage’au Gray. Photo/Creative New Zealand

“I want to acknowledge tangata whenua, the land and the people of this land in which my family and I stand and share our lives. How incredibly special it is to live and love here.

“As the first Papua New Guinean and definitely not the last, we are here to stay.”

In a media release, Maiava Keven Mealamu, an Arts Council member, says the awards provide an important platform to recognise the dynamic contribution of Pasifika artists to Aotearoa and the world.

“[They have] 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.”

Mealamu also acknowledges Albert Wendt CNZM ONZ, the renowned writer and academic, for his vision to create the awards in 1996, as the chair of Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Committee.

He calls the Award’s roots “a beautiful legacy”.

Jannita Pilisi, another Arts Council member, says the recipients are champions of cultural treasures.

She says the milestone is a wonderful opportunity to honour past generations and nurture Pasifika arts for the future.