The New Zealand Television Awards also today reveals Oscar Kightley as the 2023 Television Legend.
Kightley, whose full name is Vai To’elau Osa Isa’ako Mase, is a Samoan-born writer, director, show creator, playwright and actor who has been instrumental in creating critically acclaimed, award-winning work and has been a key player in bringing Pasifika stories into New Zealand’s mainstream for over three decades.
On behalf of the New Zealand Television Awards, Committee Member Adrian Stevanon said: “Oscar has pierced the glass ceiling for Pasifika storytellers working in the mainstream. In front of the camera, from comedy, sport, to drama and factual – his contribution has been massive. Behind the scenes, as a writer, director and mentor, his body of work is also significant. He’s been a positive Pasifika presence on TV and has always represented the pacific community with pride. The massive impact that he has had in the television industry makes him truly worthy of receiving this award.”
The prestigious TV Legend Award is presented to a television professional, programme or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the television industry in New Zealand over the span of their career. It is a special honour given at the discretion of the New Zealand Television Awards Committee. Previous TV Legend honourees include television producer Janine Morrell-Gunn (2022), actor and director Ian Mune (2021), television executive Andrew Shaw (2020), Shortland Street (2019), iconic Māori broadcaster and journalist Tini Molyneux (2018) and veteran producer John Barnett (2017).
The winners of this year’s New Zealand Television Awards will be announced on Tuesday 5 December at a red carpet gala event to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre. The ceremony will be hosted by Kura Forrester.
