Posted Friday 09 Jan 2026
This award recognises an outstanding contribution by a Moana Pasifika woman in any field in the Aotearoa/New Zealand screen industry
The finalists are (WIFT Members in BOLD)
ANAPELA POLATA’IVAO
To call Anapela a powerhouse would do her a disservice; her decades-long creative nurturing presence in the New Zealand film industry has sent a vital message of hope and inspiration to a wealth of Pacific and indigenous women on and off-screen. Her leading role in the record-breaking kiwi film Tinā captures so perfectly her contribution to both audiences and the industry as a whole.
SANDRA KAILAHI
Her stellar mahi as a leading journalist for Tagata Pasfika paved the way for longer form storytelling of the highest order for Sandra, who has become a top notch producer telling stories across the small and big screen. The success of films like Uproar and For My Father’s Kingdom are a clear testament to her passion and drive.
LISA TAOUMA
Lisa’s significant contribution to the development of Moana-centric content has had a huge impact on the screen industry. Leading the way with her pioneering Pasifika show Fresh and continuing to build a distinct and impressive catalogue of digital content amassed on The Coconet TV Lisa lives and breathes her commitment to showcasing the voices of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa