Creative New Zealand Announces Recipients For 2025 Arts Pasifika Awards

7 November 2025

Creative New Zealand announces the recipients of the 2025 Arts Pasifika Awards, which celebrate excellence in Pacific arts across a range of disciplines and have been presented annually since 1996 through a public nominations process.

The in-person ceremony will take place at Te Papa Museum in Wellington on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. It will be hosted by Arts Council Chair Kent Gardner, with Hon. Paul Goldsmith, Minister of Arts, also attending and delivering a speech.

This year’s recipients demonstrate the diversity of Pacific arts practice, celebrating long-standing practitioners whose work has shaped generations and emerging artists whose talents signal an exciting future.

Eight awards are being presented, including the newly created Pacific Arts Business Award, which recognises the contribution of a Pasifika-led creative enterprise demonstrating innovation and leadership in business.

Kent Gardner, Chair of the Arts Council Toi Aotearoa, is thrilled to celebrate Pacific arts excellence through the only awards dedicated to honouring Pacific artists and their contributions.

“I’m excited for the inclusion of the Pacific Arts Business Award, as it recognises Pasifika-led creative enterprises that demonstrate excellence in business. These enterprises are not only driving the creative economy but also creating opportunities for local and global audiences to participate in Pacific arts,” says Kent.

A celebrated actor, director, and storyteller, Anapela Polataivao ONZM receives the Senior Pacific Artist Award for her outstanding contribution to Pacific theatre, performance, and community arts. The Pacific Arts Business Award goes to The Coconet TV and Tikilounge Productions Ltd, whose work champions Pacific stories across film, digital, and television platforms.

Jewellery and crafts artist Sofia Tekela-Smith receives the Pacific Contemporary Artist Award for her exceptional artistry exploring identity and connection through contemporary Pacific design.

The Pacific Toa Award is presented to Tejit Records in recognition of their efforts to empower Pacific musicians and celebrate creativity within the music industry. The Veiqia Project earns the Pacific Heritage Artist Award for their work revitalising and celebrating Fijian female tattooing traditions through research, exhibitions, and storytelling.

Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu receives the Special Recognition Award for her dedication to Pacific arts advocacy and community development. Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson is recognised with the Emerging Pacific Artist Award for his growing impact as a performer and storyteller, while Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono receives the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award in recognition of his contribution to classical music and artistic growth.

Jannita Pilisi, Arts Council member, says the awards highlights the impact Pacific arts continues to have on our creative ecosystem.

“This year’s recipients are champions of cultural koloa (treasures), mentors, and leaders in our arts communities. Their contributions are a reminder to us that Pacific art is not only an individual achievement, but includes our entire village,” says Jannita.

2025 Arts Pacific Awards recipients:

· Senior Pacific Artist ($25,000) - Anapela Polataivao ONZM

· Pacific Arts Business Award (10,000) – The Coconet/Tikilounge Productions Ltd

· Pacific Contemporary Artist Award ($10,00) – Sofia Tekela-Smith

· Pacific Toa Award ($10,000) – Tejit Records

· Pacific Heritage Artist Award ($10,000)– The Veiqia Project

· Special Recognition Award ($10,00)– Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu

· Emerging Pacific Artist Award ($7,500): – Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson

· Iosefa Enari Memorial Award ($7,500) – Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono

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