Tributes Pour In for Award-Winning Journalist Aroha Awarau

Aroha Awarau, a celebrated Māori journalist and playwright, has passed away at the age of 49. His death was confirmed through a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, stating he left this world “surrounded by care and love.” The post highlighted Awarau’s remarkable character, noting, “True to the way he lived, Aroha met this final moment with grace, courage, and his unmistakable spirit.”

Awarau’s legacy is marked by his creative contributions to both theatre and journalism. His debut play, Luncheon, which starred Jennifer Ward-Lealand and was directed by Katie Wolfe, won the award for Best Play at the 2014 New Zealand Script Writing Awards. His second play, Officer 27, was recognized as a finalist at the NZ Adam Playwriting Awards, showcasing his ability to blend real-life events with compelling storytelling. Awarau collaborated with Ward-Lealand and broadcaster Peata Melbourne on the short film Disrupt, and his most recent work, the short film Puti, was released in 2025.

In the realm of journalism, Awarau made significant strides across various New Zealand media outlets, including Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Day, Māori Television, and RNZ. Notably, he conducted a high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey during her visit to New Zealand in 2018 for the film A Wrinkle in Time.

Community Outpouring of Love and Remembrance

Friends and colleagues have expressed their grief and admiration for Awarau’s contributions. Ward-Lealand shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, stating, “E te hoa piri pono, Aroha Awarau, kua wehe wawe rawa koe, ā, kei te tangi hotuhotu tēnei ngākau,” which translates to “My dear, true friend, Aroha Awarau, you have left us too soon, and this heart weeps.” She reflected on their shared experiences, emphasizing the deep affection she holds for him.

The performing arts company Te Pou Theatre also posted a tribute, stating, “Aroha Awarau: fabulous fierce friend and storyteller extraordinaire has finished his brave fight and we are broken-hearted.” They highlighted his dedication to uplifting true stories and creating narratives that resonated with Māori, Pacific, BIPOC, and queer communities. The organization noted that Awarau had been a cherished member of their family for over a decade and expressed their sorrow that his laughter would no longer fill their spaces.

Awarau’s body will be at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku in Auckland until midday Friday, with final details regarding his funeral yet to be announced.

In a world where storytelling is essential, Aroha Awarau’s vibrant spirit and impactful work will be remembered. His commitment to sharing often-overlooked narratives has left an indelible mark on both the creative and journalistic landscapes of New Zealand.