Pacific student stories 2026

Samoa: Vaovai Falealili, Tuana’i, Saleaula
Student: Bachelor of Global Studies (Chinese, Global
Politics and Human Rights)/Bachelor of Laws conjoint
(2nd year)

“My mahi is grounded in service and honouring my heritage. As the eldest of four and a first-generation university student, I carry a deep sense of duty to lead, serve, and create opportunities for those who come after me. The roles I have undertaken throughout my life taught me that true leadership is uplifting those around me and living with integrity.
“Choosing to come to university was never about me. It was about my family, my community, and the responsibility I have to give back. While I have been privileged to be raised in a beautiful community abundant with diverse (especially Pasifika) culture, it’s unfortunate how communities suffer from marginalisation. I have experienced first-hand the struggles our people face in education, health, and justice. For me, higher education is not only a personal goal but also a means of changing those systems and creating a pathway to equity and empowerment for all.
“I am pursuing a conjoint degree in Law and Global Studies because I believe both disciplines strengthen each other. Law provides me the ability to navigate and confront the systems that so often silence our Indigenous and Pasifika voices. Global Studies enables me to comprehend these issues in a wider context, connecting activism in Aotearoa with worldwide movements for justice, while my language studies in Chinese expand my skills to bridge cultural divides and redefine Western-dominated narratives.
“My ‘why’ is simple. Justice, not supremacy. Equity, not charity. I am here to challenge the systems that undermine us and create spaces where communities like mine can thrive on their own terms.”

Fiji: Natokolau, Kubulau Bua with vasu to Vutia, Rewa
Student: Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Laws conjoint (3rd year)

“One Fijian proverb that continues to anchor me is: ‘Na i vola e sega ni mate’ – ‘The spoken word does not die.’ It reminds me that our stories matter – and that when we speak, we honour those who could not. Our words are not just expressions; they are extensions of our ancestors, our communities, and our collective hope.
“I came into university with hopes of becoming a human rights lawyer or journalist, to give a voice and stage to our Pasifika communities in spaces where we are too often overlooked or misrepresented. Through my studies, I am equipping myself to challenge systemic inequities, dismantle harmful narratives, and tell our stories on our own terms.
“I am committed to being a vessel for change, grounded in my identity, culture, and the legacy of those who came before me.
“My ‘why’ is my village, my ancestors, my family, and every young Pasifika person who deserves to see themselves reflected in powerful spaces. I carry their stories, their dreams, and their resilience with me – and that is what fuels my journey.
“I know I stand here because of those who walked before me, who prayed for this moment, who sacrificed so I could dream. So I walk forward not just for myself, but for them, and for those yet to come.
“This journey isn’t just about making space, it’s about owning it, shaping it, and making sure no Pasifika voice ever goes unheard again.”

Fiji: Sawaieke Village, Gau
Vanuatu: Lelepa Island
Graduate: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science
Student: Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Science

“My why is my family, my village, and the Pacific. I want to serve, to give back, and to ensure that the generations after me inherit healthy environments and strong identities that allow them to thrive and prosper.
“My journey to university was inspired by my upbringing on the islands of Fiji and Vanuatu. Growing up, I often heard stories from my parents and elders about how the land and sea sustained our people, but I also saw how these same environments were becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change and human pressures. Those experiences planted the seed for me to pursue environmental science. I wanted to gain the knowledge and skills to not only understand these challenges but also to contribute to solutions that will safeguard our islands for future generations.
“My mahi is grounded in the belief that science and Indigenous knowledge can work hand in hand. By studying environmental change, I hope to generate research that empowers Pacific communities to adapt with resilience while ensuring cultural values and traditional practices remain central. I see my role as helping to strengthen the connection between science, policy, and the voices of our people.”

Tonga: Pelehake, Fu’amotu
Student: Bachelor of Property (3rd year)

“My ‘why’ is deeply rooted in giving back to my parents and all the people who have believed, prayed, and invested in me. Every sacrifice they’ve made has shaped who I am today, and I feel a strong responsibility to honour that.
“I chose to study a Bachelor of Property at the University of Auckland because the property industry offers diverse opportunities through different sectors. I have always been drawn to a career that is dynamic and people-focused, and property is exactly that. Property allows for balance between being in an office, meeting and working with a wide range of individuals, and being on a site. I’m excited by the chance to combine analytical skills with building strong relationships. This pathway provides a solid foundation for a rewarding and versatile career.
“I believe my mahi and my studies will benefit Indigenous and Pacific communities by showing my peers and the next generation that there is a place for us Pasefika in this industry. ‘You cannot be what you cannot see,’ and I want to be a visible role model who inspires others to explore opportunities in property. This field offers so much potential for Pacific peoples to create intergenerational wealth, develop our own communities, and have a voice in shaping the built environment that we live and work in. By succeeding in this space, I hope to open doors and encourage future generations to immerse themselves in the property sector.
“If I don’t give my best and strive for success, it would be disrespectful not only to myself, but also to those who have given so much for me to be able to pursue my dreams. My journey is bigger than just me, it’s about carrying their hopes and paving the way for others. Their unwavering support is my motivation to keep pushing forward and make them proud.”

