Zak Tulua

3rd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in Event Management with a minor in Digital Cultures

He would love to see more culturally diverse events in his home community of Ōtara in South Auckland, says Zak Tulua who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Event Management.

“I’d love to plan more events for my South Auckland community, like 274 Ōtara Day, and help the event grow and reach a bigger audience. Our Pacific communities are often underrepresented in professional spaces, however we have many game-changing ideas and perspectives the world needs to see. By studying event management, I’d like to help create more culturally respectful events focused on our Pacific voices.

“I could also see myself being involved with my old high school, and help them plan cultural events, sporting events and engagement events to keep students engaged in their school and education.”

Highlights and achievements
Now in the third year of his degree, Zak has had a number of highlights throughout his time at AUT.

“The new connections I’ve made during my time at AUT will definitely be lifelong friends I’ll cherish forever. I’ve really enjoyed the sense of community and belonging here. As a Polynesian student, it can be hard to fit into a big university, but services like Vā Pasifika and the AUT Māori team have made my student life more enjoyable and memorable. There’s such a strong mix of cultures at AUT, and it genuinely feels like there's a place for everyone. I’ve loved connecting with people who share similar backgrounds but also meeting others from completely different walks of life.

“During my degree, I’ve also worked in many different workplaces, and have been exposed to different organisations and the way they function. I know this will benefit me in my future career, and for that I’m truly grateful.”

One achievement he is especially proud of is being the first-ever recipient of the YKL-McIntyre Student Resilience Award.

“This award is presented to a student in AUT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism who has been identified by their lecturer as having displayed evidence of overcoming personal odds, obstacles or hardships, and has shown resilience through hard work and commitment. I’m proud of receiving this award and have worked hard to get great grades.”

Advice for other students
Zak has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“My first piece of advice would be to find out what you’re passionate about before you come into university. If you’re passionate about what you study, you’ll love what you study and it won’t feel forced. I came into university unsure about what I wanted to do as I had interests in so many different fields. I initially studied health science, but then AUT helped me find a degree that uses all of my talents and strengths in one place, and that was event management.”

“My second piece of advice is to surround yourself with people who have similar goals of success. And when people give you advice, take in what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Remind yourself of why you decided to study at uni and use that as motivation.”

He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend studying at AUT to other students.

“AUT’s environment is really supportive, especially for Pacific and Māori students. The lecturers are approachable, and there’s a focus on real-world skills; not just theory. I feel like AUT prepares you for what’s actually out there in the workforce. Plus, the campus has a really good vibe — it’s diverse, welcoming and there are heaps of opportunities to get involved outside of classes. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to be yourself and to aim high.”