Pacific student stories 2025

Niuean. Alofi, Lakepa, Tamakautoga.
Student: Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Laws Conjoint
Year 4

“I enjoy the people! The lecturers provide great insight and opinion on whatever I am learning about. The students come from a wide range of backgrounds and help me to enjoy my tertiary study. The student associations and clubs are also great.”
“I enjoy being able to study many different topics that wouldn’t be available to me if I studied towards one degree. My conjoint will also lead to a fruitful career that allows me to give back to the community.
“My degree choices are a result of my desire to provide to my community, pursuit of my passion and financial stability. Having an academic background in legal studies is immensely useful in life outside of university, and music has been something that is close to my heart from a young age. I hope that I am able to complete my degree and enter either the realm of copyright law or community law, assisting our Pacific peoples in navigating the legal world.
“Time management is essential. I’m still learning every day how I can properly manage my time. Goal setting for short, medium and long term is one way I’ve learnt to keep on top of everything. When I feel tired, I try to take breaks and rest properly. Winding down with my loved ones helps me to ground myself and reminds me of why I am studying. It gives me that extra drive and motivation to get up and keep persevering.”

Samoan. Si’usega, Ululoloa
Student: Bachelor of Commerce
Year 3

“O le ala i le pule, o le tautua” is a guiding principle that has shaped my way of life coming into university. Looking forward, I aspire to work in the finance and technology field where I can contribute meaningfully to the economic development and quality of life of Samoa.”
“I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce after witnessing firsthand the systemic challenges that Samoa faces as our people learn to adapt to this ever-evolving digital world. Together with my family’s passion and background in business, I was motivated and inspired to pursue a career pathway in Accounting and Information Systems.
“I am driven to help bridge the gap between traditional accounting practices and cutting-edge technology by implementing advanced information systems to streamline financial processes, enhance data accuracy and improve decision-making.
“My grandfather always taught us value of education as a pathway to success. Moving from Samoa to Aotearoa to pursue my studies was not an easy transition. However, with a strong support system and prayer warriors by my side, I am reminded every day that my achievements are not solely mine. Rather they’re the product of collective effort and support from my family, friends, and community. Knowing that motivates me to balance my commitments diligently and with gratitude for the opportunities that I can have today.
“What I find most valuable about my studies is the emphasis on team-based learning. Through group projects, industry events and networking opportunities, I can collaborate with and learn from other like-minded individuals. Being in a team-based learning environment has not only boosted my confidence but also opened the door to opportunities for me to expand my academic and professional networks. As I prepare to enter the workforce, building and maintaining networks with fellow students, teaching fellows, and industry professionals becomes essential for my career development.”

Samoan. Afega, Fagali’i, Sataoa (Upolu), Salelologa
(Savaii)
Graduate: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)
Student: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Year 6

“When I was young, I wanted to become a doctor to take care of my mum when she grew old. This is such a naive thought in retrospect but none-the-less common among Samoans, reflecting the value we place on our elderly.”
“Throughout my secondary and early tertiary education, I learned of unfair health outcomes between Pacific communities and non-Pacific communities. I also enjoyed learning sciences. The need for more Pacific doctors in the health workforce, my interest in sciences, and my values as a Samoan married to create my passion for medicine.
“Lately, I’ve been interested in surgery. My qualification allows me to keep my options open. A bigger priority right now is to work in an area where my efforts will impact the health of Pacific people.
“The best part of my programme of study is the feeling of doing something right for my patients. This can be the simplest thing, like making an ill child smile. Or being able to translate a consultation for a Samoan speaking patient or family. Pacific patients always reinforce the importance of seeing a familiar face and acknowledge therapeutic relationships when connecting with aspiring Pacific health professionals. Moments like these always remind me that I’m in the right place and I’m doing the right thing.
“Managing my time was an important skill I knew I had to develop quickly. Visual aids such as wall planners, to do lists and monthly calendars were effective measures that allowed me to manage my time and therefore juggle my commitments. Generally, however, if I manage my study commitments well, the other important commitments in my life (church and family) have been manageable.
“The most valuable thing from my studies is the privilege of being let in to the lives of my patients. They are the most important teachers in our degree, and sharing their lives with us will make us good doctors in the future. Doing this for patients requires vulnerability, trust and hope in us as future health professionals.”

