New Zealand actress Anapela Polataivao was born in Samoa.
Polataivao began acting as a child at the age of eight. She was part of the Maidment Youth Theatre at the University of Auckland and in 2000 graduated from the New Zealand drama school Toi Whakaari with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting). With Goretti Chadwick, Polataivao created the comedy duo Pani and Pani. They also created and present the Maori Television show, Games of Bros.
Polataivao worked as acting tutor at PIPA (Pacific Institute of Performing Arts), and has directed plays in New Zealand and New York. She has since worked as an acting coach as well as an actress.
In theater she is a busy actor and director.
Shortland Street(1992)as Hanalei To'a, Bank Teller
Tina(2024)as Mareta
The Rule of Jenny Pen(2024)as Carer Jasmine
Our Flag Means Death(2022)as Auntie
The Messenger(2023)as Olivia Leota
The Factory(2013)
Impossible
Hollywood First Look(2017)as Self
Game of Bros(2016)as Self
Weekend Breakfast(2012)as Self - Actor, Tinâ
