F IJIAN-BORN, David Tiko, has made his acting debut on a soap opera show in New Zealand.
For many who know him personally, they say the Tailevu lad was born with ambition and big dreams.
David’s story begins in Fiji, where his aspirations for acting first took root.
“I’ve always had big dreams but talking about them was something I used to shy away from.
“I was afraid of being dismissed.”
Growing up in a place where opportunities in the entertainment industry were scarce, David found solace in his imagination and a deep-seated desire to see himself on the big screen.
It wasn’t until he moved to New Zealand that David found the courage to pursue his passion for acting with renewed determination.
“New Zealand opened my eyes to possibilities. Here, I realised that chasing my dreams was not just a fantasy but something I could actually strive for.”
After years of persistence and dedication, David’s breakthrough moment arrived when he secured a guest role on Shortland Street, a popular television series in New Zealand.
“When I found out I would be playing Filipe, an i-Taukei man, it felt like a dream.
“To portray a character so closely tied to my Fijian roots was an honor I didn’t take lightly.”
He said what made the experience even more poignant was the opportunity to act alongside his niece, Sala, who played his character’s daughter.
“Sala is incredibly talented.
“Her presence on set was both inspiring and humbling. She has a natural gift for acting that shines through in every scene.”
The role of Filipe not only allowed David to showcase his acting skills but also provided a platform to explore themes of identity and belonging.
“Filipe’s journey mirrored my own in many ways.
“The struggle of being away from home, trying to make ends meet while holding onto cultural roots – these were experiences I could deeply relate to.”
David’s path to acting success was paved with challenges and personal milestones, including receiving his acting diploma from The Actors Program.
“Having Marianne Infante present my diploma and later share the screen with her on Shortland Street was a surreal full-circle moment. It reinforced my belief in the power of preparation and perseverance.”
Looking ahead, David remains steadfast in his aspirations.
“There are exciting projects on the horizon but my ultimate goal is to become a leading actor, to inspire others and represent my culture on screen in meaningful ways.”
For those who hesitate to chase their own dreams, David’s advice is “believe in yourself and your abilities”.
“Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Success in acting, as in life, is about seizing opportunities and staying true to your passion.”
In his story, we find inspiration and a reminder that with dedication and courage, dreams can indeed become reality.
