Pacific at AUT

11/10/2026

This Thursday, 15 October, is Pacific Fits Day! 🌺💧

Wear your brightest Pacific outfit and support UNICEF’s mission to bring clean water to tamariki across the Pacific.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate our Pacific cultures while supporting access to clean water for our communities.

Find out more or donate at pacificfitsday.org.nz 💙

We're taking part in Pacific Fits Day to help raise funds for UNICEF's work bringing clean water, sanitation and hygiene to children across the Pacific. Please support our fundraising efforts with a donation today.

29/09/2026

Talofa! Ki manuia te vaiaso o te ‘Gana Tuvalu - Happy Tuvalu Language Week! 🇹🇻

As we celebrate, members Tia, Antoinette and Tavake from the AUT Tuvalu Student Association perform a Fatele, sharing the rich meaning behind the words and its connection to their home.

Through their stories, they reflect on their journey in education and their hopes of using what they learn to serve their villages, communities and the people of Tuvalu.

21/09/2026

Tomorrow night at AUT: Ocean of Flavours. 🌊

Chefs from New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa will come together with Peter Gordon for a special five-course dining experience celebrating Pacific flavours and culinary traditions.

The evening starts with a Pacific-inspired cocktail and canapés from 6pm, followed by a four-course plated dinner from 7pm.

📅 22 September
📍 AUT
🍽️ Five-course dining experience

Presented by Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand, MFAT and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited.

Tickets available here:
https://www.aut.ac.nz/events/ocean-of-flavours

08/09/2026

Welcome, Tonga National University, to AUT. 🇹🇴

We're honoured to have welcomed Dr Giulio Masasso Tu'ikolongahau Pāunga, Vice-Chancellor of Tonga National University, and his delegation to campus this week.

The visit began with a pōwhiri yesterday, marking an opportunity to strengthen connections between our institutions and our shared commitment to education and the future of Pacific communities.

This Thursday, the conversation continues.

Join Dr Pāunga and Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of AUT, as they explore a big question: What does it mean to build a Tongan university?

This is a free public event. Register via the link below.

https://events.humanitix.com/tatai-hono-pacific-leaders-in-conversation

06/09/2026

Happy Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Wik! 🇵🇬

Our very own students and friends share a little bit of home with us, materials and cultural treasures that hold great significance in their culture and identity.

We’re proud to celebrate Tok Pisin Wik and the rich cultural heritage of our Papua New Guinean community here in Aotearoa and at AUT.

01/09/2026

What does it mean to build a university for a nation? 🇹🇴

Join Dr Giulio Masasso Tu'ikolongahau Pāunga, Vice-Chancellor of Tonga National University, for a special public conversation exploring the vision behind Tonga's newest university and its role in shaping the country's future.

Centred on the theme "What Does It Mean to Build a Tongan University?", this event will examine the broader significance of higher education in strengthening national identity, fostering cultural resilience and supporting long-term social and economic development.

Established in 2023, Tonga National University represents a significant milestone in Tonga's educational journey. Dr Pāunga will reflect on the opportunities and challenges of building a new national institution, sharing insights into leadership, educational transformation and the responsibility universities have to serve their people and communities.

Facilitated by Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of AUT, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leader of one of the Pacific's newest universities and explore how higher education can help shape the future of Pacific nations.

Whether you're part of the Tongan community, the wider Pacific community or simply interested in education, leadership and nation-building, you're warmly invited to join the conversation.

Free tickets found in the link below ⬇

Presented by AUT's Tātai Hono programme, hear Tonga National University Vice-Chancellor Dr Giulio Pāunga discuss building a Tongan university.

16/08/2026

Mālō e lelei and Happy Tongan Language Week! 🇹🇴

Our very own students, Viliami and Afolani, introduce us to Tongan Language Week by sharing what the traditional ta’ovala means to them and its significance to our Tongan people.

We look forward to celebrating lea faka-Tonga and Tongan culture throughout the week. 🌺

02/08/2026

Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani 2026 🇨🇰

For Georgia-Rae, AUT Master of Geospatial Science student, mapping shoreline change at Rarotonga's Avana Harbour is more than research, it's her way of service and staying connected to her people and her reo.🌺

25/07/2026

🇻🇺 Happy Vanuatu Bislama Language Week!!

Celebrating Vanuatu Language Week with AUT students Ashton, Suzanne, and Maeva as they wear and introduce the "Island dress," a key part of Ni-Vanuatu identity, especially while living away from home.

The green reflects the Vanuatu flag, symbolising the islands' soil and vegetation, tying into this year's theme: "Tokbaot klaemet jenis – Hemi tru samting mo yumi mas lukaotem gud laef" – "Talk about climate change – it is real, and we must look after life."

05/07/2026

Happy Kiribati Language Week! Kam na bane ni mauri! 🇰🇮🌊

For this year's Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati, a traditional Kiribati dance, te Mwaie ni Kiribati, is showcased by our very own AUT students, Fetai Meerabe and Margret Ratieta. They share how Kiribati traditional dancing is one of the meaningful ways that helps them stay connected to their culture, heritage, and identity.

This ties in beautifully with this year's theme of Karina te ang, tauraoi nakon te mwioko ao kabura rikiara ni Kiribati, strive diligently to fulfil our responsibilities and uphold our Kiribati identity 🌺