Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific
Kia orāna, mālō e lelei, tālofa lava, fakaalofa lahi atu, ni sa bula vinaka, taloha ni, halo olaketa, kia orana, ko na mauri, tālofa, aloha and warm Pacific greetings. Welcome to the University of Waikato!
Our Pacific theme at Waikato is imua. For many of us with roots in the Pacific, imua or words like it are familiar to us. In te reo Māori, i mua atu means “before”. In Samoa, muamua means “to advance”, and also “before” and “unprecedented”. In Tonga, laka atu ki muʻa means “go forward”. In other places, the words also translate. In Kiribati, tere means “to go forward” while waki can mean “to go forward” but also “to realize”. In Hawai̒i, imua can also mean “before” but often means “forward” or “go forward”. In Hawai̒i, it is a famous battle cry and motto.
When you come to Waikato, we want you to imua. Wherever you are now – whether honours student, first-in-family, school leaver, mature learner or not – we want you to go forward, to progress and strive. We also want you to lead from the front, to set an example and to help lift others to do better too. For this reason, we have a great team of dedicated staff and various resources in place to assist your journey.
Studying at Waikato
We provide an internationally recognised education in a friendly and supportive campus environment. Our campuses have everything students need for their university journey, including well-equipped lecture theatres, computer labs, a state-of-the-art library and fantastic study space.
There’s also the added benefit of on-campus cafés, student support services, health services and fitness facilities walking distance.
We have a laid-back campus atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to make life-long friends, participate in sporting and cultural activities, join student clubs, and access to our world-leading teaching staff.
To find out more about the Pacific student experience contact our Future Student Adviser (Pacific) at [email protected]
Choosing your course
We offer a broad range of degrees, diplomas and certificates across more than 100 subjects. Our degree programmes are flexible, meaning you can customise your qualification to suit your strengths, interests and career plans. This ensures you graduate fully prepared for life beyond study.
We appreciate that many students have ongoing work and family commitments, and so we offer full- and part-time study options.
To find out more about our qualifications visit waikato.ac.nz/study or contact our Future Student Adviser (Pacific) at [email protected]
Pacific student support
We have a dedicated Pacific Student Success Coordinator who can help with course planning, accommodation, finding Pacific student groups and more. We also offer many other student support services, including:
- The Imua initiative:
The Imua initiative is a success- and culture-based programme designed to help first -year students successfully transition into tertiary study and to continue progressing through key stages of the university journey. Students have the opportunity to grow as scholars and leaders. All first year and new students welcome. - Student Learning:
Pacific Support Staff are available to help you from 1pm - 2pm every Wednesday of the teaching week in the Conch. - Pacific support in divisions:
Programme planning and subject specific assistance is available in your Division / school of study. - Pacific study groups/sessions:
Provided in various Divisions, Faculties and Schools. Read More - Pacific support staff:
We have a number of Pacific and non-Pacific staff in academic and support roles who are committed to your success. Make sure you reach out with any questions or requests.
For a full list of our student support services, visit waikato.ac.nz/go/student-support or contact our Pacific Student Success Coordinator at [email protected]
Growing Pacific research, researchers and research excellence
Like a taro patch, the goal of the Lo'i Pacific Research Innovation Hub is to create a thriving and innovative Pacific research ecosystem that creates positive outcomes for Pacific people and communities
Learn more
Pacific Student Associations
We have all sorts of sports and student clubs at our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. These are a great way to meet new people, try something different, and familiarise yourself with the University. There are many student groups specifically for Pacific Students, including:
- Pacific Island Parents Students Association
- Pacific Islands Management Students Association
- Pacific Law Students Association
- Papua New Guinea Students Association
- Solomon Islands Students Waikato Association
- STEM Pacific and Māori
- Tutala Niue
- Waikato Uni-Tech Tongan Students Association
- Waikato University Cook Island Students Association
- Waikato University Fijian Students Association
- Waikato University Kiribati Students Association
- Waikato University Samoan Student Association
- Waikato University Tuvalu Students Association
- Waikato University Vanuatu Students Association
The Conch
The Conch is our dedicated Pacific student space, and is located on Level Zero of the Student Centre. This space provides a community centre that is distinctively Pacific. It is the perfect place to relax in between classes, work together on your projects, and hang out with friends and meet other Pacific students. To find out more about The Conch, contact our Pacific Student Success Coordinator at [email protected]
Scholarships
At Waikato we know a helping hand goes a long way in turning a smart brain into a great mind. We offer several scholarships for new Pacific students:
Edna Money Future Pacific Leaders’ Scholarship - $6000 a year for up to three years
This scholarship aims to provide academically talented Pacific students who demonstrate significant leadership potential the opportunity to study at Waikato. The scholarship can be put towards course fees or accommodation in the Halls of Residence on the Hamilton campus.
Pacific Excellence Scholarships - Up to $20,000
This scholarship is for domestic students of Pacific Island descent who are currently studying at NCEA Level 3 towards University Entrance and who intend to enrol full-time in an undergraduate degree at Waikato in 2024. The Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of meritorious achievement and connection to the Pacific community.
TAPA (Tertiary Achievement in Pacific Ako) Awards - Up to $2000
For students who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and are of Pacific Island descent to pursue tertiary studies at the University of Waikato for a full academic year.
To find out more about our Pacific student scholarships, and the many other scholarships on offer visit waikato.ac.nz/scholarships
@PacificAtWaikato