Samoan: Upolu (Taufusi, Vaivase-Tai, Alafua, Saleufi, Lalomanu, Laulii, Lepa, Aleipata, Solosolo) Savaii (Salelologa, Vaisala, Papa Sataua, Patamea, Satupaitea)
Cook Islander: Rarotonga (Tupapa, Arorangi, Ngatangiia), Atiu (Areora), Aitutaki (Tautu, Amuri, Vaipae, Arutanga)
Student: Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws (double majoring in Economics and Finance)
Year 4

“Looking ahead, this qualification is a platform to address real-world challenges through academic exploration and solution-oriented initiatives encompassing all forms of knowledge, including law, economics, and finance.”
“My decision to take this career path is deeply influenced by the values instilled in me by my great-grandmother, Lisi Vaai, and Aunty Ula (Alosamoa Erna Vaai-Aiono), as well as Aunty Lei, Uncle Kolone, and my parents, Benjamin Pereira and Audrey Brown-Pereira. Their teachings have shaped my character, emphasising a commitment to service and love for country and family, compassion for others, a profound appreciation for the arts and education, and a dedication to lifelong learning.”
“What I appreciate most about my programmes of study is the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of perspectives and cultures. As an introvert, I tend to observe and listen rather than share my own opinions. Through this approach, I gain valuable insights and learn from the experiences of others. Connecting with fellow students, especially those from different generations and backgrounds, allows me to see the world through their eyes and gain new perspectives. This aspect of my education not only broadens my understanding but also fuels my curiosity and passion for learning.
“My passion lies in serving the community and supporting others. I’m continually inspired by brilliant Pasefika minds who are dedicated to empowering and uplifting our communities.
“As Treasurer for AUCISA, the Cook Islands Students Association, I take joy in learning more about, exploring and celebrating my Cook Islands heritage (and Samoan too!) while contributing to our warm and inclusive campus community. Great knowledge and wisdom come from understanding the stories, the values, the languages, the meanings and the histories of our Moana.”

Samoan. Aele, Vaivase, Salailua
Tuvaluan. Nanumea
Student: Bachelor of Social Work, Year 2

“’Run it straight. Aua le fefe. (Don’t be scared.)’ were words my eldest brother used to tell all of us when we were at a crossroads or came across challenges. I never thought I would be at university. Fortunately, I have a whole village of people who believe in me and encouraged me to pursue a career in social work.
“I have always wanted to pursue social work because I have a real passion in helping young Pacific men make a difference in their lives and in their communities. As a kid, I found great role models in my older brothers. This ignited a passion in me to be the same to my nephews and other young kids. Also, working as a Teacher Aide for a middle school in South Auckland was an eye opener for me into the realities young people go through. This led me to apply for the Bachelor of Social Work. With regards to a future career pathway, I would like to be able to give back to my community by working as a social worker in an organisation in South Auckland.
“I have enjoyed learning about the application of theories and concepts to real world scenarios. Outside of the classroom, I love having a designated space for Pacific students in my faculty. This has encouraged me to be who I am outside of my home and in a non-Pacific institution. Being part of the Tuākana Pacific Success programme in the Faculty of Education and Social Work has given me the confidence to be prouder of who I am and of my story.
“As a younger adult deciding on a career pathway, university seemed like a distant dream, especially because I did not have University Entrance or the credits needed to get into my degree. Being afforded the opportunity to be here at university and to pursue something I am passionate about has only been possible through my mother’s prayers.”

