Pathways of learning, leadership and success

To achieve the objectives of the Pacific Strategic Plan, our team administers a growing number of initiatives. Together these initiatives are designed to build, illuminate and smooth pathways of success.

Leadership and success in the first year of study 

In many Pacific languages, the word mua is associated with leading or moving forward.

The Imua Initiative draws on cultural legacies of learning excellence and leadership, provides wraparound manaakitanga for Pacific students, builds crucial academic and digital skills for university study, and introduces students to our Waikato Pacific family.

Students who complete this programme get a headstart on preparation, have a high pass rate and get better grades in their courses. Students leave the programme as learner-leaders. The programme is free of charge to all Pacific first year students.

For more information, email Dau ni Talitali Pacific Engagement Manager Monica Megan Fa'asu.

Growing Pacific health leaders

The Pacific Health Science Academy (PHSA) empowers Pacific students to pursue meaningful careers in health, medicine, and science. Through culturally grounded learning, hands-on experiences, and partnerships with Pacific health professionals, PHSA builds confidence, real-world skills, and clear pathways into the health workforce.

PHSA offers:

• Health science pathways that link learning to real careers

• Mentorship from Pacific health experts and university partners

• Career and tertiary readiness, including access to scholarships and internships

• A culturally affirming community that celebrates Pacific identity and excellence

PHSA is more than a programme—it's a movement growing the next generation of Pacific health leaders for a stronger, healthier Aotearoa.

For more information, please contact Dr. Agatha Gibbons

Partnering with Pacific families

A famous alaga'aupu Samoa or Samoan proverb says: O le tagata ma lona aiga, o le tagata ma lona fa'asinomaga — Every person belongs to a family and every family belongs to a person.

Pacific learners represent the aspirations of families, communities and nations. The new 'Āiga on Campus programme recognises the crucial role that Pacific families can play in the success of Pacific learners.

Through this programme, parents, partners and other family members can experience the campus, learn more about 'āiga, culture and community on campus, attend mini-lectures and learn more about how they can best support their student.

For more information, email Dau ni Talitali Pacific Engagement Manager Monica Megan Fa'asu.

One-on-one peer support and mentorship

Palu are master navigators from Micronesia who have led the revitalisation of voyaging in places like Hawai'i and Aotearoa by passing down their precious knowledge and teaching others.

This programme provides culturally responsive, one-on-one support to Pacific undergraduate students. It connects them with central and divisional services and resources.

Palu act as more experienced navigators of study, helping other students navigate study, services and opportunities.

Our team of Palu Navigators can be found on Level 2 of Te Manawa and at the Tauranga campus for walk-ins during teaching periods.

For more information, email Taki Ako – Pacific Learner Success Lead Dr Hennah Steven

Preparing for careers, further study and finishing well

The name of this cultural legacy initiative refers to a traditional Pacific navigation technique whereby the mind of the navigator is so focused on their destination that it is as if they are living and breathing their goal — and as if the island comes to them (Māori navigator, Hoturoa Kerr-Barclay).

This new initiative is designed to help Pacific students in their final year of study to focus on completion by maximising career, further study and other options — and ultimately, finishing well.

This programme includes regular workshops to brush up on senior research and writing skills, careers and employment preparation, Impact Lab, work-integrated learning, and other leadership opportunities.

For more information, email Taki Ako – Pacific Learner Success Lead Dr Hennah Steven.

Success in graduate study and beyond

The noted scholar, artist and poet, Dr Derek Lardelli, spoke at an University of Waikato marae graduation several years ago. His wero to the students graduating that day was to "challenge the horizon", as their voyaging ancestors did in the Pacific, and to excel.

Pacific students undertaking graduate programmes including PhD programmes, higher degrees or qualifications are often few in number in their chosen programmes and may be under-represented in their fields, but their voice, leadership and experience are needed in the world.

This programme recognises their leadership and seeks to maximise scholarship, research, academic and career opportunities — and finishing well.

For more information, email Taki Ako – Pacific Learner Success Lead Dr Hennah Steven.

Growing a thriving ecosystem of Pacific research, researchers and research excellence

For an ecosystem to thrive, water must flow right through it from mauka to makai — or from the mountains to the sea, reef and beyond. It must flow from the trees on the ridge of the mountain to the lo'i — or taro patch where the community comes together to work together — to the ocean of possibilities beyond. Because it is so important, taking care of the water is everyone's responsibility. 

Currently in development, the Lo'i Pacific Research and Innovation Hub is a place where diverse stakeholders can come together in a spirit of indigenous innovation to achieve meaningful impact and to deliver outcomes that matter to Pacific communities, organisations and various stakeholders. 

Like a Pacific wetland taro patch, the Hub is a place for growing a thriving ecosystem of Pacific research, researchers and research excellence. Our goal is an abundant ecosystem where research and more equitable outcomes for Pacific people and communities flow freely as we work together.

For more information, email Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific Dr Keakaokawai Varner Hemi.