Pacific artists working across comedy, dance, music and visual arts have been recognised at the 2026 Arts Pasifika Awards, marking 30 years of the honours.

Eight recipients were celebrated at the Creative New Zealand ceremony in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) on October 22, recognising contributions across contemporary and heritage arts, emerging talent and creative business.

Comedian, actor and presenter Tofiga Fepulea'i received the Special Recognition Award for his contribution to Pacific arts nationally and internationally.

Mr Fepulea'i acknowledged the artists who inspired him and continue to influence his work.

"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 said.

His acknowledgements included the institutions that helped shape his early career, alongside family, friends and fellow artists.

Mr Fepulea'i reserved his biggest thanks for his wife.

"The biggest thank you, really, is to my beautiful wife," he said.

"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."

Multidisciplinary artist and cultural practitioner Julia Mage'au Gray received the Senior Pacific Artist Award, becoming the first New Zealand-Papua New Guinea artist to receive the honour.

The award recognised her commitment to her practice in New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and internationally.

Ms Gray acknowledged tangata whenua, the Indigenous people of the land, during her acceptance speech.

"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," she said.

"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."

Tongan interdisciplinary artist Manuha'apai Vaeatangitau received the Emerging Pacific Artist Award.

Her practice spans illustration, painting, performance, writing and screen, exploring queer Pacific identities.

Ms Vaeatangitau reflected on the importance of having her contribution acknowledged.

"The value of recognition is being seen as a meaningful contributor to culture, to art, and to the life of my fellow people," Ms Vaeatangitau said.

The Black Grace Trust received the Pacific Arts Business Award, recognising its contribution as a Pasifika-led creative enterprise.

Master artist and traditional musician Tu'ifonualava Kaivelata received the Pacific Heritage Artist Award for maintaining, reviving and promoting Pacific heritage artforms.

Benjamin Work received the Pacific Contemporary Artist Award for his approach to contemporary arts practice.

Amosa Lene Isara received the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award, supporting career development in classical music.

Christchurch dancer Taliaoa Jokani Umutaua received the Pacific Toa Award, recognising his contribution as a Pasifika artist with lived experience of disability.

Arts Council member Maiava Keven Mealamu acknowledged writer and academic Albert Wendt's vision in establishing the awards in 1996 as chair of Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Committee.

Fellow council member Jannita Pilisi recognised the anniversary as an opportunity to honour earlier generations while nurturing Pacific arts for the future.

The awards' 30th anniversary also recognised the generations who have shaped Pacific arts and those who will carry them forward.

"It's a reminder to us all that the legacy of our Pasifika arts is not only something we inherit, but something we continue to nurture, grow, and pass on to those who come after us," Ms Pilisi said.