13 Aug 2026
Pacific violinist, conductor, and music educator Anne Filimoehala has received the Creative New Zealand Award at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards.
Presented through Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy in partnership with the Pacific Music Awards, the award recognises Pacific artists and creative leaders whose work demonstrates innovation, leadership and lasting impact for the arts and Pacific communities.
As Music Director of Sistema Aotearoa, Anne leads a team delivering free, inclusive orchestral music education across South Auckland. Through her leadership, more than 1,200 tamariki each year have access to high-quality music education that supports wellbeing, confidence, resilience and leadership, while creating pathways for lifelong engagement in music and the arts.
Raised in a music making family, Anne's musical journey began at an early age through brass bands before expanding into orchestral performance, conducting and music education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Auckland in 2021, majoring in Classical Violin Performance.
Anne's development as a conductor has also been supported through Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy partnership with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. As an Associate Conducting Fellow, she toured with the NZSO across the Upper North Island and to Tonga.
Creative New Zealand Senior Manager Pacific Arts, Makerita Urale, presented the award at the event at the Dew Drop Centre in Auckland last night.
"Our Pacific Arts Strategy is focused on investing, celebrating and growing Pacific creative leadership across Aotearoa for the world. Anne exemplifies that vision through her commitment to empowering young people and communities through classical music to nurture the next generation of Pacific musicians,” says Makerita.
Receiving the award, Anne acknowledged the influence of her family and community on her musical journey.
"My family has instilled in me a deep understanding of the importance of making music accessible to everyone. Music has the power to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. I am honoured to receive this recognition and to continue supporting young people and communities through music,” says Anne.
About the Creative New Zealand Award in partnership with the Pacific Music Awards
The Creative New Zealand Award is presented in partnership with the Pacific Music Awards and recognises Pacific artists and creative leaders who are advancing Pacific creativity, innovation and impact.
Anne joins a distinguished group of recipients whose work has shaped the musical landscape of Aotearoa including the late Chris "DJ Mu" Faiumu, NOA Records, Lady Shaka and Shepherds Reign.
Previous recipients of the Creative New Zealand Award
- 2025 – Chris "DJ Mu" Faiumu
- 2024 – NOA Records
- 2023 – Lady Shaka
- 2022 – Shepherds Reign
Media contact
Matafanua Tamatoa
Media@creativenz.govt.nz