Pacific creators take centre stage as Matangi and Savali dominate 2025 TikTok Awards

For the first time, Pacific creators truly stole the spotlight on the world’s biggest short-form video stage.

Australian-based Tongan family man, Ilai Matangi, and multi-talented New Zealand artist Lance Savali were among the night’s biggest winners at the 2025 TikTok Awards in Sydney on Wednesday.

Matangi and Savali’s recognition signals the unstoppable rise of Pacific voices in digital media.

Last year, Matangi stood on the stage as TikTok Comedy Creator of the Year, and since then, his family-oriented content has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

Based on the Gold Coast, Matangi, known as @havea676, thanked his dedicated community of more than 2.7 million followers during his acceptance speech. He particularly thanked his biggest support system: his wife and daughters.

“I’m so grateful for TikTok, it’s such an amazing platform,” Matangi says. “It gives me the opportunity to showcase my family, showcase my culture, and tell my story.

“I am up here tonight because of my community…I don’t have the words to express how much my heart is filled with gratitude…whether you voted, whether you follow, whether you share, from me and my family, I just want to thank you guys so much.”

Cheers erupted from the crowd as Matangi acknowledged “his village” in attendance, including his mother and sister. With tears in his eyes, he spoke to his family.

“My beautiful wife, Peta Matangi,” he says. “This woman believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself. She sees the best in me. I’m so grateful that you’re in my corner.

The Matangi family, Ilai and his wife Peta with their children. Mele, Leilini, and Nunia. Photo/Supplied

“There are the true stars of my show, my beautiful daughters. Leilini, Nunia, Mele, I love you guys so much. I’m so grateful to be your dad. I’m so grateful that you guys get to be up here tonight and witness Dad have a little win in his life. Because that’s a reminder to you girls that if I can do it, you girls can definitely do it.”

Matangi rose above fellow nominees Latisha Clark, Tammy Hembrow, Jiny Maeng, and Ben Stubbs, all of whom he acknowledged as deserving of recognition.

“We have done some amazing things on this platform. We’ve built some amazing communities and each and every one of us deserves to be up here.”

A particularly poignant moment unfolded onstage as Matangi dedicated his award to a close family friend, who had recently passed away. He spoke about the heartbreak his family faced.

“Fams, coming into this award, last week, we've had a pretty rough week. Me and my family lost someone that was really, really, close to our hearts. So I wanna dedicate this award to my sister, Tay. May you rest in peace Tay.”

Closing out the night with unapologetically Pacific pride, Matangi had the crowd join him in a resounding “cheehoo!”.

The red carpet event was held for the first time at the newly minted TikTok Entertainment Centre, formerly the International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC) Sydney Theatre. The change marks a historic milestone for the entertainment platform, signalling its first global move into venue naming rights.

Now in its fifth year, the TikTok Awards celebrate creators who entertained, educated, and inspired Australians and New Zealanders, with 14 awards recognising the very best in the community.

TikTok reports that this year’s awards had over 5000 in attendance, millions tuned in to the livestream, and drew in a record-breaking 6.4 million votes - three million more than last year.

Kiwi creators also shone with family man Louis Davis being named New Zealand Creator of the Year, an award presented by last year’s winner, Lisa Perese-Cullen. The Morning Shift (TMS) was a category finalist.

Theo Shakes, an actor and filmmaker studying at Toi Whakaari, claimed the inaugural Entertainment Creator of the Year award, while chef Andy Hearnden won Food Creator of the Year.

From performing on the world’s biggest stages alongside superstars like Beyonce and Chris Brown to topping music charts, the multi-talented Savali is emerging as one of Aotearoa’s most electrifying global performers.

Savali took home Music Artist of the Year award and during his acceptance speech, acknowledged all of his supporters.

“I don't even know what to say,” he says. “I just wanna say thank you to everyone who streams my music. I’m a little bit of a mixed bag.

“I think I’m just a dude who enjoys what he loves and tries to turn that into a reality. I think cool events like this, a room full of amazing creators is just a little reminder of why we do this.

“Shout out to my TMS brothers, shout out to all the people of New Zealand, and all the other nominees. Thank you so much, 685 all day.”

Fans can relive the TikTok Awards on @tiktok_australia.

Jordan Rivers, Brooke Ruscoe, and Matua Marc of The Morning Shift with Lance Savali. Photo/Supplied

2025 TikTok Award winners:

• Creator of the Year, presented by NESCAFÉ: Ilai Matangi (@havea_676)

• Video of the Year, presented by Tinder: Leah Halton (@looooooooch)

• TikTok for Good presented by Wicked: For Good: Josh Neille (@josh_neille)

• New Zealand Creator of the Year: Louis Davis (@louisdavis_)

• Food Creator of the Year: Andy Hearnden (@andy_cooks)

• Business of the Year, presented by HP: All For Mimi (@allformimi)

• Sports and Fitness Creator of the Year, presented by EHP Labs: Hannah Pearson (@hannahhpearson)

• Beauty and Fashion Creator of the Year, presented by Rimmel: Ellen Malone (@askellenbeauty)

• Music Artist of the Year, presented by Uber Eats: Lance Savali (@lancesavali)

• Entertainment Creator of the Year Award: Theo Shakes (@theoshakes)

• Learn on TikTok: Heidi Barlow (@womenshealthwithheidi)

• Comedy Creator of the Year: Liam Dowling and Ben Christopher (@nansfavourites)

• LIVE Creator of the Year: Ūla (@ulaulaula)

• High Quality Content Creator: Anthony Randello-Jahn (@thedonutdaddy)