Pasifika Make Unique Imprint on Aotearoa Arts Landscape

Pacific contributions to the New Zealand arts scene are unique and flourishing said Pele Walker, chair of Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Committee, as she addressed the 2008 Arts Pasifika Awards held in Manukau City on Monday 17 November. The awards are an opportunity to encourage and celebrate excellence in Pacific arts in New Zealand. “Every year we are thrilled and delighted with not only the calibre of artists nominated but the range of artistic fields that they work in.” Among those who won awards were the Samoan composer/conductor Igelese Ete (Samoa) who was awarded the Senior Pacific Artist prize ($7000); the Auckland-based Enuamanu Atiu Nui Marurua Society Inc (Cook Islands) in recognition of its Collection of Writings from Enuamanu and Beyond: E Autataangano Enuamanu e Ta Te Aukorero (2007); the critically acclaimed Auckland playwright, Dianna Fuemana (Samoa), who received the Pacific Innovation and Excellence Award ($5000); the 22 year-old opera singer James Ioelu (Samoa) who received the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award ($3000) to pursue study opportunities overseas; and emerging artists Linda Tuafale Tanoa’i (Samoa) and Leilani Kake (Cook Islands and Nga Puhi) who were each awarded $3000 for their cutting edge visual art.