Falefatu Enari wins Pacific Toa Art Award 2024
A huge congratulations to Māpura Studios artist Falefatu Enari who was presented with the Creative New Zealand Pacific Toa Award 2024.
The awards have been offered annually since 1996 to celebrate excellence in Pacific arts in New Zealand. They are the only national awards for Pasifika artists across all artforms. They range from contemporary to heritage arts, and across a range of stages in the artists’ careers – from emerging to established.
Visual artist Falefatu Carreras-Enari is the son of the late Iosefa Enari and was one of two recipients of the Pacific Toa Award. The other Pacific Toa Award winner this year is Max Stowers for his life-long contribution to Pacific music in New Zealand and globally. The award recognises the contribution of a Pasifika artist with the lived experience of disability.

Image: Before the ceremony Falefatu, Sister Rita and Mum Lopa Enari with photo of his dad Iosefa Enari

Image: Falefatu dancing on stage after receiving award

Image: Falefatu holding photo of his Dad flanked by other Pasifika arts superstars Edith Amituanai ( left) and Tusiata Avia

Image: Before the ceremony Falefatu, Rita and Lopa Enari and Māpura Studios tutor Cath O’Brien

Image: Falefatu with photo of his Dad , Hon Carmel Sepuloni Deputy leader Labour Party , Tusiata Avia, winner of the Senior Pacific Artist award
Here are a selection of Falefatu’s paintings, which are characterised by colourful, stylised figures, reflecting his heritage and culture.