AUT - Office of Pasifika Advancement
Office of Pasifika Advancement
Kia ora, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Talofa lava, Taloha ni, Malo e lelei, Talofa, Ni sa bula vinaka and warm Pacific greetings
AUT’s third campus opens
The opening of AUT’s Manukau Campus marked a milestone for the organisation and the communities of Auckland’s southern city. Manukau City now has access to a university campus that provides easy access and lessens the time and cost of travel.
The campus was officially opened on Saturday 27 March 2010 by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, and the ceremony was graced with a number of dignitaries including the Leader of the Opposition, Phil Goff. Steven Joyce - Minister for Tertiary Education, Wayne Mapp - Associate Minister of Tertiary Education, Georgina Te Heu Heu - Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, the Mayor of Manukau City, His Worship Len Brown and many others joined the leaders of local communities.
Many students and staff of local schools attended – including students who are actively involved with AUT through a number of programmes such as SHINE and Prefects that Peak.
Displays and information were provided in the main block that kept AUT staff busy, with many queries relating to courses and enrolment. The School of Education Pasifika staff and students displayed their beautifully weaved hats and bags. A variety of fun activities including the bouncy castle, rock climbing and face painting were provided for children who came along with their parents.
After the official ceremony, the stage performances began featuring Anonymouz and the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Urban Beat, Kapa Haka, and Cook Island, Samoan, Tongan and Indian cultural performances.
Dreams sometimes take a while, and the realisation of the dream of a new AUT campus at Manukau has been a long journey. The opening of the campus is a significant event and it is in our hands to ensure that the students enrolled there are able to gain the skills and experience they need to achieve their aspirations.
Welcoming AUT foundation Professor for Pacific Studies
In 2009 AUT staff and students welcomed Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, foundation Professor for Pacific Studies. Professor Fairbairn-Dunlop will continue to develop her research looking into the influence of societal changes on Pacific families and communities as well as fostering and facilitating Pacific research and scholarship at AUT University.
100 Pasifika PhDs by 2015
Our office supports AUT’s goal to have 100 Pasifika PhDs by 2015. In 2009 we celebrated the first of AUT’s two Pasifika PhD graduates. Dr Timothy West-Newman (NZTRI) graduated in August and Dr Semisi Prescott (Business & Law) in December.
I would like to wish all students and staff who are studying this year every success as you strive towards your goal.
Ia manuia
Pauline Winter, Director
Office of Pasifika Advancement