Five Samoan artists have come out on top at this year’s Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, 5 November, celebrating excellence and innovation across the Pacific creative sector.

Tina star Anapela Polataivao ONZM, with roots in Vailoa, Vaiusu, Fagae’e, and Safue, received the Senior Pacific Artist Award for her outstanding achievements in theatre and film. A Toi Whakaari graduate, Polataivao is known for directing acclaimed productions including The Factory, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, The Savage Coloniser Show, and Red, White and Brass. She also created Alofagia: Le Opera featuring Sol3 Mio, and most recently directed The Monster in the Maze for New Zealand Opera. A founding member of Kila Kokonut Krew, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023 for her services to Pacific arts.

The Pacific Toa Award went to Tejit Records, founded by Samoan couple Moni and Ese Aumalesulu. Based in Auckland, the duo has built a leading audio production company, creating music and recordings for artists and businesses. They have collaborated with Pacific musicians such as Vaniah Toloa, Sammy Atoa, and the Four Brothers, establishing Tejit Records as a driving force in Pacific sound production.

Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu, who hails from Salelologa, Mulifanua, Leauva’a, and Grey Lynn, was recognised with the Special Recognition Award for her contributions to Pacific communities through education, cultural wellbeing, and the creative arts. With more than 30 years of experience, Seiuli founded Black Sei in 2016, a creative company focused on authentic cultural expression. She also directs ASB Polyfest and leads the National Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa network, strengthening Pacific youth engagement and cultural celebration across the country.

The Emerging Pacific Artist Award was presented to Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson, who is of Niuean, Tongan, and Samoan heritage. A graduate of the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts, he has performed in acclaimed theatre productions including O le Pepelo, Le Gaoi Ma le Pala’ai, Still Life of Chickens, and My Name is Pilitome. His on-screen credits include Panthers, Shortland Street, and Red, White and Brass. Fa’avae-Jackson is also a musician, with his debut single Mavehe nominated for Best Pacific Music Video at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards.

Rounding out the Samoan recipients, Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, a baritone from Flaxmere with Samoan roots, received the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award. He is a graduate of the Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio and a member of the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Company. Fonoti-Fuimaono has won numerous national singing competitions and was a grand finalist in the Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award.

The annual Arts Pasifika Awards recognise Pacific artists whose work strengthens identity, storytelling, and creative excellence in Aotearoa and across the region.