Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said, "Tupou came into the team as a boy, has grown as a man and has developed an ever-increasing presence in the forwards.
"When he plays for us, we understand his value. His value is not always appreciated by others outside of the Chiefs' region, but we know what he can bring to a team, and we miss him when he's not there.
"He has taken on a lot of leadership and responsibility in his area of expertise, so I'm proud to present him with this award."
First five-eighths Damian McKenzie was named the Players' Player of the Year and the Fans' Player of the Year.
Loose forward Wallace Sititi was named Rookie of the Year, while Counties Manukau wing Peniasi Malimali was the Personality of the Year award winner.
Prop Bradley Slater was recognised for his contributions to the Chiefs on and off the field when receiving the Mana Kotiate award.
The Kotahitanga Award for staff members who live the Chiefs' values and make an outstanding contribution to the franchise went to Chiefs Manawa programme manager and executive assistant Dana Heta and head of performance therapies Teresa Te Tamaki.