Pacific at AUT

This is your central hub for all things Pacific at AUT. Here you will hear stories of our staff and students at AUT, discover our engagement with communities, and learn more of the research that impacts the lives of our Pacific people.

Office of Pacific Advancement

Support at AUT

Whether you're a Pacific student, Pacific staff member or a part of our wider Pacific community, the Office of Pacific Advancement has been set up to champion all things Pacific here at Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau - Auckland University of Technology.

Pacific student
support

The team who offers support at AUT

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

It’s Vanuatu Bislama Language Week

AUT is this week proudly celebrating the first Vanuatu Bislama language week in the 2025 Pacific Language Series.

AUT hosts Prof Rev Upolu Lumā Vaai

AUT hostedthe first Vice-Chancellor of the Pasifika Communities University, Prof Rev Upolu Lumā Vaai.

Kiribati Language Week 2025

AUT proudly celebrates Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati - Kiribati Language Week 2025.

AUT releases 5th annual Pay Gaps report

Measuring progress towards a diverse, fair and inclusive workplace

Meet some of our Pacific students

Rachel Suesue

Caring for her family through illness sparked her passion for wanting to help others, says Rachel Suesue who is studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing).

Caleb Jasmat

He believes that he has one of the coolest and most impactful roles in his company, says business alumnus Caleb Jasmat who is now the early career lead at Contact Energy.

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.

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.

Josiah Akesim

He enjoys working on impactful projects that improve digital access in remote communities, says Josiah Akesim who now works for NICTA in Papua New Guinea.

Husna Akbar

She has always been fascinated by the way humans think and behave, says Husna Akbar who studied a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice & Psychology.

Jennifer Olivia (Olivia) Uhrle

For AUT business alumna Jennifer Olivia (Olivia) Uhrle, finding her path towards the technology career she has today was a bit of journey.

Hannah Felise-Clarke

Watching her son struggle with mental health and addiction inspired her to understand how to offer support, says Hannah Felise-Clarke who studied health science.

Levili Leilua

He is looking forward to contributing to the success of the New Zealand Warriors Women’s team, says Levili Leilua who recently became the team’s head trainer.

Grace Ulu

She genuinely loved her communication studies degree, says Grace Ulu, who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations.

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.

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.

Jordan Christian Saimasi-Mika

There is something special about AUT, says Jordan Christian Saimasi-Mika who came to AUT to study computer and information sciences and business management.

Jordan Salesa

It’s a privilege to be working with athletes at the top of their careers, says Jordan Salesa who has worked with some of the best athletes in the world.

Bhavna Prakash

Her lecturers were the highlight of her time at AUT, says Bhavna Prakash who studied a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in international hospitality management.

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Contact details

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

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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.