Aroha Edward Awarau
Award-winning New Zealand journalist, playwright, and filmmaker
Aroha Edward Awarau, a celebrated New Zealand journalist, playwright, and filmmaker, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at the age of 49. Known for his powerful storytelling and unwavering commitment to uplifting Māori and marginalized voices, Awarau left an indelible mark across the realms of theatre, screen, and journalism. His passing in Ponsonby, Auckland, followed a short battle with cancer, leaving a profound void in Aotearoa's artistic community.
Born in Hāwera, Taranaki, in 1976, Awarau's talent for writing was evident from a young age, earning him the prestigious Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Award three times during his high school years. He pursued higher education, graduating with a degree in Film and Television from the University of Waikato in 1998, and later a journalism degree from the Auckland University of Technology in 2004. His early career saw him contribute to the New Zealand film industry before transitioning into journalism, where he became an award-winning reporter for various prominent publications and Māori Television.
Awarau's theatrical contributions were particularly impactful, with his debut play, "Luncheon," earning Best Play at the 2014 New Zealand Script Writing Awards. He continued to explore challenging social themes through his work, including "Officer 27," a finalist at the NZ Adam Playwriting Awards in 2016, which delved into police violence and a grieving mother's story. His play "Provocation," staged during the 2020 Auckland Pride Festival, boldly addressed the controversial "gay panic" defence, showcasing his dedication to queer justice and legacy.
Beyond the stage, Awarau was a prolific filmmaker, with short films such as "Home," "Disrupt," and "Puti" garnering national and international acclaim. "Home" premiered at the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival in Toronto, while "Puti" was a finalist at the 2025 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival. Throughout his diverse career, Awarau consistently championed Indigenous perspectives and created space for underrepresented narratives in mainstream media.
As a proud queer artist of Māori, Niuean, and Samoan descent, Awarau's work was characterized by deep compassion and moral clarity, challenging injustice and fostering essential conversations. He was also a mentor to emerging writers and an advocate for greater Māori representation in the arts. His legacy is etched in the powerful stories he told, the truths he insisted upon, and the countless lives he touched through his fearless creativity and generosity of spirit.