Muyu Tribe, West Papua
Student: PhD in Pacific Studies
Final year

“I love learning Indigenous research methodology and decolonised research methodologies in the Pacific. This led me to create my own research methodology, ‘Noken Weaving’. Further, I love the study environment where everyone respects and encourages each other to accomplish their study goals. I also received tremendous support from my PhD supervisors; they are nice and friendly. Overall, I feel blessed to be part of the Pacific Studies department.
“I was born and raised in urban Merauke, New Guinea, by a migrant Muyu father and an Indonesian mother. My father’s past mobility has influenced my identity formation. The urban lifestyle has disconnected me from knowing my father’s roots. This became the main reason I enrolled in the PhD programme: to reconnect to my father’s tribe, the Muyu. Also, there is a lack of studies that deeply focus on the Muyu tribe’s mobility and their noken (traditional bag) weaving. I hope the qualification will allow me to conduct more research on the Muyu’s past and current mobility, which affects women and their noken weaving practice.
“As an international student, living and studying in Auckland is hard and expensive. I must think hard about the deadline of my scholarship and the expiration date of my visa. Therefore, I manage my time well for studying while working part-time. Every minute has counted for me.
“I usually encourage West Papua’s younger generation, especially the girls. First, do not get married too early. Focus on your education. Second, there are many university scholarship schemes for West Papuans. You just need a strong motivation and commitment to get those opportunities. Lastly, if you fail at the first attempt, never give up. The first failure will become an important lesson to reach your goal, so try again until you nail it.”

Samoan. Si’usega, Ululoloa
Graduate: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)
Student: PhD in Engineering
Year 1

“A 16-year-old version of myself in Samoa would have considered the idea of pursuing a PhD as daunting and foreign. It was never a goal that was spoken about. However, research opportunities as an undergraduate and collaboration with academics during my short time in industry changed all that.
“My research will look at developing a ‘Multi-level Resilience Framework for Tsunami Disasters in Pacific Island Countries’. I decided to pursue my research at UoA for the betterment of my community. More importantly, it will help to set a precedent for future Māori and Pacific students to pursue postgraduate studies.
“Auckland’s PhD programme provides an exceptional platform for research in disaster resilience. The University’s core values of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation align perfectly with my research goals, fostering an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.
“Embrace our Pasifika way. Realise that what makes us ‘stand out’ in society is what makes us ‘outstanding’, for there is so much power in embracing our unique traits. Our native dialect. Embrace it. The floral patterns of our traditional wear. Embrace them. Our values of love, respect, and humility. Embrace them especially. Embrace meaningful relationships: Uni is a great place to meet people from diverse backgrounds. Engage with your peers, professors, and mentors. These connections will enrich your learning experience and open doors to future opportunities. Embrace side-hustles. Life is short, and opportunities rarely come twice.
“This is a great opportunity for personal growth, a chance to grow alongside others and to become the best version of myself in a safe and supportive space. My personal development will allow me to serve my people as the best engineer I can be, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to make a real difference in their lives.”

Niuean. Hakupu
Fijian. Province of Ba
Graduate: Bachelor of Science (Psychology)

“I have wanted to study psychology since about year 12 in high school. I had dreams of being a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist until I began my undergraduate studies and found my love for research and cognitive psychology.
“Being a Pasifika student, my community was always going to be a part of my study and career path. So, I’ve sought out opportunities to further my knowledge in Pacific and Indigenous methodologies for a lens suited to my community, my magafaoa (family).
“I have enjoyed every aspect of my degree. I have been lucky to have such enthusiastic and passionate lecturers and tutors – something not all students experience. The range of career and research paths has been a blessing also, especially with the help of Pasifika mentors I’ve been in touch with. There are no research interests too niche to pursue and I can combine my interest in cognitive psychology and service to the MPI (Māori Pacific Islands) community. I have learnt more than I can put into words and can’t wait to do more.
“I have gained knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world and communities around me. The things I now know about my major, about myself, my culture and the world do not make me feel as though I know it all now. I do not. However, I have been given the tools to navigate all these aspects and am so excited to know more.”