Pacific daughter welcomed home at University of Auckland

University of Auckland graduate Taiarn Tavui crossed the stage to receive her degree, grateful for her mother’s unwavering support—and for finally finding her Pacific home.

Taiarn (Satupa’itea, European) received a Bachelor of Arts degree on 13 May at the Spark Arena. She praised her mother, Elysha Foster, who raised her alone and went above and beyond to maintain Taiarn’s connection to her Sāmoan roots.

“I want to thank my mum and my grandma, Julie Brunel, for their constant support, love, and encouragement that gave me the privilege of a university education,” says Taiarn.

As a young child, she attended A’oga Fa’a Sāmoa, a full-immersion Sāmoan Early Childhood Learning Centre, where she became familiar with the language and culture of her Sāmoan heritage. However, once she entered her teenage years, Taiarn encountered the challenge of navigating multiple cultural identities.

"I felt the weight of stereotypes - internalising labels such as 'plastic islander' and not feeling 'islander enough' to belong."

These labels made her hesitant to fully embrace her Sāmoan heritage, and her cultural shyness only deepened as she grew older. But fate (and the ancestors) intervened when Taiarn entered university—a step she had initially regarded as obligatory.

She majored in Sociology and Pacific Studies as part of her Bachelor of Arts, and it was the latter that provided the right environment for her to fully explore and express her cultural identity. She recalls the first time she introduced herself in class, framing her identity around her cultural roots.

“Those moments were profound. I remember thinking, I am enough, and what really mattered was how I saw myself—not how others saw me.”

She recognizes that the anxiety and tears were pivotal in her journey of self-discovery. Through learning more about her Sāmoan culture, she began dismantling the internalised stereotypes that had held her back.

“I was learning about significant Pacific histories, such as the Mau movement and Black Saturday. I remember feeling shaken — realising how much important Pacific history I’d been unaware of. Those moments were challenging, but also deeply enlightening. They pushed me to reflect on my identity and the perspectives I’d been taught to value.”

Family connections

She recalls a presentation evening where a classmate's family member recognised the name of Taiarn’s late paternal grandmother, Tailoto.

“This unexpected connection to our village was a powerful moment of cultural reconnection,” says Taiarn.

“Although I never knew her, I want to thank my grandmother and namesake, Tailoto. I feel her with me on my journey. She was a teacher, and I like to believe I inherited part of my passion for learning and teaching through her. I carry her with me in all the spaces I step into.”

Now undertaking a Masters degree in Pacific Studies, Taiarn is excited that her mother is also studying and in the final two years of a five-year degree at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic.

“I am so proud of her. She will graduate from her degree within a month or two of my Masters graduation—so the journey will come full circle. I cannot wait to celebrate our journey together and, importantly, to celebrate her—for she is the reason for all of this success.”

Taiarn also gave special thanks to those who have supported her:

“My Aunty Talei, Aunty Vicki, Uncle Isaac; Aunty Kirsty and Uncle Chris and family for their generous support. They have helped me feel seen and validated with their constant love and warmth, as I grow into my Pacific identity and personhood.”

She also acknowledged Pacific Studies Lecturer Dr Sarah McLean-Orsborn for her extensive support and guidance in navigating postgraduate study; Dr Moeta Keil for generous mentorship; Joanna Bourke for continued support; Dr Marcia Leenen-Young and Suelaki Tiatia for their passion for Pacific history; and Melissa Gilbert at Tautai Arts for nurturing her love of Pacific art.

“I am endlessly grateful and honoured to have such strong Pacific people—namely women—who see my passion and want to uplift it.”