Pacificana Warm Pacific greetings from Otago Talofa Lava and Warm obligation or duty remains the same. It is your “the family teaches job, students, to take our communities further Pacific Greetings into the big world out there full of wonderful us the importance of opportunities. As one of our elders said to his knowledge, education, The University of Otago has had a long son, “I struggled in the factory for 30 years to relationship with people of the Pacific. You hard work and effort. see you get into university and be someone, not need only to look at our leaders over the years It teaches us about to follow me into the factory”. Education was who have led our communities to the new one of the main reasons why we migrated and enjoying ourselves, cultures of opportunity. The formidable likes continue to do so – to ensure our fanau receive of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara from and Sir having fun, keeping fit the education and the opportunities that come Tom Davis from the are just two. and healthy.” from it. The Pacific Islands Centre’s primary Their exceptional experiences here at Otago, role is to help you utilise those opportunities. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and how far they took us, established a pathway Together with the academic divisions, the Former Prime Minister and President of Fiji for the many successors that followed. Kamisese Centre works to ensure the success of our Mara, a former resident at Knox College while Pacific students. studying towards a medical degree, continued his education at Oxford University before The Dunedin campus is just like a village of returning to be the first Prime Minister of Fiji families, aiga or kainga – small and friendly, and helping to establish the Pacific Forum. Tom with everyone looking out for one another. Davis became a NASA scientist and returned to You will be welcomed as a family member, be the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. The and we will make sure that you return to your old clique sounds louder here – if they could do family and community with your mission it then, when there was hardly any academic or accomplished. Life is all about taking up pastoral support, you can do it now with all the opportunities and running with them. It’s all support the University provides. about you – the student – and how much you want to succeed. All you need to bring with you Read the personal stories featured in this is your determination to succeed. prospectus to get an appreciation of how much the University has contributed to the making of our communities, and vice versa. Pacific Islanders, whether Island-born or -born, are high achievers. Our ancestors journeyed the rough seas to bring us to this Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai new country that many of us now call home. Manager, Pacific Islands Centre They appreciated the opportunities here and sought to pursue them. In this 21st century, our 1

Welcome

The University of Otago was New Zealand’s first development of activities that promote improved university and remains its finest. The University rates of access, retention and completion among has an outstanding international reputation for students of indigenous Pacific descent. the quality of its teaching and research. Otago graduates hold key positions in many countries On behalf of everyone at the University of Otago, I around the world. would like to offer a very warm welcome to Pacific students. We are delighted to have you here, and For many years the University of Otago has will do anything possible to make your time at welcomed students from the Pacific Islands. After Otago fruitful and enjoyable. This publication graduating from the University, many of these is intended to provide specific information for people have provided notable leadership and Pacific students who are considering enrolling at service in their own countries (including several the University of Otago. We hope that you will Prime Ministers). Increasingly Pacific students find it useful. Please do not hesitate to contact us born in New Zealand are also choosing the if you have additional questions. University of Otago for their education.

The University’s commitment to Pacific aspirations is articulated in its Pacific Strategic Framework (2013–2020), which marks a Professor Harlene Hayne significant milestone in the University’s Vice-Chancellor longstanding engagement with local, national and regional Pacific communities. The Framework is ambitious in scope and sets targets to support the People of the Pacific and the University 3

“For a Pacific family or community, when one graduates, the whole family and community graduates.” Tofilau Nina Kirifi Alai Pacific Islands Centre Manager

It may be the southernmost university in New Zealand, but people of the Pacific have a long history and valued presence at the University of Otago.

Our Pacific students study across all subjects Plus, the University offers students the at the University, and have gone on to careers opportunity to learn about their own history in various government ministries, religious and culture through papers and degrees offered roles, health, education, law, diplomacy and at Te Tumu, the School of Māori, Pacific and much more. There are currently approximately Indigenous Studies. Furthermore, in 2015 700 students with a Pacific heritage – both a Fijian language paper was offered at the New Zealand- and Island-born – studying University of Otago – the first in any university at Otago. These include students from Fiji, in New Zealand. , , , , Pacific issues are also addressed in subjects Marshall Islands, Tokelau Islands, Papua New across the University, including law, politics, Guinea, , Kiribati, , Tahiti, New health, sciences and music. Caledonia, and the Cook Islands. Pacific Islands students also come here from Indeed, it is inscribed in the University’s and the USA. Charter that Otago will continue to focus on the needs of Pacific people. The University is Not only has Otago influenced the lives and committed to ongoing consultation with the careers of our Pacific students, but the students Pacific communities, and to serving them are making a lasting contribution to the through our teaching, research, support University as well. The University celebrates networks and international relationships. This and supports its Pacific community through a is reflected in the University’s Pacific Strategic range of networks and support systems. Plan, launched in 2012. We welcome the perspectives and diversity Education is recognised as a key means for Pacific people bring to Otago – including their ensuring the strong future of Pacific people. The contribution to our arts, music, sports and University of Otago is extremely proud to play a science! part in assisting all Pacific people to excel. What’s so Good About Going to University? “i am the graduate of three universities. that must say something.” Sir Tom Davis Former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Otago graduate

For some students, going to university is a It’s all good news, although leaving home to study family tradition. For others, it may be a family in a far-off city can still sound daunting. But it or community dream: many Pacific Islanders needn’t be – because Otago has people to offer leave the warmth of their shores to seek new a helping hand at every step of the journey from opportunities and ensure their children access school to success. the excellent education New Zealand can offer. If you want to be the best that you can be, The University of Otago is well aware of the Otago is for you. aspirations Pacific people have for their young people, and has been heavily involved in realising these educational dreams since the late 1960s. It is also aware that for an increasing number, university is a new experience, and they are blazing a trail for others to follow. It’s an important start in life, and one that will influence lifetime choices in years to come. At university, students gain skills that can help to improve their own lives, the lives of their families and communities.

