Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono

When Emmanuel considered where to study music, he chose Waikato because he had cousins who lived here and because the music department is small and intimate which allowed him to receive personalised teaching. He has always had a love of music, particularly voice and harmony. He says, "I love the sound of a group harmonising, music is one of the things that keeps my family close-knit."

Three members of his family joined him at Waikato to study classical music and the combination of family and friends made his study journey even more rewarding.  "The people around me have been the highlight of my degree. My classmates were from diverse backgrounds, which is inspiring, and everyone is incredibly supportive of each other. I really liked my lecturers - they encouraged me to better myself"

During his time at Waikato, Emmanuel received a TAPA Award (Tertiary Achievementin Pacific Ako) which gave him the opportunity to apply for competitions and summer opera camps and connect with the Pacific Island community.

He has advice for other Pasifika students "University is like a bus trip – there are lots of opportunities on the way, so you should go with the flow but always try to head in the right direction and maintain who you are."