PEAK Writers Fellowship Announces 2026 Class of Pasifika Talent

Who is the PEAK Writers Fellowship?

The Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK) runs an annual writers fellowship that aims to amplify voices of Pacific Islander descent. Each year the program selects five emerging writers whose work reflects the lived experience, culture and history of Pasifika peoples. The fellowship offers a blend of mentorship, professional development and industry exposure, all funded in part by Netflix newsroom. Since its inception, the initiative has become a key pipeline for new talent entering film, television and digital storytelling.

2026 Cohort Profile

The third cohort brings together a diverse group of writers from across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific region. Their projects span drama, comedy, documentary and speculative fiction, each rooted in authentic Pasifika narratives.

Kanani Koster

Kanani writes lyrical drama that explores intergenerational migration. Her latest script follows a Samoan family navigating the tension between traditional obligations and contemporary urban life. Koster has previously been shortlisted for the Screen Australia Emerging Writers Forum.

Erin Lau

Erin focuses on comedy that highlights the everyday humor of Pacific communities in New Zealand. Her pilot episode, set in a community centre, blends slapstick with sharp social commentary. Lau’s work has been featured in local theatre festivals and she is known for her collaborative approach.

Sean Oketani

Sean’s background in documentary filmmaking informs his narrative style. His proposed series examines the impact of climate change on island nations, weaving personal testimonies with visual storytelling. Oketani has contributed to several environmental awareness campaigns.

Neil Tinkham

Neil writes speculative fiction that imagines a future where Pacific cultures lead technological innovation. His story world incorporates Māori and Polynesian mythologies, creating a rich tapestry of cultural futurism. Tinkham’s short stories have appeared in regional literary journals.

Pouariʻi Tanne

Pouariʻi’s work centers on identity and language revitalisation. Her upcoming script follows a young woman returning to her ancestral village to learn the traditional language, confronting modern pressures along the way. Tanne has been a speaker at language preservation workshops.

Mentorship and Support Structure

Each fellow receives one‑on‑one mentorship from an established writer or director in the Pacific or broader Australasian market. Mentors guide fellows through script development, pitch preparation and industry networking. In addition, the fellowship provides:

• Access to a curated series of workshops on screenwriting fundamentals, cultural representation and financing.
• Opportunities to pitch projects to broadcasters, streaming platforms and production companies.
• Financial stipends that cover living costs during the six‑month program.
• Connections to a growing alumni network that continues to support career growth.

The mentorship model aligns with research from the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Pasifika page, which highlights the importance of guided pathways for emerging creators.

Industry Impact and Future Opportunities

By partnering with Netflix, the fellowship ensures that fellows’ projects have a clear route to global audiences. Netflix has a history of investing in regional content that showcases under‑represented voices, and its involvement adds credibility and visibility to the cohort’s work.

Beyond streaming, the fellowship opens doors to national broadcasters such as TVNZ and Māori Television, as well as international festivals that celebrate indigenous storytelling. Past fellows have seen their scripts optioned, their pilots produced, and their profiles raised within the industry.

How to Apply and What It Means for Pasifika Storytelling

Applications for the next cohort open in early 2027. Prospective writers must submit a portfolio of original work, a project proposal and a brief statement on how their writing contributes to Pasifika representation. The selection panel looks for originality, cultural authenticity and narrative potential.

For the broader Pasifika community, the fellowship represents a concrete investment in cultural preservation through modern media. As noted by Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand, storytelling has always been central to Pacific identity, and platforms like PEAK help translate that tradition into contemporary formats.

The 2026 cohort sets a benchmark for what can be achieved when funding, mentorship and cultural commitment converge. As the fellows develop their projects, audiences can expect fresh, nuanced stories that reflect the diversity and resilience of Pacific peoples.

With each new class, PEAK continues to nurture a generation of writers who will shape the future of film, television and digital media, ensuring that Pasifika voices are heard both at home and around the world.