Sir Tom Davis at a celebration upon gaining an Honourary Doctorate of Laws at Otago in 2005. 5

student profile

Hans To’o expected to go to “Law and Information Technology on campus is immense. Like the Hans To’o university in his hometown of are two different disciplines but colleges and departments, they’re Wellington, but a visit to Otago they’re a good combination and always there for you and that’s Law and Commerce for a Pacific Islands students’ On it’s exciting when they overlap.” very reassuring.” Campus Experience changed his He spent his first two years at Hans hasn’t decided on his future mind. Selwyn College, where he made path when he graduates, but he “I got to see the student-focused friends he believes he’ll keep for already has choices. culture and the awesome lifestyle life. “The colleges are a melting He came to Otago with a Māori that the University and its colleges pot of people so you can get a and Pacific Peoples’ scholarship of residence had to offer. The good worldly view and see things and a scholarship from campus is much more compact in different ways by interacting accounting firm PwC, and has and there’s a great student with different people. If you take recently completed a clerkship community. You get experiences every opportunity to surround with corporate lawyers Chapman that you would never get staying yourself with good people, you Tripp. Both firms have offers on at home.” will leave university with so much the table. more than a degree. Hans enrolled in Law, an idea “I’m not sure which side of my that his late Samoan father had “It’s also good to be open to double degree I’ll go for yet – Law seeded years before, and in accepting all the help that is on or Commerce – but I do know that Commerce so he could follow his offer. The Pacific Islands Centre if you want to get well-rounded personal interests in computing offers academic support and experiences at university, Otago is and business. mentoring and their presence the place to be.” student profile

Kimberly Tuitoga got off to a shaky She went on to a summer general population while still Kimberly start at Otago. After growing up in studentship with the Psychology keeping contact with the Pacific Fiji and spending only two years at and Biochemistry departments, Islands community she enjoys in Tuitoga high school in Auckland, Dunedin investigating the influence of Dunedin. was a big change. environment and genes on the “I’ve had great mentors in the Pacific Psychology wellbeing of teenagers in the Pacific “I chose Otago because it had a Islands Centre and the Pacific community. really good reputation and a good Trust, and taken part in a Fijian vibe, and I wanted somewhere “I really enjoyed research and cultural group as well as tennis and where I could be independent. community involvement and I volleyball, and volunteer work. In my first year I was homesick remembered a Tongan proverb: “And I’ve had great postgraduate and struggled a bit but the Pacific ‘the reef of today will be the island support from a Le Va Mental Islands Centre was really good, of tomorrow’. I wanted to keep Health and Addiction Scholarship, helping with tutorials and extra advancing my education so I and an Otago University Master’s support when I needed it. applied for a Master’s.” Scholarship.” “Staying in a college was good Having studied how Pacific teens Kimberly’s advice for new students? too, and I soon made friends and viewed life, she is now researching “It may be daunting to start with, but everything started to feel right. how parents’ views on culture take the leap of faith and come to I’d made the move and felt good and society may affect their Otago.” about it.” teenagers, and is looking forward to comparing and contrasting the two While Kimberly completed a BSc perspectives. in Neuroscience, she found she enjoyed her Psychology papers so She hopes to advance to further much that she took a Diploma for research or train as a psychologist, Graduates in the subject. expanding her horizons to the 7

Who Can We Talk To?

No matter where you are, there will always be someone you can talk to about coming to Otago. Within Schools’ Liaison, the Pacific Islands Centre and the International Office, the University has a real commitment to Pacific students and the community. Our schools’ liaison officers based in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin visit secondary schools throughout the country to introduce the University to students. They assist with course planning and application forms and are also involved in schools’ careers evenings. You will find staff from Otago to talk to at most major tertiary expos around the country. Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai, the manager of the Pacific Islands Centre, and Christine Anesone, the Pacific Islands community liaison officer, are on campus in Dunedin. Christine’s role is to visit families and communities and provide support and information to help prepare TOFILAU NINA KIRIFI-ALAI students for a successful transition to Otago. Both Tofilau Nina and Christine attend Pasifika festivals Pacific Islands Centre Manager and expos, and host community fonos/meetings around the country. Clara provides academic advice and co-ordinates tutorials in consultation with the academic divisions and departments. The International Office has staff who attend the Education Fair in Fiji in August of every year.

CHRISTINE ANESONE Pacific Islands Community Liaison Officer

YOU’LL NEVER REGRET CHOOSING THE QUALITY EXPERIENCE THAT ONLY OTAGO CAN OFFER.

CLARA PAU Academic Programmes Co-ordinator staff profile

invested in through its outreach socially. We understand what a patient and disability advocate Tofilau Nina programmes over the years, they’re going through. We want before taking over Otago’s Pacific as well as the tremendous students to come here and do Islands Centre in 2002. population growth in the north.” well, and we are here especially Kirifi-Alai Initially she had no staff, and to get them through their crucial Community engagement has so relied on senior Pacific Manager, Pacific first year. included the Pacific On Campus Islands students and staff Islands Centre Experience Programme, Hands on “However, there’s also a great deal around campus to help provide Science, Fonos and meetings with that parents and schools can do mentoring for first-year entrants. Church and Pacific communities, to prepare students long before “I was lucky in that I found leaders the Homework Programme in they leave home,” says Tofilau Pacific Island families, communities – the right people at the right time Mangere and, more recently, Nina. and schools need to work – and, although times are different helping to establish the Tuvalu together with the University to “It makes a huge difference if now, the Centre is still always Learning Centre in West Auckland. ensure students make the best of families set about planning the looking for experienced students The University also has active their time at Otago, says Tofilau journey from home to study as who are prepared to give back Memoranda of Understanding Nina Kirifi-Alai. early as they can. Parents can and take responsibility for helping with other universities in the help their children by preparing new students. What is different She should know. As long-term Pacific region. manager of the University of them for independent living, and is that now there is way more Otago’s Pacific Islands Centre, she “Most of our students come from when they get to university, by support. the North Island, but a growing keeping in touch – it’s easy to and her staff help the students “Academic and general staff have number are coming from the send a text these days. Schools make the transition from home always been willing helpers and Pacific region as well. Most are can prepare them academically and school to tertiary study. mentors and, since the early usually away from home for the and make very sure that the days, support services within the “The reason why Pacific Islanders first time, which is particularly subjects they’re studying align academic divisions have grown send their children to Otago is hard for them because of the with their aspirations. and staff has increased. because we have a place they cultures they have grown up with. “Students who are not socially can come to where people who They go from a structured home “This growth is vital because as we prepared will find it difficult to understand them will look out environment, defined by cultural get more Pacific Islanders coming do well – and it is even harder for for them,” she says. “And also values and guided by teachers, to Otago we need to ensure we those who do not have the right because many of the Pacific’s to having to be self-driven, in a can support them in the transition academic foundations.” pioneering leaders were once totally different culture. It can be from home to university. also students at Otago.” Tofilau Nina grew up in Samoa challenging and daunting at first. “We’ve been successful so far before migrating to Auckland, In the 13 years Nina has been “That’s where the Centre comes but there is never room for where she worked before running the Centre, Pacific Islands in. It’s their home away from complacency. It’s a changing deciding to study for a BA in student numbers have trebled, home, where there are people world, and parents can help us a Women’s Studies and then which she says is no surprise. and pathway programmes to lot by preparing their children for an LLB. She was involved with help them make the transition independence early on. That is “It reflects the active community student politics and worked as engagement that Otago has academically, culturally, and the true way to success, I believe.” 9

