The New Zealand Screen Awards has unveiled its finalists for the 2025 Screen Personality of the Year, with TVNZ talent front and centre in this year’s fan-voted category.
Finalists include Hayley Sproull, JP Foliaki, and Scotty Morrison representing the broadcaster across entertainment, reality and news.
Other finalists are Anapela Polata’ivao for Tinā, Guy Montgomery for Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee, Laura McGoldrick for Sky Sport, Nadia Lim for Nadia’s Farm, Nepia Takiura-Mita for Ahikāroa, and Samantha Hayes for ThreeNews.
The winner is decided by a public online vote.
Sproull, who appeared on Taskmaster NZ, said she was “elated” by the nomination.
“All through school all I wanted to do was entertain people and make them laugh,” she said.
“Pretty annoying I imagine when you’re trying to teach a history class or a PE lesson, so I’m glad people are finally able to enjoy my endless desire to entertain in a more appropriate manner.”
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JP Foliaki, who appeared on Celebrity Treasure Island, said he was proud to be recognised for embracing his culture and creativity.
“I’ve always encouraged others to lean in to their talents, their culture, their dreams and aspirations. But tbh just vote for me cause Tonga needs a win after that shocking rugby league game against Toa Samoa,” he joked.
Veteran broadcaster Scotty Morrison, known for his work on Te Karere, Marae and Origins, says the nomination reflected the impact of kaupapa Māori programming.
“Hopefully people watch these kinds of shows and feel connection to Aotearoa in a way they haven’t experienced before.”
Voting is now open on the New Zealand Screen Awards website and closes on November 14 at 11.59pm.
