CNZ Arts Pasifika Awards 2026: Celebrating 30 Years of Pacific Excellence

Thirty years of Pacific excellence in the arts is being celebrated as Creative New Zealand honours the artists, performers and cultural practitioners shaping Aotearoa and the world.

The 30th annual Arts Pasifika Awards ceremony was held in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, on Thursday 22 October, bringing together this year's recipients to celebrate their contributions to Pacific arts and culture.

Among this year's award winners are internationally acclaimed dance company The Black Grace Trust, comedian and actor Tofiga Fepulea'i, multidisciplinary artist Julia Mage’au Gray and master artist and traditional musician Tu'ifonualava Kaivelata.

Manuha’apai Vaeatangitau

Auckland-based interdisciplinary artist Manuha’apai Vaeatangitau has received the Emerging Pacific Artist Award, recognising an emerging talent in the Pacific arts community.

The award continues Creative New Zealand's support for the next generation of Pacific artists and their developing creative practices.

Julia Mage’au Gray

Multidisciplinary artist and cultural practitioner Julia Mage’au Gray has received the Senior Pacific Artist Award, recognising her longstanding commitment to her arts practice in Aotearoa, the Pacific Islands and around the world.

Julia makes history as the first New Zealand-Papua New Guinea artist to receive the award, marking a significant milestone for Pacific representation in the arts.

The Black Grace Trust

The acclaimed Black Grace Trust is the recipient of the Pacific Arts Business Award, recognising a Pasifika-led creative enterprise for its contribution to the arts through business sustainability and economic outcomes.

The award is only in its second year and celebrates the important role Pacific-led businesses play in supporting and sustaining creative practice.

Tofiga Fepulea'i

Comedian, actor and MC Tofiga Fepulea'i, from Wellington, has received the 2026 Special Recognition Award for his contribution to Pacific arts, both nationally and internationally.

Known for his work across comedy and entertainment, Tofiga is among the Pacific creatives whose work continues to contribute to the arts landscape in Aotearoa and beyond.

Tu'ifonualava Kaivelata

Master artist (tufunga) and traditional musician Tu'ifonualava Kaivelata has been awarded the Pacific Heritage Artist Award.

The award recognises his contribution to maintaining, reviving and promoting Pacific heritage artforms in Aotearoa, honouring the practitioners who continue to carry traditional knowledge, skills and cultural practices forward.

Benjamin Work

Benjamin Work is the recipient of the Pacific Contemporary Artist Award, recognising his innovative approach to contemporary arts practice.

The award celebrates Pacific artists continuing to explore and develop new approaches to creative expression.

Amosa Lene Isara

Singer, musician and composer Amosa Lene Isara has received the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award.

The award supports the career development of a Pasifika artist working across classical music genres, continuing the legacy of the late opera singer Iosefa Enari through the recognition and development of Pacific musical talent.

Taliaoa Jokani Umutaua

Christchurch dancer Taliaoa Jokani Umutaua is this year's recipient of the Pacific Toa Award.

The award recognises his contribution to Pacific arts as a Pasifika artist with the lived experience of disability, celebrating his place in the arts and the importance of recognising disabled Pacific creatives.

CNZ ARTS PASIFIKA AWARDS WINNERS 2026

• Pacific Arts Business Award: The Black Grace Trust

• Special Recognition Award: Tofiga Fepulea'i

• Senior Pacific Artist Award: Julia Mage’au Gray

• Pacific Heritage Artist Award: Tu'ifonualava Kaivelata

• Pacific Contemporary Artist Award: Benjamin Work

• Iosefa Enari Memorial Award: Amosa Lene Isara

• Pacific Toa Award: Taliaoa Jokani Umutaua

• Emerging Pacific Artist Award: Manuha’apai Vaeatangitau