Support for Pacific Students at Otago

Support Officers Marie Inder (Sciences), Esmay Eteuati (Humanities and Business) and Bradley Watson (Health Sciences; PIRSSU Programme Manager).

It’s natural to worry about a member of the family heading away to study. That’s why the University of Otago has set up support for Pacific students, to allay the fears of family left behind. There are plenty of reasons to feel good about coming to Otago.

• There is the Pacific Islands Centre, • The Pacific Islands Centre works together • There is strong advocacy support from the established solely for supporting Pacific with all the academic divisions and helps to students’ association and the various cultural students. co-ordinate various support programmes associations. with appointed Support Officers within • The Pacific Islands Centre sits within the • There are exciting academic programmes the Humanities, Commerce and Science Student Services Division among other for those who want to learn more about divisions. services that provide students with support, indigenous cultures at Te Tumu, the School enabling them to have a wonderful time at • There is an established Pacific Islands of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies. university. These include: community in Dunedin, which contributes • Dr Tasileta Teevale, Director of Pacific – Career Development Centre to pastoral care. Development, is responsible for leading the – Disability Information and Support • The University has Memoranda of implementation of the University of Otago – Maori Centre Understanding with the National University Pacific Strategic framework. – Proctor of Samoa, the Piula Theological College, – Recreation Services • The Pacific Islands Research and Student Methodist, Samoa, the University of Papua – Student Health Support Unit (PIRSSU) oversees Pacific New Guinea, the University of Hawai’i and – University Union development, direction, research and student the University of the South Pacific. – University Volunteer Centre support within the Division of Health • There is respect for the cultures of Pacific Sciences – the largest provider of health • There is the Pacific Islands Research and students. education training in New Zealand. It assists Student Support Unit within the Division with recruiting, retaining, and supporting of Health Sciences led by Associate Dean • There is strong support for Pacific students Pacific students in health professional and (Pacific), Faumina Associate Professor from the four academic divisions, service health-related courses. Faafetai Sopoaga. divisions and from the International Office. The Pacific Islands Centre

Insert new tutorial photo with caption?

Students attending a tutorial at the Ratu Mara Seminar Room, Pacific Islands Centre.

Otago’s Pacific Islands Centre The Centre provides academic mentoring is a little bit of the Pacific right through free supplementary tutorials, organised workshops and study groups and in the middle of campus! It’s a mentoring sessions. Students use the Centre for welcoming environment – with advice on anything from academic assistance, “No matter how study rooms, computers and scholarships, accommodation issues, legal hard I was finding matters, immigration questions, airfares and kitchen facilities – designed my study, all I could places to worship – or just to have a chat. Many hear from the Pacific to help all students of Pacific have just left their parents and need someone descent to make the most of to help them with things they have never had Islands Centre staff to deal with before. their time at university. was 'you can do it, you can do it!'” Leuila Matagi Stevenson Bachelor of Oral Health 11

