New research partnership set to ignite Pacific‑led collaborations

Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence held its annual Fono on 4 March with presentations from recipients of the inaugural AFI Pacific Research Partnership Programme.

The AFI award takes its name from the Polynesian word afi (shared across several Pacific languages) meaning fire, the life‑sustaining element that brings warmth and nourishment. The programme backs transdisciplinary, community‑anchored research that advances tangible outcomes for Pacific peoples.

Designed to spark sustained Pacific‑led research partnerships across the region and Australia, the AFI award pairs University of Auckland Pacific scholars with Pacific researchers and collaborators. The Fono was an invaluable opportunity for researchers based outside Aotearoa to present a more detailed update about their work.

Fofonga Pacific Research of Excellence Director, Dr Charmaine ‘Ilaiū Talei says the AFI programme recognises the value of collaboration through a relational approach; to ultimately develop a pipeline of Pacific-led and Pacific-based research projects, which is critical to implementing our university’s Ala o le Moana Pacific Strategy.

“AFI invests first in relationships, because enduring Pacific research capacity is built people‑to‑people. By pairing our University of Auckland Pacific scholars with Pacific‑based experts as co‑investigators, we’re growing a pipeline of Pacific‑led projects that are locally grounded, regionally connected and globally relevant,” says Dr ‘Ilaiū Talei.

This year the AFI award extended to Australia-based Pacific researchers working with University of Auckland researchers.

2025 AFI award recipients

Guardians of Truth

Guardians of Truth is a Pacific led project developing a game based large language model (LLM) to strengthen media literacy and counter misinformation, led by University of Auckland’s Dr Sisikula Sisifa (Business and Economics) in partnership with Dr Paula Latapu from Christ University in Pacific, Tonga.

Presenting at the Fofonga Fono 2026, Dr Latapu acknowledged the value of cross disciplinary collaboration and thanked Fofonga for investing in early research partnerships that aim to positively impact Pacific communities.

Dr Latapu says there were many learnings he had taken away from engaging with colleagues from the Business School; he was honoured by the invitation to present at the event.

“We truly appreciate the support of the Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence team and the investment in early research collaborations to positively impact the lives of Pacific peoples.”

Feagaiga Fa‘alelei o le Pasefika

Feagaiga Fa‘alelei o le Pasefika brings together Pacific researchers, faith leaders and community organisations to strengthen well-being and promote gender equity through locally grounded health and rehabilitation approaches.

Led by University of Auckland’s Dr Analosa Veukiso Ulugia (Education and Social Practise) with Reverend Alesana Palaamo of Malua Theological College, and co founder of CCAST Christian Counsellors Association Trust and Soul Talk Sāmoa Trust, the project centres Pacific values, relationships and community leadership in shaping solutions that work for families and churches.

Dr Veukiso-Ulugia says the benefits of the project will be twofold, with the learnings genuinely transformative and mutually beneficial.

“I’m excited about what this partnership will yield. Collaborating with an organisation based in Sāmoa creates a powerful opportunity to share expertise, receive local learnings and deliver mutual benefits for our communities,” says Dr Veukiso‑Ulugia.

Exploring food systems policy for food security in Sāmoa

Exploring food systems policy for food security in Sāmoa is a Pacific led project examining how policy settings across Sāmoa’s food system can better support local food security and community well-being.

Led by University of Auckland’s Dr Fa‘asisila Savila (Pacific Health) in partnership with Analosa Manuele from the Sāmoa Ministry of Health, the project focuses on identifying practical policy levers that strengthen resilient, healthy and locally driven food systems.