‘Akatupu te manako

24 September 2025, 3pm – 5pm
Unleash Space, 20 Symonds Street

Join the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Fofonga for ‘Akatupu te manako, a dynamic panel event exploring how Pacific worldviews, values, and creativity can shape the future of business, innovation, and leadership. Hear from inspiring Pacific leaders who are forging new paths in entrepreneurship, social impact, and innovation, and find out how you can get involved with the University of Auckland’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

The events title, ‘Akatupu te manako, means to grow and develop an idea. We welcome you to be inspired and imagine your future as an innovator making change in the world.

Open to all students and staff at the University of Auckland.

• Understand how Pacific identities and perspectives can thrive in innovation and entrepreneurship
• Feel empowered to explore your own potential in leadership, business, or community enterprise
• Start building relationships with mentors, peers, and role models in the Pacific innovation space
• Gain insight into the free programmes available to you through the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Dame Teuila Percival - Consultant Paediatrician | Associate Professor | Pacific Health Leader.

Dame Teuila Percival is a New Zealand-born Sāmoan with roots in Ofu, Manu’a and Pu’apu’a, Savai’i. She is a Consultant Paediatrician at KidzFirst Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor in Paediatrics at the University of Auckland.

With over 20 years’ clinical experience, Dame Teuila is a leading voice in Pacific health, with expertise in maternal and child health, child protection, and community wellbeing. She is Co-Chair of Le Afio’aga o Aotearoa and founding Director and Board Chair of Moana Connect, a Pacific-led health and research organisation based in Māngere. Her past leadership includes roles with South Seas Healthcare Trust and the Pasifika Medical Association.

Dame Teuila was appointed DNZM in 2023 and received the QSO in 2010 for her services to Pacific communities and children.

Lesieli Oliver - Founder of Lālanga.

Lesieli was born in Tonga and moved to New Zealand. As a young child, she experienced firsthand how education can break cycles of poverty and transform lives. Her parents’ belief in the power of education fuels her mission.

Lesieli holds a master's degree focused on developing digital solutions to improve school engagement, academic achievement, and student wellbeing for Māori and Pasifika students. The Lālanga vision is to be the leader in innovative education tools that empower teachers, families, and communities, helping every child succeed and thrive through the transformative power of education.

Lesieli says “As a proud Tongan, I’m honoured to design tools and resources that make good quality education accessible to all - empowering children, teachers, families, and communities.”

Mamere Sialaoa - Student at the University of Auckland

As a proud Samoan and third-year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Marketing, Mamere is passionate about using business and creativity to make an impact.

A recipient of the New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship, she has embraced opportunities through the University of Auckland’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including her role in the Marketing team for Velocity, the University’s globally recognised entrepreneurship programme. She also serves as Marketing Officer for Te Mana Pakihi (Māori Students’ Association) and is an active member of the Commerce o Pasifika club, reflecting her commitment to both Pasifika and Māori student success.

With a passion for innovation, a love of connecting with people, and a drive to adapt to the fast-changing business and technology landscape, Mamere is building the skills, networks, and mindset to shape a future where Pasifika voices and ideas thrive.

Applications close 22 September.
Event Queries - fofonga@auckland.ac.nz

Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence is a Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland initiative that empowers Pacific researchers and knowledge systems. It builds Pacific-led research capacity to foster collaboration across disciplines and communities, with the aim of growing the next generation of Pacific research leaders.

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand-out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation. 

CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 12 international awards since 2020.