Course Information POPO: The Pacific Cultural and and Advice Orientation Programme Pastoral Support at Otago The Pacific Islands Centre offers career planning If a listening ear is what you need, then Tofilau and course guidance to ensure you are studying Funded by the Ministry of Health, the Pacific Nina Kirifi-Alai – the Pacific Islands Centre the right subjects to achieve your goals, and Orientation Programme at Otago (POPO) runs Manager – is only too happy to provide it. offers direction to existing services. annually in the first semester. POPO is an 11- She is also able to put you in contact with week programme, designed for Health Sciences community elders and ministers who can First Year (HSFY) students who want to work provide care and support. Otago has a very Taimane Academic in health-related professions. POPO helps inexpensive Student Health and Counselling Mentoring Programme students engage with, and benefit from, all Centre, which is there to help students available support services. This gives them the mentally and physically – so they can make the The Academic Mentoring Programme is best possible chance to succeed at university. most of their Otago experience. run and co-ordinated by the Centre and the POPO nurtures the aspirations of students, Of course, the Pacific Islands Centre is a great academic divisions, and is aimed at helping helping them to “capture the moment” for place to meet other people who are in exactly Pacific students succeed and maximise their full success. the same situation as you. potential while at Otago. Just as the Taimane has four sides – so does the academic mentoring programme. Students are contacted four times Orientation and Welcome during the semester to ensure they are settling Pacific Postgraduate in and coping well with their studies. It is about Reference Group At the beginning of the University year, a managing the transition period well from home special Pacific Orientation programme is The Pacific Postgraduate Reference Group is a and school to living on campus and driving one’s held. Organised by the Pacific Islands Centre, support group for our postgraduate students, own studies. Each student on the programme is its aim is to help newcomers find their feet involving monthly seminars and meetings. It is assigned an academic mentor with whom they and to tell them where they can get support. a place where postgraduate students can bring meet regularly to ensure their studies are going The Orientation runs for a whole week and their frustrations and ideas, and seek and offer smoothly. students are provided with all the necessary support. Mentors help make sure students are coping information from academic departments and There is an annual Pacific Voices symposium with their coursework, give tips on writing course advisers, to places of worship. This where students present abstracts of their essays and preparing for exams, and can Orientation week of events ends with the projects to an invited audience of academic recognise if a student requires extra tutorials on annual University of Otago Pacific Welcome, staff and peers. These are published in the a subject. a formal event where students, parents and Pacific Voices booklet available at: staff all come together to celebrate and worship All Pacific students are encouraged to actively before the start of another academic year. engage in the Taimane Academic Mentoring otago.ac.nz/pacific/currentstudents/ Programme, especially first year students. otago022943.html Soon after Orientation there are several welcome events for Pacific students to meet support groups within their academic divisions, Supplementary Tutorials Accommodation and an Academic Mentoring evening where tutorials and mentoring details are confirmed. These are free and the tutors are mainstream Students are encouraged to spend their first Specialised orientation programmes are also run tutors from the academic departments. year at a residential college. These colleges for each academic division. offer a stable environment, good hearty meals If students do require supplementary tutorials and an opportunity to make new friends. on a paper, the Pacific Islands Centre can help The Pacific Islands Centre also helps with: Other options include private boarding or to arrange this, and can help establish study flatting, which can also be very successful • fellowships groups. experiences. The Pacific Islands Centre works • information about Church groups with the University’s Accommodation Office • Pacific Islands community network to assist students with finding appropriate • advocacy accommodation. • career advice The Pacific Islands Centre can also help arrange • and lots more … temporary accommodation with a member of the Pacific community for students settling into otago.ac.nz/pacific the city. Dunedin’s Pacific Islands Community

Dunedin is home to a strong Over the past generation, they have raised community of Pacific families, families here, become respected citizens, and established large and active church many of whom originally communities. emigrated from Samoa, Tonga, Dunedin’s Pacific families welcome with open the Cook Islands and Fiji in the arms the young Pacific students who come 1960s and ’70s. to the city. They offer pastoral care to – and keep something of a parental eye on – the new students. As well as providing meals, advice and company to students who need their support, these families may even provide accommodation to young students when they first arrive in the city, or offer places for visiting relatives to stay. 13

student profile

Tilitili Puloka wanted his learn to survive on your own, and Professional Students’ Association Tilitili Puloka independence, so when he that’s something everybody has and the Pacific Islands Research decided to study Health Sciences, to do sooner or later in life.” and Student Support Unit Pharmacy he chose Otago over his Auckland (PIRSSU). Tili grew up in Auckland and hometown. then Tonga before returning to “I always thought about going back “When I first came down I was New Zealand for high school and to Tonga to work and Pharmacy nervous because I didn’t know university. could be a good thing to do. anyone, but I soon realised that Private practices are not really “Dunedin was a very different I’d made a good choice. There’s established there.” environment – not many Islanders plenty of support if you feel lonely. – and the culture was way different. Tili thinks he’s adapted to Otago “The quality of study may be But if you felt homesick or wanted pretty well. “I came to study but equally good, but I know for sure to meet other Islanders the Pacific there’s heaps of other stuff going that you learn more here, not just Islands Centre was there for you. on, including a massive social life. I at University but as a person. You attend Tongan church and spend Knowing they were there was time with the Island community, comforting because it felt like and I’ve been playing premier being back home.” rugby ever since I got down here. The Centre helped Tili with “In your first year you have to tutorials as he studied Biomedical learn how to find a balance, so it’s Science, while Tili helped mentor good to be in a college, but in the Island students at high school. second year when you go flatting Now he is studying Pharmacy, you learn a whole lot more. I’ve with academic assistance from the Pacific Island Health no regrets about choosing Otago.” Otago’s

Pacific Alumni OTAGO HAS A WORLDWIDE REPUTATION FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

David Nair, BBS graduate.

The University of Otago has a long Where are they now? Otago’s connections with and extremely proud tradition of Pacific Universities assisting Pacific people to excel Otago’s Pacific alumni have had the chance to catch up and reminisce about life at Otago Otago’s strong interest in, and commitment to, through education. Indeed, the through alumni functions held in recent years, education in the Pacific has been cemented with achievements of some of our most notably an event held in to coincide the Memoranda of Understanding that Otago with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary notable Pacific alumni are nothing has with the National University of Samoa, the of Samoa’s independence from New Zealand. short of inspirational. University of , the University Around 100 alumni and guests, including of Hawai’i, the University of the South Pacific, prominent members of the government, joined These include graduates who have gone the University of and Piula Otago representatives to celebrate their links to on to become Pacific leaders and pioneers, Theological College, Methodist, Samoa. conducting their affairs on a world stage. But, New Zealand’s oldest university. Illustrating the strength of this relationship, also significantly, our graduates include those the National University of Samoa has gifted a who are contributing to their communities as house on its campus to the University of Otago. professionals, both in New Zealand and in the Known as the University of Otago House, it Pacific Islands. is being used as a base for staff and students visiting Samoa, and to encourage greater collaboration in teaching and research between the two organisations. The Memoranda have led to student mobility programmes between the universities. Selected students from these universities may choose to enrol at Otago. Otago has also undertaken collaborative projects with staff from these universities in several areas including Health Sciences and Humanities. 15