Cook Islands. Rarotonga (Tupapa), Rakahanga, Atiu.
New Zealand. Wellington
Student: Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science conjoint in Management and Psychology (5th year)

“I chose to come to university because I wanted to challenge myself and open doors to opportunities that would allow me to give back to my community. Pursuing a conjoint degree in Commerce and Science, majoring in Management and Psychology, reflects both my passion for understanding people and my drive to contribute to leadership and decision-making spaces where Pacific voices are underrepresented.
“Through my studies, I am learning how to bridge theory and practice in ways that directly benefit Indigenous and Pacific communities. Management equips me with tools to lead, organise, and advocate effectively, while Psychology gives me insight into behaviour, wellbeing, and the challenges our communities face. My mahi is guided by the desire to empower Pacific peoples, particularly by creating pathways for leadership, education, and mental health support. I believe this combination positions me to uplift and support Pacific communities in spaces where our presence is often limited.
“My ‘why’ is my community. Growing up in the Cook Islands and later in New Zealand, I have seen the resilience and potential of Pacific peoples, but also the barriers that exist. I want to be part of breaking those barriers by ensuring Pacific voices, stories, and aspirations are represented in decision-making spaces. My purpose is to empower Pacific peoples to thrive and pursue careers where our representation is minimal or non-existent.”

Fiji: Naneviuda, Seaqaqa, Macuata and Tovulailai, Nairai, Lomaiviti
Graduate: Bachelor of Science majoring, in Psychology

“I chose Psychology because I have always been deeply interested in mental health. Growing up, I saw how important wellbeing is within the Pasifika community, and I was motivated to learn more about the challenges our people face.
“Both Māori and Pasifika experience higher rates of psychological distress and suicide, yet they often find it difficult to access culturally appropriate support. By combining scientific research with an understanding of Indigenous knowledge and values, I can contribute to developing approaches that are not only evidence-based but also culturally responsive.
“Beyond research, I am deeply committed to applying my knowledge in ways that directly benefit Indigenous communities. My goal is to work alongside Māori and Pasifika youth and families, helping to design preventative programmes, strengthen family support systems, and create safe spaces that foster resilience. By bridging Western psychology with Indigenous worldviews, I hope to build trust in mental health services and contribute to pathways that empower future generations.
“My people are my ‘why’. Navigating these spaces as an Indigenous student comes with challenges, but it also gives me the opportunity to turn my experiences into action.
“Loloma yani.”

Samoa: Afega, Manunu, Sagone and Ti’avea

Alaxander Levi Fitzpatrick

Student: Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Science (3rd year)

“I decided to come to university because I wanted to challenge myself, gain new skills, and open up opportunities for the future. I chose Engineering mainly because I’ve always enjoyed maths, problem-solving, and figuring out how things work, which made Engineering a natural choice. My older brother also studied Engineering and seeing him go through the degree inspired me to take the same path.

“As a Pacific student in Engineering, I know we’re underrepresented in this field, which makes it even more important for me to succeed and bring a different perspective to the spaces I enter. Engineering Science teaches students to use mathematics, computing, and technology to model and understand complex systems, and I want to apply these skills to challenges that matter to and impact Pacific communities. I also want to show that Pacific voices and ideas have a place in engineering and that we can make a positive impact.

“My ‘why’ is that I want to do better than my twin brother, who is also studying the same degree at university. This keeps me motivated and encourages me to strive for my best every day. More importantly, I want to do well to make my family proud and contribute to solving real-world problems. I want them to feel that their support, hard work, and sacrifices are valued and meaningful, and that my work can contribute to real solutions. I also want to inspire younger Pacific students to see that we can thrive in this field, even when it hasn’t always been designed with us in mind.”
 

Logan Vaelua Fitzpatrick

Graduate: BSc in Biomedical Science
Student: Master of Biomedical Science

“From a young age, I watched my Nana dedicate herself to preserving the Samoan language and culture in New Zealand. Through her commitment to teaching and serving our community, I learned that education is a responsibility and that knowledge is most valuable when shared to uplift others. This lesson has shaped how I approach learning and service, and it continues to inspire me to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive difference for Pacific communities.

“Inspired by my older siblings and determined to set an example for my younger siblings, I came to university to pursue knowledge and research in a way that honours my Nana, supports my family, and benefits Pacific communities. Biomedical Science became more than a degree; it became a way to connect curiosity with purpose. The more I learned, the more I understood its potential to transform health outcomes for Pacific and Indigenous communities, who are too often underrepresented in research and healthcare. I am motivated by the idea that the work I do now can create a positive impact for generations to come.

“Alongside my studies, I have found purpose in teaching. Working as a Tuākana tutor and Teaching Assistant has shown me that the true value of leadership lies in supporting others and creating opportunities for them to grow. These experiences have reinforced the idea that knowledge has the greatest impact when it is shared, and that helping others succeed is as important as achieving success yourself.

“At the heart of everything I do is tautua, or service. My goal is to use research and education to strengthen Pacific health, amplify Indigenous voices in science, and create opportunities for those who come after me. I hope to honour those who paved the way for me by ensuring that my mahi uplifts others, strengthens our communities, and brings Pacific voices, knowledge, and culture into science, where they are too often missing.”
 

Alonso Jack Fa’alogo Fitzpatrick

Student: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Engineering Science (3rd year)

“My decision to pursue Engineering was driven by a desire to solve tangible problems and serve my community. I wanted to move beyond theory and use my skills in maths and coding to create meaningful, positive impacts. Being a Pasifika student, my community and my aiga were always at the heart of my decision to study. Education and its importance were always stressed to me growing up – the value in learning, to be equipped for whatever you may face. In pursuit of my passion as well as financial stability I found myself enrolling for Engineering.

“I have sought to view Engineering through a Pasifika lens, focusing on how data, systems, and optimisation can serve sustainable and culturally grounded development. I am driven by the belief that Engineering shouldn’t just solve theory but should serve people and our environment. I want to use my skills in data and modelling to build sustainable and resilient solutions with infrastructure that allows our Pasifika communities to thrive.

“My degree has given me more than technical knowledge; it has given me a new set of tools to understand and navigate the world. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how innovative engineering can honour cultural values for future generations. I don’t have all the answers, but I am excited and equipped to keep learning, building, and contributing back to my community.”