I am Poulima Salima, an award-winning composer, educator, and music director based in Auckland, New Zealand. Over more than two decades, I have created music for theatre, film, television, choral ensembles, orchestras, and Pacific traditional repertoires, building a reputation as a leading voice in contemporary Pasifika composition in Aotearoa. I founded Salima Music Ltd in 2010 and continue to mentor the next generation through my piano academy, coaching around 50 students in classical and contemporary piano, Samoan pese lotu, and composition. My work spans interdisciplinary collaborations with NZTrio, Pacific Dance NZ, Auckland Arts Festival, and theatre and film companies, always aiming to advance Pacific musical storytelling on global stages.…

Poulima Salima

I am Poulima Salima, an award-winning composer, educator, and music director based in Auckland, New Zealand. Over more than two decades, I have created music for theatre, film, television, choral ensembles, orchestras, and Pacific traditional repertoires, building a reputation as a leading voice in contemporary Pasifika composition in Aotearoa. I founded Salima Music Ltd in 2010 and continue to mentor the next generation through my piano academy, coaching around 50 students in classical and contemporary piano, Samoan pese lotu, and composition. My work spans interdisciplinary collaborations with NZTrio, Pacific Dance NZ, Auckland Arts Festival, and theatre and film companies, always aiming to advance Pacific musical storytelling on global stages.…

Available to hire

I am Poulima Salima, an award-winning composer, educator, and music director based in Auckland, New Zealand. Over more than two decades, I have created music for theatre, film, television, choral ensembles, orchestras, and Pacific traditional repertoires, building a reputation as a leading voice in contemporary Pasifika composition in Aotearoa.

I founded Salima Music Ltd in 2010 and continue to mentor the next generation through my piano academy, coaching around 50 students in classical and contemporary piano, Samoan pese lotu, and composition. My work spans interdisciplinary collaborations with NZTrio, Pacific Dance NZ, Auckland Arts Festival, and theatre and film companies, always aiming to advance Pacific musical storytelling on global stages.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

Samoan
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder and Director at Salima Music Ltd
January 1, 2010 - Present
Founder and director of Salima Music Ltd (established 2010). Oversees composition, music direction, and education across theatre, film, television, choral, orchestral, and Pacific traditional repertoires.
Pacific Music Specialist at University of Auckland
January 1, 2010 - Present
Pacific Studies Department role focusing on traditional Pasifika choral music; curriculum development and mentorship.
Composer, Orchestrator, and Conductor at The Factory
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011
New Zealand’s first professional Pacific musical; premiered in 2011; involvement as composer, orchestrator, and conductor.
Co-Composer at The Factory
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013
Co-composer for The Factory during the Auckland Arts Festival season (2013).
Composer at ALO FAGIA: LE OPERA (SOL3 MIO)
January 1, 2019 - Present
Composer for the Samoan-language opera envisioned for international stages.
Composer at THINK OF A GARDEN
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Composer for John Kneubuhl's THINK OF A GARDEN (2018).
Composer at MARIA
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Film score contributions for MARIA (2017).
Composer at GAUALOFA (Samoan-language opera)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Composition phase for GAUALOFA, a Samoan-language opera.
Arranger at NZTrio & Pacific Dance NZ
January 1, 2024 - Present
Commissioned for TOLU (arranging traditional Pacific choral works for chamber ensemble).
Composer at O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai
January 1, 2024 - Present
Signature score for a major collaboration between Auckland Arts Festival and Auckland Theatre Company.
Composer at Before the Moon Falls
January 1, 2025 - Present
Music for the documentary feature film about Sia Figiel’s journey with trauma and mental health.
Composer at St Cecilia Singers – Big Sing Gold
January 1, 2025 - Present
Original Samoan choral work commissioned for Diocesan School for Girls’ elite senior choir; contributed to Gold at Big Sing.

Education

Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Composition at University of Auckland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2005

Qualifications

Creative New Zealand Pacific Emerging Artist Award
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Mayor of Auckland Award – Pacific Industry Trailblazer
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level