student profile

Latafale Auva’a Law and Music

Although Latafale Auva’a’s priority “I’ve had so many opportunities it’s is her double degree in Law and been a whirlwind. But I believe Music, she’s taking time out from that everything happens for a some of her studies to enjoy her purpose. I take what’s happened reign as and Miss as a sign for me to broaden my Pacific Islands — and to enter the perspectives, not just in New prestigious contest. Zealand but on the international scene too.” Latafale credits her beloved late grandmother for both her She’s spending a year with the passion for learning and for Samoan Tourist Authority, and the unexpected hiccup in her recently played for the Samoan academic career. women’s team in the recent Federation of International Touch “She was the epitome of a strong World Cup. “It was our first time Samoan woman, a headmistress competing and it was a really who taught me the value of great learning experience.” education, but she also instilled in our family the benefits of In Samoa, Latafale is studying keeping an open mind and taking Music papers by correspondence. advantage of every opportunity.” Her Law degree awaits her return, although she has appeared Latafale’s latest opportunity is as on New Zealand television in a an ambassador for her country, commercial for the Faculty of representing Samoa at the Miss Law, and also as a presenter for World pageant in Sanya, China — the Samoan stage at the PolyFest something she never expected. cultural festival. She originally entered the Miss “The University has backed me Samoa New Zealand competition all the way, advising me how to in the hope of winning a trip to juggle my academic career with Samoa to contest the Miss Samoa my extra-curricular activity. With title — and to see her ailing support from them and my family grandmother before she died. and my faith I feel like I’m living my Sadly her grandmother passed grandmother’s legacy.” away, but Latafale won both contests, and went on to win the pageant and be selected as Miss World Samoa. Her successes brought responsibilities and new experiences. Student Support

International Office Otago University Students’ Association

The International Office is another welcoming centre where students Otago students are automatically OUSA members. All students are from the Pacific with international status can find support and provided with a range of free or low-cost services: representation and information, and become involved in social activities. The International campaigns, awesome events, lost property, lots of services (OUSA main Office supports all international students – from over 90 different office), welfare, advocacy, queer support, tutorials and a food bank countries – to make the most of their stay in Dunedin, working closely (OUSA Student Support Centre), sport, recreation and heaps of clubs with the Pacific Islands Centre to support Pacific students. to join (OUSA Recreation Centre). OUSA owns a radio station (Radio The International Office runs a welcome desk and orientation One 91fm), an award winning magazine (Critic) and the University Book programme at the start of each semester to give all international students Shop. OUSA members’ interests are overseen by the OUSA Executive, an a good introduction to Dunedin and the University. Staff are available elected body of 10 students. all year round on a confidential basis to help international students with Every year, the OUSA invites Pacific Island students to join and advice and information on issues such as: participate in their committees, which discuss issues on a range of • cultural adjustment subjects from events to welfare. An Executive member chairs each committee and their findings and suggestions are then reported back to • homesickness the Executive to take action. If you’re passionate about furthering Pacific • family support aims and perspectives contact OUSA to find out how you can be a part of a committee or contact the Executive to get your view heard. • general health and well-being

• academic issues ousa.org.nz • student visa requirements facebook.com/OtagoUniversityStudentsAssociation • insurance • flatting and accommodation. Pacific Islands Student Groups Beginning university in a new country can be overwhelming, so The Pacific Islands Centre also helps organise and advise several student the International Office runs a friendship programme to help new groups including: international students feel at home in their new environment. • Samoan Students’ Association Whereas the Taimane mentoring scheme offered through the Pacific Islands Centre is academic in focus, the International Office’s mentoring • Fiji Club programme emphasises social activities and making friends. • Tongan Students’ Association • Cook Islands Students’ Association Senior students are matched with new students to provide friendly one- on-one support and advice on settling into Dunedin and university • Micronesian Society life. The friendship programme has regular social events, offering the • Pacific Islands Law Students’ Association opportunity to meet other students and mentors. • Pacific Postgraduate Reference Group.

Staff from the International Office are available Monday to Friday between The Pacific Research and Student Support unit at the Division of Health 8.30am and 5pm and can be found in the Archway West building. Sciences helps to organise the: • Pacific Islands Health Professional Students’ Association Email [email protected] otago.ac.nz/international The student groups offer mentoring, and moral and cultural support. They also organise social events and study groups. 17

staff profile

communication and collaboration “We want all Pacific students to Faumuina Associate between Pacific parents, schools, succeed. We encourage our tertiary institutions and the wider students to have confidence in Professor Faafetai community. their abilities, utilise available support, help others where There are many levels of guidance possible, give it your best and Sopoaga and support available at Otago enjoy the journey.” Associate Dean (Pacific) — for example PIRSSU in the Division of Health Sciences, the “Otago is a fantastic place to Pacific Islands Centre, the Pacific study. The weather can be cold, Island Health Professional but the warmth of the University Students’ Association (PIHPSA) environment will enable you to Recently conferred the high-chief radiation therapy, physiotherapy, and local Pacific communities. thrive!” title Faumuina from Fagaloa medicine, pharmacy, dental Students should also remember District, in Samoa, Sopoaga has technology, medical laboratory the prayers and support from one message for Pacific students: sciences and postgraduate their parents and families “You have unique gifts and research degrees.” surround them daily. “It’s exciting capabilities and we are committed Faumuina came to New Zealand when Pacific students explore to working with and alongside you to study medicine at Otago and and extend their horizon,” says to realize your potential.” completed specialist training Faumuina. “It is a privilege to be Faumuina is the first Division in General Practice and Public part of their journey.” of Health Sciences Associate Health. She worked in hospitals Dean (Pacific) and the Director here and in Samoa and was of the Division’s Pacific Islands recently promoted to Associate Research and Student Support Professor in the Department of Unit (PIRSSU). She wants to Preventive and Social Medicine, see more Pacific students in Dunedin School of Medicine. Health Sciences and in the New Her accomplishments come Zealand health workforce. Otago despite a lifelong struggle with contributes also to the training of personal health problems. “If I the health workforce in the Pacific can fulfil my dreams to contribute region. to making a difference for Pacific “We have increasing numbers people with significant health training in health professional and limitations, I believe you can as biomedical courses at Otago, but well.” not as many as one might expect Faumuina says for Pacific for the New Zealand population. students to succeed in higher We offer courses in the medical education requires a connected sciences, oral health, dentistry, approach involving open Te Tumu – the School of Māori, Pacific Scholarships and Indigenous Studies The University of Otago offers a number of prestigious scholarships for students of Pacific Islands descent. Te Tumu offers the opportunity to explore the heritage of Māori, Pacific and indigenous cultures in an academic way. The following University of Otago scholarships are available to Pacific students who hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, Te Tumu offers Pacific Islands Studies as either a major or minor subject or have completed or are in the process of completing Year 13 at a New within the Bachelor of Arts degree. This is a multidisciplinary major, Zealand school: which means it is made up of papers within Te Tumu, as well as other Arts subjects with Pacific Islands content. Papers in the Pacific Islands Studies course cover topics such as Pacific University of Otago Māori and Pacific Peoples’ Scholarships prehistory, Pacific people’s issues, Pacific history, intercultural film and $10,000 for first year Māori and Pacific Islands students media studies, as well as Māori culture and history.

