The TikTok Awards 2025 marked a historic moment for the Pasifika community. In a night celebrating creativity and innovation on one of the world's largest platforms, three Pasifika creators rose to the top.
Havea Matangi was named TikTok Creator of the Year. Louis Davis took home New Zealand Creator of the Year. Music Artist of the Year, presented by Uber Eats, went to Lance Savali. Beyond these winners, a number of other Pasifika creators were also nominated, showing that our voices are rising and being recognized on a global stage.
These wins are remarkable when you consider the size of our islands on the world map. Our communities may be small, but the impact of Pasifika creators is immense. Each of these creators brings something unique to the table, yet they all share one thing in common. They put themselves out into the world without fear, creating content that is authentic, bold, and relatable.
Dads of TikTok
Havea Matangi has captured hearts with his humor, relatability, and warmth. His TikTok videos often feature his daughters and wife, bringing joy and laughter to countless screens around the world. People love him because they see themselves in his content, from family moments to funny antics and everyday life made entertaining and heartwarming.
Louis Davis went from creating videos for a university course to becoming one of New Zealand's top creators. As a Māori dad and husband, he shares authentic, family-focused content that resonates across the country and beyond. His videos often feature travel adventures and the ocean, two things he loves, blending family life with the beauty of nature and new places. Through his content, Louis connects viewers to his culture, his family, and the world around him, inspiring audiences to see the extraordinary in both the familiar and the natural world.
Lance Savali is a powerhouse performer whose talents stretch across music, dance, and television. Born in New Zealand, he has shared stages with Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, and first found fame with Paris Goebel's dance crew, The Royal Family. He has toured with Chris Brown and Rihanna, appeared as a choreographer on RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under and Celebrity Treasure Island, and served as a judge on Dancing with the Stars NZ. His music and dance content is infectious, getting people grooving and celebrating the art of performance.
These wins are not just personal achievements. They are community victories. They show that Pasifika excellence can thrive on worldwide platforms. The broader significance goes beyond individual recognition. It is a celebration of culture, creativity, and courage. These creators remind us that success begins with putting your content out there. Social media is free space for creativity, and their achievements prove that bold, authentic work can reach audiences far beyond our islands.
Support for these creators was strong and visible. Many of the awards were based on votes, and the Pasifika community showed up in force. Every like, share, and vote reflected the pride, unity, and encouragement that runs deep in our communities. Even with a small population, the love and support for our people is massive.
There are no limits to what Pasifika creators can achieve. Whether through humor, music, dance, or adventure, posting your content can open doors that once felt unreachable. Havea, Louis, Lance, and the many nominated creators have shown that when you share your voice, talent, and creativity with the world, opportunities follow.
Pasifika excellence has never been more visible. This moment at the TikTok Awards reminds us all to create boldly, share authentically, and embrace the limitless possibilities that come with putting yourself out there. If they can do it, so can you.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, December 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 12).
December 2025 · Digital Magazine
