University of Auckland and Pacific Community forge landmark partnership

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland and The Pacific Community (SPC) have formalised a new partnership that will strengthen collaboration across research, education and innovation to address some of the Pacific region's most pressing challenges.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at the University on 6 August by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Engagement Dr Erik Lithander and SPC Director-General Dr Paula Vivili, marks a significant step in bringing together two of the region's leading institutions.

The collaboration unites New Zealand's premier university with the Pacific's principal scientific and technical organisation, creating opportunities to expand Pacific-led research, strengthen community engagement, and develop new pathways for students and academics.

Dr Lithander said the partnership reflected the growing importance of collaboration in addressing increasingly complex global and regional challenges.

"One of the things that excites me about this partnership is that it embodies what is best about collaboration," he said.

"We have always known collaboration is the way through the world's problems, but that is more true now than ever. If we look at the challenges facing our region and the wider world, if we don't do it together, we're not going to do it at all."

The agreement is founded on shared values including equity, partnership and a commitment to making a lasting impact for Pacific communities.

For SPC, which serves 22 Pacific Island countries and territories and is the region's leading scientific and technical organisation, the partnership is both timely and necessary.

Dr Vivili said the collaboration would be far more than a ceremonial agreement.

"This will be more than a document," he said.

"It's about creating a genuine partnership between the Pacific's premier scientific and technical organisation and one of the leading universities in the Pacific region."

Dr Vivili described the signing as an important milestone, noting that Auckland is often referred to as the Pacific capital outside the region.

"We can't talk about Auckland being the Pacific capital outside of the Pacific and not have a strong relationship between the University of Auckland and SPC," he said.

The partnership is expected to support collaborative work in areas such as climate resilience, ocean governance, public health, education and sustainable development, while helping to build a pipeline of future Pacific researchers, professionals and leaders.

Speaking after the signing, Dr Vivili said partnerships were essential to creating meaningful change.

"The issues facing our communities are too significant for any one organisation to tackle alone," he said.

Established in 1947, SPC provides scientific, technical and development support to Pacific countries and territories across a wide range of sectors, including fisheries, climate change, health, agriculture, education, geoscience and maritime development. Today, the organisation has nearly 1,000 staff working across the Pacific.

University of Auckland Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Fonoi’a Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, alongside representatives from SPC, UniServices and the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, attended the signing ceremony.

Both organisations see the agreement as the beginning of a deeper and more enduring relationship, one that will connect research excellence with community aspirations and help deliver solutions for the Pacific.

As Pacific nations navigate challenges ranging from climate change to ocean governance and sustainable development, the new partnership signals a shared commitment to ensuring Pacific knowledge, expertise and leadership remain at the centre of shaping the region's future.

Professor Tiatia-Siau said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing Pacific priorities through authentic partnership.

"When Pacific institutions work together, we strengthen our collective ability to respond to the challenges facing our people. By combining scientific expertise, community knowledge and Pacific ways of knowing, we can support research and innovation that is grounded in Pacific realities and delivers meaningful outcomes for Pacific communities."

Tiatia-Siau said the agreement aligns with the University's commitment to supporting Pacific success and creating pathways for future generations of Pacific scholars and leaders.

"Partnerships like this help ensure Pacific voices, values and aspirations remain at the centre of the work we do. It is through collaboration that we can grow Pacific leadership, strengthen knowledge exchange and create lasting impact for our region."