Pacific at AUT

This is your place to thrive. Support built with Pacific communities. Research tackling what matters to our people. Vā Pasifika spaces where you belong, Pacific leadership programmes that lift you up. Your community's behind you – and your future's ahead of you.

Office of Pacific Advancement

Support at AUT

The Office of Pacific Advancement champions Pacific success - whether you're a student, staff member, or part of our wider Pacific community. We're here to support you at Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau - Auckland University of Technology.

Vā Pasifika - Pacific student support

The team who offers support at AUT

We have a team of Tauarua dedicated to supporting Pacific students across all three campuses. From academic and financial support to pastoral care and kai, our Vā Pasifika spaces are here to help every Pacific student throughout their university journey.

It’s Samoa Language Week

This week Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa is being celebrated around Aotearoa.

Celebrate Rotuma Language Week

This week marks the first in a series of 12 language weeks celebrating the rich languages of the Pacific.

Boost for AUT immunology research

Health sciences

Improved health outcomes for Māori and Pacific people will result from a major boost to AUT’s immunology research expertise.

AUT releases Pay Gaps report

The sixth annual report shows continued progress in reducing the gender pay gap.

Meet some of our Pacific students

Enina Maea

For Enina Maea, her interest in paramedicine began when her grandmother was very sick with cancer and she saw what a difference a paramedic makes when people need it most.

Aleynna Ulberg-Nand

Nursing is deeply personal to her, says Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) student Aleynna Ulberg-Nand who plans to use her nursing skills to support Pacific people.

Ulima Tofi

His time at AUT shaped his passion for Māori and Pacific communities, says Ulima Tofi who completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) and a Master of Health Practice.

Malia Siufanga

Hospitality has always been her passion, says Malia Siufanga who is studying a Bachelor of International Hospitality Management in Hospitality Management.

Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele

Technology is for people, says computing alumna Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele who was named Young New Zealander of the Year 2025.

Falo Fifita

He loves that engineering is about solving problems and improving people’s quality of life, says Falo Fifita who is studying civil construction engineering.

Erica Gabriella Wing

She has always been passionate about working with children and supporting their learning and wellbeing during the early years, says Erica Gabriella Wing.

Amelia Rose Lingbu

Being able to work with people is one of the things she loves most about being an interpreter, says Amelia Rose Lingbu who studied a Graduate Certificate in Arts.

Fawaz Khan

He knew he wanted to get into the construction industry right after school, says Fawaz Khan who dreams of a career in quantity surveying or project management.

Tia Kimitaunga

Deciding to study criminology and criminal justice was easy for Tia Kimitaunga who started with a Diploma in Arts, before moving into the Bachelor of Arts.

Erikah Taukeiaho

She chose AUT because of its practical, hands-on approach, culturally diverse environment and supportive community, says Erikah Taukeiaho.

Kenza Taele

She has long been interested in sport physiotherapy, says Kenza Taele, a passionate netballer and Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) student.

Ivy Lyden-Hancy

She would like to see more Māori in the academic field, especially as lecturers, says Ivy Lyden-Hancy who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in History and Māori Media.

Monique Oyagawa

There have been many pinch-me moments since she joined Remix Magazine in 2021 as part of her AUT business workplace experience, says Monique Oyagawa.

Crystal Verry

Studying business was an easy decision, says Crystal Verry who is studying a Bachelor of Business in Marketing with a minor in Management and Leadership.

View all

Contact details

You can get in touch by emailing pacific@aut.ac.nz.

You can also follow us:

Instagram

Facebook

Eke Tangaroa

Eke Tangaroa is a unique programme designed to increase the number of Māori and Pacific academics at AUT by appointing early career academics and supporting them to establish research-active academic careers.