John Pulu

John Pulu
Pulu in 2020
EducationBachelor of communication studies, Auckland University of Technology
OccupationsBroadcast journalist, television presenter, reporter, and director, community advocate
Years active2010–present
Known forTelevsion presenter and reporter for Tagata Pasifika
External videos
video icon John Pulu interviews Jacinda Ardern, RNZ, 2021
video icon PMN interview with John Pulu 20260304, Pacific Media Network, 2026[1]
video icon What does the Tongan language mean to you? - John Pulu, Bluwave TV, 2019[2]
video icon John Pulu #LIVE in Ōtāhuhu with Mate Ma’a Tonga old boys, Tagata Pasifika, 2018[3]
video icon Connecting our Voices with John Pulu, Pasifika Wire, 2025[4]

John Pulu is a New Zealand television presenter, broadcast journalist, reporter, and director, best known for his work on the TVNZ Pacific current affairs programme Tagata Pasifika.

Early life and education

Pulu is of Tongan and Fijian descent and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand.[5][6] Pulu is from the The Kingdom of Tonga. His family is from the suburb of Kolomotu‘a on the island of Tongatapu, as well as to the suburb of Holopeka within the Ha‘apai islands in Tonga. Additionally, he also has links to the Lau Islands of Fiji.[7][8]

While in high school, he interned at Tagata Pasifika, which motivated him to pursue a career in media.[9]

He enrolled at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), where he completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies with a major in television.[5] His studies included practical training across various production disciplines, including camera operation, directing, and presenting. During his undergraduate studies, he produced the short cultural documentaries The Modern Afo of Tonga and Kava Commune,[5] the latter exploring the customs of traditional Tongan kava ceremonies within New Zealand.[5][9] During his final year, he received an AUT and Pacific Islands Media Association scholarship. He graduated in 2010, receiving both the Spasifik Magazine prize and the Pacific Media Centre Storyboard Award for diversity journalism.[5][9]

He graduated in 2010.[9][10] After completing his degree, he transitioned into professional television journalism, securing a permanent role as a director and reporter for Tagata Pasifika.[9]

Career

Following his graduation, Pulu joined SunPix, the production company responsible for broadcasting Tagata Pasifika.[11][12][13]

He began working as a reporter for the programme, covering issues affecting Pacific communities both within New Zealand and across the broader Pacific region.[9][14] His broadcast portfolio includes coverage of community governance, cultural preservation, regional climate issues, and language initiatives.[15] Over his tenure, he transitioned into the role of studio co-presenter alongside Marama T-Pole.

Pulu serves as a master of ceremonies for Pacific diaspora cultural events, awards nights, and community functions throughout New Zealand.[15]

References

Citations

Sources

Newspapers and magazines

  • "Whānau Day 2025 aims to put Pacific, Māori youth on the tech map". Pacific Media Network. 30 October 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2026. Speaking with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Otako Kaufusi, the AWS Dreamhouse lead and event organiser, says Whānau Day intentionally aims to ...
  • "Pacific Mission 2024: The final wrap of a week on island time". NZ Herald. 11 February 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2026. Photo / John Pulu. It was very hard to leave the plentiful mangoes on the ground, knowing the cost of a single mango back home is about $8 ...
  • "Tongan-Australian officer makes history with Navy promotion". Pacific Media Network. 5 February 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026. Listen to the 2024 interview with Rose Apikotoa by John Pulu of PMN Tonga on Facebook. "Growing up in a Tongan household gave me the morals ...
  • "'Periodt. You did that': Teen Siva Afi champion Emillie Pritchard's ..." Pacific Media Network. 24 September 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2026. Kionasina, who previously worked as a primary school teacher, told PMN Tonga host John Pulu of her desire to nurture her creative side while ...
  • "'Big Eddie': The Sāmoan strongman lifting his faith and community". Pacific Media Network. 31 October 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2026. Taumalolo has returned from injury to co-captain Tonga with Addin Fonua-Blake. Woolf told John Pulu on PMN Tonga that having Taumalolo back ...
  • "Tongan psychologist to lead Methodist Church safeguarding reforms". Pacific Media Network. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2026. ... John Pulu on PMN Tonga. More from PMN. Health · WHO Pacific chief links youth mental health crisis to climate stress and online harms. Dr Saia ...
  • "From NRL to the classroom: Albert Vete's second act". Pacific Media Network. 3 October 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2026. Speaking with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Vete says stepping away from the game was bittersweet. "I'm not as fast as I used to be … but it was ...
  • Asia Pacific Report (23 March 2021). "Getting the message through: How are South Aucklanders staying informed about covid?". Asia Pacific Report. Retrieved 1 August 2026. John Pulu is one of the best-known television and radio personalities in New Zealand's Pacific community. He not only fronts TVNZ's Tagata Pasifika Saturday morning show, but also hosts a four-hour Tongan-language current affairs and talkback programme on Pacific Media Network's 531pi radio...

Multimedia

Other sources

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