Sāmoan leadership empowering Pacific students to success

For Pacific students, getting into university is only the first step. The ability to thrive in the tertiary environment with confidence and purpose is another journey entirely.

Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa, Sāmoa Language Week in Aotearoa, is a time to celebrate those making that journey possible at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

Leaders like Sara Toleafoa, Unibound manager, are helping to shape that success.

Unibound is a programme supporting Pacific students with care and cultural understanding. Many Pacific students are among the first in their families to attend university, carrying with them the aspirations of their aiga and communities.

The University recorded the highest number of Māori and Pacific school-leaver applications of all tertiary institutions this year, yet gaining entry is only the beginning. Sustaining success within the tertiary space requires strong foundations, relationships and support.

Walking the path, shaping the future

An alumna of Waipapa Taumata Rau, Sara (Alafua, Sinamoga, Sato’alepai) understands firsthand the path Pacific students navigate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Her leadership reflects a commitment to ensure Pacific students are supported academically, and also experience a genuine sense of belonging.

“Understanding the land that we are standing on, weaving our Indigenous knowledge alongside that of tangata whenua, we work collaboratively to learn from one another’s shared knowledge, culture and language,” says Sara.

Unibound has grown beyond a preparatory programme. It’s a space where students build confidence, reconnect with identity, and prepare to navigate university on their own terms, she says.

While academic readiness remains essential, the programme also nurtures future Pacific leaders grounded in cultural strength and community connection.

Alongside Sara is Student Support Adviser Seulele Vine, an emerging leader who reflects the very journey Unibound seeks to support.

Research grounded in lived experience

Earlier this month, Seulele graduated with a Master of Science in Psychology from Waipapa Taumata Rau - a milestone shaped by both academic excellence and cultural insight.

With Sāmoan roots (Lufilufi, Taga, Vailoa Palauli, Salani) her research explores the experiences of Sāmoan undergraduate students, drawing on lived experience to better understand the challenges that shape academic success, the available support, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

Her work shows that student achievement is not determined by ability alone, but by the systems, relationships, and environments that surround them.

Through her research, Seulele reminds us that knowledge itself can be a form of navigation - one that carries stories, honours lived experience, and creates pathways for change.

Language, identity and belonging

Their work underscores a powerful truth: language, culture and identity are central to success.

“Language weeks matter because they honour our upbringing and affirm who we are as tagata Pasifika, grounded in our heritage and genealogy. In UniBound, this strengthens students’ sense of identity and belonging, empowering them to step into university spaces with confidence and pride,” says Sara.

Seulele speaks to the importance of strengthening relationships within Aotearoa:
“Part of nurturing the vā, as tangata Tiriti, is recognising that we are privileged to share this land, and to run Pacific-focused programmes here.

“It is important that we nurture that vā with tangata whenua - acknowledging that they are the reason we are here and able to do this work for students. It’s about building relationships and learning from tangata whenua.”

When students can bring their full selves into learning spaces, say Sara and Seulele, their gagana (language), values, and stories become sources of strength - equipping them to engage fully and succeed in the tertiary environment.

A foundation for future generations

The theme of this year’s Sāmoa Language Week, “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu‘u” - from the high mountains come the blessings of the village, speaks to the importance of strong foundations.

Through their work, Sara and Seulele help to shape individual success while contributing to collective Pacific advancement.

Sāmoa Language Week is also a reminder, says Seulele, especially for the diaspora, that it is never too late to learn your culture and language:

“The Sāmoan language Week is always going to be that constant reminder. You can never be too disconnected from your culture, because there is always an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen your sense of belonging.”