Pacific at the University of Auckland

30/08/2026

The Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland, is proud to sponsor the inaugural Pasifika category and award at The Big Sing Finale 🎶

Congratulations to Afamasaga Niulēvāea Tofilau Dr Siliva Gaugatao, a prominent Aotearoa New Zealand music and language educator, national adjudication panel member, and proud alumnus of the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau.

A huge congratulations to this year’s joint winners: Epsom Girls Grammar School and Dilworth School!

We are so proud to be here to honour and celebrate our young people and their musical talents. The emotion, joy, energy, and māfana in the town hall was truly special. 💙🙌🏽🎶🌊

18/08/2026

Today we welcomed our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nic Smith, to Te Papa Ako o Tai Tonga for his inaugural series of Town Hall with university staff. 🌺 It was a great opportunity to hear directly from the Vice-Chancellor about the University’s strategic priorities and current developments, and to share questions, reflections and perspectives from across our South Auckland campus and community.

A special mālō 'aupito, to everyone who joined us and contributed to the fruitful talanoa. 🌊

06/08/2026

A significant step forward for Pacific-led research and innovation. 🌏

Today, the University of Auckland and the Pacific Community (SPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen sustainable development, scientific research and innovation that addresses the Pacific’s priority development challenges.

Together, we’ll co-develop research programmes, build regional research capacity through training and knowledge exchange, support evidence-informed policymaking, and strengthen partnerships across the Pacific.

This collaboration also supports Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa - Centre for Pacific and Global Health, implementing the WHO Collaborating Centre for Noncommunicable Diseases and Climate Change Terms of Reference, advancing Pacific-led solutions to the interconnected challenges of noncommunicable diseases, climate change, and resilient health systems.

Here’s to working together for a healthier, more resilient Pacific. 💙🌺🌊

02/08/2026

🌊 Congratulations to Dr Ngahuia Harrison (Ngātiwai) and Dr Sione Faletau (Taunga, Vavaʻu and Lakepa, Tongatapu) on your appointments to permanent lecturing roles at Elam School of Fine Arts, Waipapa Taumata Rau. 👏🏾 A special milestone as Dr Sione Faletau becomes the first Pacific lecturer ever appointed to Elam.

Mālō e ngāue and heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. Wishing you both every success as you inspire and shape future generations of artists.

23/07/2026

Vinaka vaka levu, Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific, Fonoiā Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, for your advocacy, awhi, and ‘ofa for our people. 👏🏾

A new chapter by Fonoiā Prof. Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Seiuli Angel Timali Tiatia-Siau calls for Pacific priorities to be embedded across policy, arguing the young and fast-growing population is central to Aotearoa’s future.

Pacific peoples are not a 'special interest' demographic but central to Aotearoa / New Zealand's future prosperity, social cohesion and leadership, according to a new chapter by University of Auckland...

30/06/2026

The Manaaki Scholarship, funded by the New Zealand Government, provides opportunities for learners from around the world to undertake tertiary study in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Today, we celebrated our Semester 2, 2026 Manaaki Completion Cohort, recognising their hard work, resilience, and achievements.

Warmest congratulations to all who have completed their studies. A special acknowledgement to our Manaaki scholars from across the Pacific - the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Samoa. We are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to the positive impact you will make in your communities and beyond. 🌺

17/06/2026

✨👏🏾 Congratulations to – South Pacific Indigenous Engineering Students on receiving the national award for ‘Student Leadership’ at the Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau Auckland Awards.

We are incredibly proud of your leadership, service, and commitment to creating pathways for Māori and Pacific tauira in Engineering and Design. This award recognises your important kaupapa and uplifting tautua. Thank you for all you that do.

Ngā mihi nui, and congratulations on this outstanding milestone. 💜

08/05/2026

Kia orana, introducing Alofipo Wesley Faasamoa Key Meredith, from the Faculty of Engineering. 🎓 Alofipo Wesley graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering with in Computer Systems Engineering.

“If an opportunity comes your way, go for it. You never know if you do not try, and what is there to lose!” ❤️ Raised in love, and inspired by her dear mum, Alofipo Wesley now works as a Graduate Software Engineer.

Vinaka vaka levu, Alofipo Wesley, for sharing your story with us. What an inspiration you are! Malo e ngaue! E te faia pea mea sili ma e manumalo ai lava 🌊

07/05/2026

And that’s a wrap for grad pics from across the arena 🥹🎓🤩 we love graduation week! The highlight of our mahi is getting to see you and your kainga cross the finish line! Congratulations to all UOA grads for May 2026! We’ve still got grad profiles to share, so stay tuned. Malo le ngaue! 🌊 😍

07/05/2026

It takes a village 🥹