Pacific Islands Studies is a popular minor or double degree subject for University of Otago Māori and Pacific Islands Study Grants those studying subjects such as Education, Law, Physical Education – or $3,000 for Māori and Pacific Islands students progressing to their fourth anything else where an appreciation of Pacific perspectives is important. year of study Pacific Islands papers are also extremely valuable at a personal level, helping all students understand more about their histories, societies and Division of Humanities Pacific Bridging Scholarships cultures. $10,000 plus tuition fees for Pacific Islands honours or Postgraduate Diploma students intending to proceed to Master’s or PhD study otago.ac.nz/tetumu

University of Otago Pacific Islands Masters’ Scholarships $13,000 plus tuition fees for Pacific Islands students to undertake a Research Master’s degree

University of Otago Pacific Islands Doctoral Scholarships $25,000 per annum plus tuition fees for three years for Pacific Islands students to undertake a PhD (International students may also apply for these scholarships)

The New Zealand Government also offers New Zealand Pacific Scholarships through the New Zealand Aid programme to citizens of Pacific Islands countries. To check if you might be eligible to apply for a New Zealand Pacific Scholarship please go to:

aid.govt.nz/funding-and-contracts/scholarships/types-scholarship/ new-zealand-pacific-scholarships 19

staff profile

I’ve been able to further my Professor Ahdar has written on Professor Rex fascination with economics by subjects such as the nature of specialising in Competition Law secularism, religious coercion, Tauati Ahdar and, more recently, my passion legalisation of same-sex marriage for sport by teaching Law and the and the introduction of voluntary Master of Laws, Doctor of Philosophy Sports Industry.” euthanasia. His most recent book is the second edition of Religious Faculty of Law His other main area of interest Freedom in the Liberal State could scarcely concern a published by Oxford University more unrelated aspect of law: Press. Born in Dunedin, Professor “I have thoroughly enjoyed my religious freedom. “This stems Rex Ahdar’s journey as a legal academic career here over the from my Samoan upbringing “It’s an honour to be one of the scholar began in Christchurch, past nearly three decades. Where which centred very much on few Pacific Islands professors in where he went to primary and has the time gone!” Professor the Christian faith; my father New Zealand. I am always pleased secondary school and undertook Ahdar’s decision to enter law was is Treasurer of St Paul’s Trinity to teach Pacific students and his undergraduate and Master’s strongly influenced by his father’s Pacific Presbyterian Church in watch them succeed, not just as degrees. Following this he came wishes. Christchurch and my grandfather Pacific Islanders, but as intelligent to Otago to begin his teaching was the Reverend Matafai Tauati, members of New Zealand society “Fortunately, law is a subject that career in late 1985. He did his a Methodist minister from contributing in their own right.” lends itself well to exploring all PhD while lecturing at the Faculty Salelologa on Savaii.” sorts of interests. For example, of Law. Moving to Dunedin 21

DUNEDIN IS SAFE, FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE.

What’s Dunedin like? What’s the weather like?

Dunedin’s been around for a long time. It was It’s much, much better than you might expect! founded by Scottish settlers, who wasted no We’ve heard all the jokes and moaning about time setting up a cultural and educational the weather, but it’s not half as bad as people centre that prospered and grew. University who don’t live here think. Yes, the winters buildings are just some of many architectural are cold, but it’s a crisp, clear cold, often with treasures in the city. And there are plenty of beautiful blue skies and lots of sunshine. And funky, fun things happening in Dunedin, yes, when the southerly blows, it can be very which can be a very social student town. There cold, but it’s not damp and humid, so students are also many natural wonders within a short just need to dress warmly and make sure distance of the centre. There is a growing they’ve got a snug, windproof jacket and good number of Pacific churches and organisations. strong footwear. Layering is the key, so you Dunedin has strong roots in the past, but lives can dress up or down as the weather changes in the present with an eye to the future. – which it tends to do quite often! Summers are a mix of hot sunny days – check out the great beaches – and not so hot days, but you’ll rarely What are the people like? get caught out without warning if there’s a front coming through. And while students from the In a word – great! Dunedin has been a North might find it hard to believe, there are university city almost as long as it’s been in hardy Southern types who seem to wear shorts existence, and the University is its heart. The and T-shirts almost all year round. They’re campus is only a short walk from the centre crazy, of course, but students are allowed to be of town, and many businesses rely on students a bit crazy at times. for much of the year. Students are part of the For more information about Dunedin visit scene, and when they are not there, between semesters, most Dunedinites miss them. They DunedinNZ.com add extra spice to a city that already has a lot going for it. In short, students are welcome, no matter where they come from – and Otago has students from all over New Zealand, and all over the world. Don’t expect to see as many Pacific faces as you might see at home – but don’t worry about it either, because it’s just not an issue here. There is a small community of Pacific Islanders who have called Dunedin home since the 1960s and they welcome you as part of the family here in Dunedin. Dunedin is safe, friendly and supportive. Where is the Best Place for Students to Live? YOU’LL MAKE FRIENDS FOR LIFE AT OTAGO.

