Sāmoa’s young scholars at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland shared experiences of being far from home and navigating academia, during a recent gathering with their sponsoring organisations.

The Sāmoan Public Service Commission (PSC), Education New Zealand, and Manaaki scholars came together at the University’s Fale Pasifika. They were hosted by the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific and the International Office on 14 May.

Acting Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Sili-Mireta Ropati, along with Arthur Johnson from the International Office, extended a warm Pacific welcome to all. Acknowledging the Chief Executive of the Sāmoa Public Service Commission, Kolone Tikeri, and Manaaki Scholarships Manager from Education New Zealand, Nancy Linton, Sili described the visit as invaluable.

“It was an opportunity to connect with our Manaaki scholars, meet with the team from PSC, and strengthen relationships with colleagues from across the region who play a vital role in supporting Pacific student success at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

“As a university, we’re proud to welcome students from across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, and we are committed to creating an environment where Pacific students not only succeed but thrive.”

She shared a simple but powerful message she wished she had received as a student:

“You belong here at this university. Your voice, your background, and your presence matter. You have every right to be in these spaces and to succeed here. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

She then asked everyone to extend their left hand forward, then up to the sky.

“And that is how you ask a question,” she said, reinforcing her message as the Fale erupted in laughter.

Chief Executive Kolone Tikeri expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome:“It’s always a good feeling coming to Auckland. We are grateful for the warm welcome this morning, grateful to God, to meet the students, and to pay our respects to the University of Auckland.”

The delegation has been visiting universities across Aotearoa to check in with their scholarship students and strengthen ties with tertiary institutions.

“This is an opportunity to talanoa, to share with us the status of your studies… This is a safe space to talanoa, to talk about the support we can provide—especially for those of you completing your studies,” he told the students.

In turn, the youth of Sāmoa demonstrated the maturity that comes with being far from home and pursuing education away from their families.

They asked thoughtful questions about the details of their Manaaki scholarships, the types of roles they might pursue after graduation, and even what starting salaries they could expect.

Sili’s words were likely a source of great reassurance:

“When you return home, Sāmoa needs you. Your communities need you. But to lead, uplift, and create change, you need your education—and higher education changes lives.”

She encouraged students to draw strength from their culture during their time at the University:

“Your culture is your strength. Being Pacific, being Sāmoan, is your superpower—not a setback.

“Your values—such as family, community, faith, and resilience—are exactly what the world needs more of, not only in education but also in leadership. And finally, your journey here isn’t a race. Everyone’s path looks different, and that’s okay. Whether you get there fast, slow, or take a few detours, what matters is that you keep moving forward.

“You carry your ancestors with you. You carry your parents, your families, your communities, and your future. Here at the University of Auckland, walk with pride, dream without limits, and remember—you’re enough, just as you are.”