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.

The Self-Funded Vaka

Business

The annual Kōrero/Talanoa event brought together Māori and Pacific industry and community experts, entrepreneurs, whānau, alumni and students.

It’s Vaiaso o te 'Gana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week

AUT is proud to celebrate Tuvalu Language Week by showcasing a fatele performed by three students of Tuvaluan heritage.

Dramatic impact of Hunga volcano

Science

The most explosive eruption of the last century – the 2022 Hunga volcano near Tonga - caused massive changes to the ocean floor.

AUT’s support for seventh Y25 List

Year on year, this prestigious nationwide list has featured AUT students, graduates and alumni excelling in their respective fields.

Meet some of our Pacific students

Levi McMillan

He truly enjoys the dynamic nature of his work, says Levi McMillan who studied advertising and now works as a social content creator for DDB.

Malia Siufanga

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

Anusha Bali

Joe Lolo

Education has been a passion since school, says Joe Lolo who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in English and New Media Studies.

Fiapai Lorreta (Lorreta) Puni

She loves her job, the people she works with and the patients, says Fiapai Lorreta (Lorreta) Puni who now works as an oral health therapist in Northland and Auckland.

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.

William Lotawa

He is proud to support the communities he lives in, says William Lotawa who is now a rotational occupational therapist for Te Whatu Ora – Waitemata.

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.

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.

Winniefred (Winnie) Lotulelei Ngata

She loves being a teacher, says Winniefred (Winnie) Lotulelei Ngata who teaches Year 1 at Sunnybrae Normal School.

Dilon Kumar

The numerous opportunities he has access to are what he loves most about his studies, says Dilon Kumar who is completing a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Marketing.

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.

Joash Kumar

He chose to study primary teaching to be a positive role model for others, says Joash Kumar who studied a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching).

Erikah Taukeiaho

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

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.

View all

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.