Students are spoiled for choice when it comes secure environment with experienced staff The Student Accommodation Centre can to accommodation. There are residential focused on the welfare and safety of their help place students into suitable flatting colleges, flats and homestays, most of them students. This not only makes the colleges great accommodation. They will provide advice on much cheaper than North Islanders might be value for money, it also allows the residents to rents, tenancy and choosing flat mates. used to. concentrate on their studies and is reassuring One of the benefits for students choosing to for their families at home. They will not be on New students are generally encouraged to stay study away from home at Otago is that they their own! in the residential colleges, at least for their will mature and learn to take responsibility first year away from home. These collegiate Pacific students leaving home for the first time for themselves. Families can rest assured that communities are led by professional staff who may find it strange being away from family, but the environment is closely monitored by the are specialists in supporting and caring for moving to a residential college may help, along community minded Campus Watch team, as young folk away from home for the first time. with assistance from the Pacific Islands Centre well as a range of support services including Supporting the Head of College to care for and other organisations at the University. the Pacific Islands Centre, Student Health, the residents there is a large team of mature full Everyone has to leave home some time and this Chaplaincy Service, Student Learning Centre time staff, senior students, academic tutors, way there is strong, understanding support as and other student groups. night staff, cleaners and of course the all- students find their feet and gain independence. Together the whole system of integrated important catering team. It doesn’t take long to settle in, and most services goes a long way to make Otago a safe All the colleges have study and recreational students reminisce about home – being away place to live, but also academically supportive, facilities, as well as a range of common spaces makes them appreciate the role their families enabling students to reach their full potential. in which residents meet and socialise. and community played in bringing them up. Yes, your hard work and prayers are very much The cost includes meals, cleaning, power, appreciated. tutorials and academic programmes, in a 23

What’s it all Going to Cost?

The University of Otago’s Latin motto “Sapere Aude” translates as “Dare to be wise”. It’s a worthy challenge.

There are three main costs: Studying Travelling studying, living and travelling. Tuition fees range from around $5,162.00 to There are regular flights from Auckland, You need to weigh these against $7,468.00 a year with textbooks and student Wellington and Christchurch, and good the long-term benefits. activities additional to this. Fees increase every connections all over New Zealand, plus shuttle year so call us free on 0800 80 80 98 or talk to buses from the airport to the city. a schools’ liaison officer to find out the latest Dunedin is only a day’s drive from the furthest costs. Current fees information is also available ends of the South Island. It may seem far away otago.ac.nz/study/fees online at for North Islanders, but the cost of travel is not StudyLink administers Student Allowances, a major part of a year’s university education, Student Loans for New Zealand residents and and is probably not going to differ greatly also extra help with costs while studying. To from other universities when all things are find out more go tostudylink.govt.nz considered. And there are student discounts Remember, there are also many scholarship and grants to help out. opportunities to apply for (see page 18). For any other queries relating to study costs, call 0800 80 80 98 or contact a schools’ liaison Is it all worth it? officer. Yes. Statistics tell us graduates generally earn the best salaries. Living They also find a range of jobs available, as a degree is evidence of being hard-working and Good news! Your money goes further in adaptable. And the university experience helps Dunedin. Almost everything you need is people grow, influencing every aspect of their cheaper in Dunedin than in the other main lives and affecting the way they bring up and centres. Residential colleges cost about $354 educate their own family. Going to university per week for 38 weeks (based on 2015 figures). is not a guaranteed door to success – but it’s a They are a great value option offering quality path that leads in the right direction, and can accommodation, tutorials, caring supervision become a trail for others to follow. by professional staff, a full meal plan, cleaning, study facilities, academic development, active social and community volunteering opportunities, and most of all, peace of mind. And when students do decide to go flatting, rents are generally more reasonable than elsewhere in the country, averaging about $115 a room per week (electricity is extra) for a 52-week lease. You also save heaps on getting around, as everything in town and on campus is within easy walking distance. The University Year 25

January June

• Summer School Exams and holidays • Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy (OUASSA) • Hands on Science July • Hands on Otago (Hands on Science and Hands on Otago Second semester re-orientation are pathway programmes in which Year • Lectures start 12 students spend a week in Dunedin • Welcome Back BBQ experiencing, and preparing for, university • Taimane 1st phase: students learn when life.) tutorials will start and where they can find the right support. February

• Pacific Orientation August • Pacific Welcome • Tutorials – Vice Chancellor officially welcomes students and parents • Careers evening – Pacific Choir performs • University graduation • Pacific first year students’ orientation • Vakavinavinaka – Pacific graduation programme breakfast • Taimane 1st phase: students learn when • Taimane 2nd phase tutorials will start and where they can find the • Scholarships close right support (The Taimane academic mentoring programme helps to ensure that students settle well into September their studies. Staff and mentors, who are students doing well academically, run this • Pacific Week programme. It’s a four-phase programme – • Pacific Fiefia Cultural Night – all the student diamond shaped – hence its name. See p.11) associations perform • The Pacific Orientation Programme at Otago • Taimane 3rd phase (POPO) for first year Health Science students • Pacific Leaders on Campus programme The (see p.11) • Pacific Voices Symposium, for Pacific • FOFOA orientation postgraduate students (The FOFOA Accommodation Award is a project that ensures a smooth transition between home and university and from school October to university studies.) University • Preliminary lectures: MUST ATTEND • Taimane 4th phase: exam workshops

March November • Lectures start Year • Taimane 2nd phase • Exams and holidays • Postgraduate seminars start

April December

• Taimane 3rd phase: how’s it going – • University graduation ceremonies swimming or sinking? • Vakavinavinaka – Pacific graduation breakfast • Enrolment for the new year due May • Merry Christmas! • University graduation • Vakavinavinaka – Pacific graduation celebrations. Graduands and their families are invited. Taimane 4th phase: exam workshops What to Study 27

What The University has more than 80 academic departments organised into four divisions – Business, Health Sciences, Humanities and Sciences.

