Message from the Director

SPEAR (South Pacific Education Advanced Research) is a new initiative dedicated to support and develop prospective and current Pacific doctoral students at The University of Auckland. We also aim to develop strong networks between Pacific researchers both locally and internationally.

As a Pacific Art Historian I really value the stimulating dialogue and debate within the Pacific research community and it is hoped that SPEAR will offer a positive link for Pacific doctoral students to engage with relevent staff, mentors and alumni engaged in research in and about the Pacific. Currently there are 54 doctoral candidates who are of Pacific heritage across all faculties at The University of Auckland and it is our goal to help this number grow in coming years.

SPEAR will be the first port of call for our community as it grows and develops into a resource hub and a place for collaboration and networking.

I encourage you to navigate these pages and familiarise yourself with what we offer. We look forward to developing future SPEAR projects including a symposium, workshops and publishing opportunities – so watch this space!

As Director, I welcome you to SPEAR - the University’s home for Pacific doctoral research.

Dr Caroline Vercoe
Director, SPEAR
The University of Auckland

Keep up to date with the activities taking place, the work of our researchers and staff as well as general updates about the SPEAR project.