Celebrating our Pasifika Festivals of Aotearoa
The national digital home for Pasifika festivals, providing a national festival directory, professional development opportunities, sector resources, research, leadership initiatives, and pathways for collaboration.
WHO WE AREAbout Us
Highlights of Pasifika Festivals Initiative Fono - Produced by Vain Creative
Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa Inc. is a registered charity and New Zealand’s first national peak body for Pacific festivals.
We connect and strengthen more than 40 Pacific-led festivals across Aotearoa through collaboration, advocacy, research, professional development and shared resources. Grounded in Pacific values, we support current and future festival leaders while celebrating the cultural, social and economic contribution Pacific festivals make to our communities.
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected and sustainable future for Pacific festivals.
Connect Festivals
Bringing festival organisers together to share experience, ideas, and support.
Share Resources
Providing practical resources, templates, and guidance for sustainable festival delivery.
Advocate Nationally
Advocate nationally Championing the importance of Pacific arts, culture, and community events nationally.
THE PFA INC LEADERSHIP AND EXECUTIVE BOARDOur People
Fakaalofa lahi atu, Kia orana, Tālofa Lava, Mālō e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Malo nī, Noa’ia, Halo olaketa, Tēnā koutou katoa!
PFA Inc. is led by a Leadership Team, Executive Committee, and Project Team with expertise spanning education, arts and culture, festival and event management, production, governance, communications, and strategic leadership.
Leadership Team
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Black Sei Limited
Seiuli Terri Leo-Mau’u is a respected Pacific leader, cultural advocate and community champion with over 30 years’ experience across education, Pacific equity, event management, community engagement, social impact and the creative arts. As Director of ASB Polyfest and a champion of Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa Inc., she has played a significant role in strengthening spaces where Pasifika identity, language, culture and intergenerational connection can thrive.
Guided by faith, family and purpose, Seiuli continues to advocate for the wellbeing of Pacific communities and the long-term sustainability of Pasifika festivals across Aotearoa. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to honouring the vā, uplifting our people, and ensuring future generations have meaningful opportunities to celebrate who they are.
2025 Arts Pasifika Special Recognition Award recipient; Director of ASB Polyfest; Founder of Black Sei; advocate for Pasifika cultural wellbeing, community development and Autism awareness.
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Fe’unu Koula Global Academy of Tongan Arts
Losalia Milika Pusiaki’Aleva is a respected Tongan cultural leader, creative practitioner and community advocate dedicated to preserving, celebrating and sharing Tongan arts, dance and cultural knowledge. As Managing Director of Fe’unu Koula Global Academy of Tongan Arts, Dance & Culture, she has helped create spaces where Tongan creativity, identity and heritage are honoured, uplifted and passed on to future generations.
Through her work across cultural education, performance, fashion, artisan showcases and community initiatives, Losalia continues to champion the value of Pacific knowledge holders and the importance of keeping our cultural practices visible, vibrant and alive. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to family, community and the ongoing celebration of Tongan and Pasifika culture across Aotearoa.
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Pasifika Fusion
Epenesa Faaiuaso is a dedicated Pacific educator, creative practitioner and community leader based in Palmerston North. As an early childhood teacher at Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and Secretary for Pasifika Fusion, she has contributed meaningfully to the growth and visibility of Pacific culture, language and identity within her community.
With a background in fashion design, wearable arts and visual arts, Epenesa brings creativity, care and cultural pride to her work. Through her involvement in Pasifika Fusion, she continues to support opportunities for Pacific young people to connect with their heritage, celebrate their talents and stand confidently in who they are.
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Kia Mau Festival
Mīria George and Hone Kouka are a creative leadership team and co-founders of Tawata Productions and Kia Mau Festival. Through their work as writers, directors, producers and festival leaders, they have helped shape powerful platforms for Māori, Pasifika and global Indigenous storytelling in Aotearoa and beyond.
Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Kia Mau Festival is a biennial contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana and Indigenous arts festival that celebrates bold, innovative and culturally grounded performance. Through their leadership, Mīria and Hone continue to champion whakapapa, whanaungatanga, creative excellence and the ongoing visibility of Indigenous voices across the arts and festival sector.
Co-founders of Tawata Productions; Co-founders of Kia Mau Festival; leaders in Māori, Pasifika and Indigenous theatre, film and festival practice; Hone Kouka MNZM, 2022 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate and Sir Roger Hall Theatre Award recipient; Mīria George, Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writer in Residence and Bruce Mason Playwriting Prize recipient.
Executive Committee
CHAIRPERSON
Philippa Pip Laufiso MZNM
Pip is a Pacific arts and community leader with a strong commitment to empowering young people and celebrating Pacific and Māori cultures. Through her leadership across diverse communities, she continues to create meaningful opportunities that strengthen cultural identity, creativity, and community connection.
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Lead Adviser Pacific, Otago Southland, Ministry of Education. General Manager, Otago Polyfest. Board Member, NZ Music Commission. Co-Director, Inati Aotearoa. Former Executive Officer, Kōkiri Training Centre. Lecturer and Adviser, Dunedin College of Education and University of Otago.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON
Gabrielle-Sisifo Gabby Makisi QSM
Gabby is a Pacific educator and community leader dedicated to advancing education, culture, and opportunities for Pacific communities. Her work continues to inspire and empower Pacific youth and families across Aotearoa.
Queen’s Service Medal recipient. Manager Pacific Outcomes, Ministry of Education (National Office). CEO, Vinepa Trust. Chairperson, Tagata Moana Trust. Active governance and community leadership roles across Wellington including: PACIFICA; COGS; Sa Petaia.
TREASURER
Tania Carran
Tania is a respected Māori and Pacific community leader and cultural advocate from Murihiku. As General Manager of Mīharo, she is dedicated to creating opportunities that celebrate culture, empower rangatahi, and strengthen community connections through the arts, festivals, and cultural development.
General Manager, Mīharo Murihiku. Board Member, Waverley Park School.
FOLLOW PFA INCS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMSFollow Our Socials
FESTIVAL ECOSYSTEM MEMBERSHIPNetwork With The World of Pasifika Festivals
PFA Inc. connects festivals, organisers, and partners who are committed to strengthening Pacific cultural events in Aotearoa. Members gain access to shared resources, connections with other organisers, and opportunities to collaborate nationally and internationally.