While some students already know the path of study they want to pursue, many like to keep their options open, but within a broad area to Study that attracts them.

Business Law

Studying business at Otago offers students a Law is a career path that entices students sound base upon which to pursue any number from a variety of backgrounds, including the of career paths. Studying subjects such as sciences, commerce and the arts. While there Economics, Accounting, Statistics, and English- are no recommended subjects, those rich in rich disciplines at high school is useful, but “language” and requiring essay-writing skills not compulsory. Involvement in the Young – such as History, English, Classics or Art Enterprise Scheme at high school will help History – provide a good platform. An interest provide insight into starting and running a in debating or performing arts is also useful. small business. The Business School offers an internship programme, international student exchange, and opportunities for budding Physical Education entrepreneurs. Physical Education at Otago offers different areas of specialisation, including Exercise Health Sciences and Sports Science, Physical Activity and Health, Professional Studies and Sport and Health Sciences at Otago offers students Leisure Studies. There is also a Dance Studies a comprehensive range of programmes: programme. Biology and Physical Education Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, are good secondary school subjects to take, but Medicine, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy, as are not compulsory. well as Radiation Therapy, Oral Health, Dental Technology and the Medical Sciences including Anatomy and Physiology. Recommended Sciences subjects to study at secondary school are Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Statistics or Science and Applied Science explore many Calculus and an arts subject such as English, avenues covering fundamental sciences such History, Geography, Classics or Art History is as Zoology, Physics or Chemistry, applied also helpful. areas like Food Science or Forensic Analytical Science, and interdisciplinary subjects such as Ecology, Marine Science or Neuroscience. If a Humanities student is considering a degree in science, it is a good idea to take at least two sciences to Year Humanities graduates acquire generic 13: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics transferable skills that provide a basis for or Computer Science, depending on the the widest possible range of employment student’s interests. opportunities. Students focused on the Humanities (such as History, English, Anthropology, Languages, Politics, Classics, Surveying Performing Arts or Music) should be encouraged to take some of these subjects at Budding surveyors will find a background school. Studying subjects they enjoy will help in Physics and Mathematics (particularly students choose a degree that inspires them, and Calculus) useful, as well as a familiarity with will lead into a career they are passionate about. computers. University of Otago Code of Student Conduct

As part of our responsibility to keep all members of the University community safe, the University has a Code of Student Conduct.

The purpose of the Code of Student Conduct The basic rules of conduct require that no (f) threaten, intimidate or harass another is to promote the University’s academic student shall: person or group; aims and a sense of community through the (a) disrupt any teaching, study or research or (g) fail to comply with the proper directives of cultivation of mutual respect, tolerance and the administration of the University either a University official, including refusing to understanding. To this end, the University wilfully or by engaging in conduct which identify oneself; expects that students will not engage in ought reasonably to have been foreseen (h) lie to, or misrepresent information to, the behaviours that endanger their own or others’ would cause disruption; University or any University official; safety and well-being. (b) wilfully obstruct any member or employee (i) fail without good reason to co-operate Students are expected to conform to the of the University in academic work or in with the University’s disciplinary standards contained in this Code of Student the performance of duties; procedures; Conduct off campus as well as on campus. (c) wilfully misuse, damage or deface, steal or (j) fail without reasonable cause to comply The University reserves the right to pursue wrongfully convert to the student’s own with any penalty imposed under the through its disciplinary procedures matters use any property of the University or of Discipline Statute; that are also being, or may also be, addressed any member of the University; (k) be party to or attempt to commit an act by the legal system or under the University’s (d) wilfully acquire by theft or deception the of misconduct as set out in the foregoing Ethical Behaviour Policy processes. benefits of any service provided by the rules. University or any academic advantage; Further information can be found at: (e) engage in actions that: (i) amount to assault or which result otago.ac.nz/proctor/codeofconduct/ in, or can be reasonably expected to result in, harm to a person or persons; or (ii) are unreasonably disruptive to other members of the University or the local community; or (iii) result in, or can be reasonably expected to result in, damage to property of any person; or (iv) are otherwise unlawful; 5

Contacts

Schools’ Liaison Pacific Islands Centre Divisional Support

Auckland TOFILAU NINA KIRIFI-ALAI Division of Humanities Manager ASHLEY TE WHARE, Tel 03 479 8278 Esmay Eteuati VICTORIA GIMBLETT and Email [email protected] Pacific Islands Students’ Support Officer HAYLEY NICHOLSON otago.ac.nz/pacific Tel 03 479 9616 Liaison Officers Email [email protected] Tel 09 373 9704 CHRISTINE ANESONE Email [email protected] Pacific Islands Community Liaison Officer Division of Health Sciences Tel 03 479 4981 Wellington Email [email protected] FAUMUINA ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR FAAFETAI SOPOAGA Prajesh Chhanabhai and Associate Dean (Pacific) CHERYL CALDWELL International Office Tel 03 479 8493 Liaison Officers INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISERS Email [email protected] Tel 04 460 9805 Tel 03 479 5777 or 03 479 5921 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] BRADLEY WATSON PIRSSU Programme Manager Tel 03 471 6197 Dunedin Otago University Students’ Email [email protected]

SANDRA SPENCE Association Liaison Officer PRESIDENT Otago Business School Tel 03 479 8247 Tel 03 479 5333 Email [email protected] ESMAY ETEUATI Email [email protected] Pacific Island Students’ Academic Adviser Tel 03 479 4756 University of Otago Email [email protected] Wellington

NANDIKA CURREY Division of Sciences Associate Dean (Pacific) DR MARIE INDER Tel 04 806 1498 Pacific Islands Students’ Support Officer Email [email protected] Tel 03 479 9267 Email [email protected] University of Otago Christchurch

KIKI MAOATE Associate Dean (Pacific) Email [email protected] 0800 80 80 98 Dunedin, New Zealand otago.ac.nz txt 866 [email protected]