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Fa’afafine playwright, Hibiscus Tupua-Wilson, talks to Oliver Hall about using art, theatre, and ballroom to uplift Aotearoa’s queer Pasifika youth. 

At 26, Hibiscus Tupua-Wilson is already a commanding voice in Aotearoas queer Pasifika arts scene. A writer, performer, and godmother of the House of Marama, she embodies the resilience of living as a faafafine and trans woman in contemporary New Zealand. Her life, rooted in Samoan culture and artistic expression, is a testament to the power of knowing who you are—and telling your story on your own terms. 

Born and raised in Lower Hutt, Hibiscus describes her upbringing as humbling and loving,thanks largely to a supportive family. I count my blessings,she says. I am very honoured and grateful and lucky to have a family that is supportive and who have been part of my journey since birth.That unwavering familial acceptance has shaped how she navigates the world—and how she uplifts others who arent so lucky. If you’re in a position where you have love and support, share that with those who don’t.” 

Her recent stage work, WTF – WHAT THE FAʻAFAFINE!?!, drew acclaim at the 2025 Kia Mau Festival. The production grew from a solo performance in 2020 into a full ensemble piece, marking a high point in her career. It resonated with audiences through its fearless embrace of dual identity—melding the Indigenous third-gender faafafine with the Western identity of being a trans woman. 

I’m not one or the other,she says. I identify as bothone is cultural and Indigenous, one is a Westernised concept, and Im just bridging those two identities together.The piece wasnt just theatre—it was healing. It brought together her chosen family, other performers of trans and queer experience, and told parts of her story she couldnt carry alone. 

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But Hibiscus is clear that her purpose extends beyond the stage. Her journey as faafafine began in early adolescence—around age 13—when she resonated with older faafafine cousins and aunties. Later, around 17, she began identifying as a trans woman. When you navigate more into your own journey, you start to reveal more layers about yourself,she says. Thats something I did after being firmly grounded as fa’afafine.” 

Theres still confusion and misconception about what it means to be faafafine. Hibiscus is patient but firm: Its not a trans woman. Its not a gay man. Its not based on gender or sexuality. Its an energy, an essence, a spiritual and cultural identity that is unique to Samoan people.She explains that before Christian colonisation, faafafine were respected and celebrated. Missionaries brought the binary and the shame,she says. We’re still reclaiming what was always ours. 

Today, Hibiscus lives in central Wellington, the city she calls the capital of the arts in Aotearoa.Its here she has found creative and personal community, especially through her involvement in the ballroom scene. As godmother of the House of Marama, shes helping nurture the next generation of queer Pasifika artists, many of whom find confidence and identity through performance. 

Ballroom is where I really shaped my womanhood,she says. It was created by Black and Latina trans women, and I always honour that. I wouldnt be the strong woman I am today without ballroom. 

Her advice as a motherto emerging queer Pasifika artists? Be firm and grounded in who you are first,she says. Before you create something, build your foundation. Because if you present something half-formed, it dims your light and the work you want to do. 

Though she hasnt been back to Samoa since 2016, that visit as a teenager left a deep impression. Planting your feet in the soil of Samoa—it’s a spiritual connection. It reminded me of who I am, and where I come from.Both her parents were born in Samoa and migrated to New Zealand in the 1980s, seeking opportunity. Now their daughter is using that opportunity to speak loudly, clearly—and with love. 

Ultimately, Hibiscus Tupua-Wilsons story isnt just about being seen on stage. Its about what happens when a young Samoan person is allowed to grow into their truth without shame, and then turns around to lift others up, too. 

We’re just human beings,she says. We want to be loved. We want to be heard. We want to be seen. Were not challenging anyone. Were just existing—and that should be enough. 

Follow Hibiscus on Instagram @hibiscus.xo 

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