Raised by a village, driven by a dream

Graduating from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland was never just a personal achievement for Meleana Payn. It was the fulfilment of a dream that began generations earlier when her grandfather left Tonga for Aotearoa in search of greater opportunities for his family.

The first Pasifika student to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education conjoint degree, Meleana is the youngest of five children and the only daughter of Siliva and Joyce Payn.

Her roots trace back to Mailetaha in Tongatapu and Neiafu in Vava'u. Born and raised in Remuera, Auckland, Meleana is proud to be a first-generation New Zealand-born Tongan, carrying forward the aspirations of those who came before her.

"It was my maternal grandpa Kapeliele Cocker who first moved to New Zealand in the late 1960s, like many Polynesian migrants, seeking a better life," she says.

"Everything I've been able to achieve is because of the sacrifices and opportunities he helped create for our family."

Education was always highly valued in the Payn household. Her parents worked tirelessly to ensure their children could access some of Auckland's leading schools, understanding the opportunities that education could unlock.

"Tertiary study wasn't really a question. It was an expectation from the moment I was born," she laughs.

"My parents didn't have the same educational opportunities growing up in Tonga, so I'm incredibly grateful to be able to do this for them and continue the vision my grandfather started decades ago."

That journey led Meleana to the University of Auckland, where she completed her conjoint degree.

Along the way, she found more than academic success. She found community.
A strong advocate for Māori and Pacific student success, Meleana says programmes such as Tuākana Business and Commerce 'o Pasifika played a pivotal role in helping her thrive.

"Something that really rings true for me is, 'it's hard to be what you can't see'. Being surrounded by my people gave me strength and confidence, especially when I saw others succeeding."

Through Tuākana Business and Commerce 'o Pasifika and Pasifika Success within Sport, Health and Physical Education, she connected with mentors who became both role models and whānau.

Among those she credits are Lisa Filitonga, Uili Uili, Sione Taufa, Pelimani Fisi'iahi and Meleana Puloka.

"Sione Taufa often tells students to 'find their university family', and I was lucky enough to have two university families."

"These people gave me support, wisdom and constant inspiration. Watching the work they do gave me a greater sense of purpose and showed me what leadership can look like."

Meleana also credits the lifelong friends she made along the way for making university memorable.

"They made university a fun journey and were always a good distraction when things got stressful," she laughs.

"And honestly, I never would have guessed I'd end up with so many Sāmoan friends. The banter is definitely still alive and well though. I'll always be repping the Tzzz."

She hopes her own achievements will contribute to greater visibility for Māori and Pacific students in higher education.

"It is an honour to be among the first Pasifika graduates to complete this conjoint pathway. But being first is not really what matters most."

"What matters is creating pathways where our people can see themselves succeeding and feel confident enough to take up space in those places themselves."

She hopes her story demonstrates that Māori and Pacific students do not simply belong in academia, but can lead within it.

"I want future tauira to know that these spaces are ours too."

While graduation marks the completion of one chapter, Meleana has already taken the next step of her academic journey.

When she asked her mother which degree she would like displayed at home, the answer came quickly.

"'The next one,' she said."

Inspired by that encouragement, Meleana is now studying towards a Master of Business in Sport Leadership and Management at Auckland University of Technology.

Her research interests focus on increasing opportunities for Pacific peoples in sport leadership and management.

"I'm passionate about exploring how we can create greater opportunities for Pasifika people within sport, both on and off the field."

Ultimately, she hopes to use her education to give back to the communities that have supported her throughout her journey, while continuing to support Pacific students entering tertiary study.

Meleana also continues in her role as Tuākana Business Head Tutor Pacific.

"No matter where my journey takes me, I'll always be Tuākana for life.

"I'm so grateful I could continue my role. This is my third year being in the Tuākana team and my first as Head Tutor Pacific.

"I never saw myself as a tutor, but working for Tuākana has definitely been the most fulfilling job I've had thus far because I feel like I get to play a part in the academic journeys of our Māori and Pacific tauira in the Business School."

She hopes to provide the same encouragement she received from those who guided her.

"I've been fortunate to have people who opened doors for me, showed me what was possible and encouraged me to keep going. I'd like to do the same for the people coming after me."

While proud of her achievement, Meleana is quick to emphasise that graduation is the result of a collective effort.

"I owe it all to my village. Thank you to everyone who has stood beside me throughout this journey, especially my parents and my brothers, and to those who will continue to walk alongside me.

"This is a huge win for all of us. But I also know the job's not finished."

Success has never been an individual pursuit, she says. It is built on family sacrifice, collective support and a commitment to create opportunities for future generations.

And if her mother's response is anything to go by, this latest graduation is only the beginning.