Aiga
E vave taunuu le malaga pe a tatou alo vaa faatasi
Our destiny is within sight when we paddle our canoe together famous Samoan proverb
At the 51蹤獲 we want to paddle together.
Family is one of the most important principles in the Pacific. We know that Pacific learners do not voyage into learning on their own but represent the hopes and sacrifices of their ancestors, families, and communities.
Wherever home is, we want our Pacific students to feel like they are home when they come here and to know they have become part of our wider 51蹤獲 aiga, famili, fanau and 'ohana family.
Our vibrant Pacific aiga, culture and community here at the 51蹤獲 includes Pacific aunties, uncles and cousins in various roles who become familiar faces to our students and are ready to help.
Na Veiqaraqaravi Vakavanua vei Sir Anand Satyanand
The university hosted the Veiqaravi Vakavanua for our previous Chancellor Sir Anand Satyanand, who has roots in the Pacific especially Fiji. The Fijian community and our Pacific Student Associations made the event possible.

Pacific Language Weeks and Independence Days
We celebrate all New Zealand Pacific Language Weeks, including Rotuman, Samoan, Kiribati, Solomon Islands Pidgin, Cook Islands Mori, Tongan, Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin, Tuvaluan, Fijian, Niuean, and Tokelauan. We also come together to mark other Pacific independence days and holidays.

In Our Language: Journal of Pacific Languages
The In Our Language: Journal of Pacific Research publishes previously published and peer-reviewed journal articles in English and one or more Pacific languages that are relevant to the work.
We work with authors to translate their original publications and then publish them in an open access format. Open access and languages increase accessibility. Pacific languages mean that Pacific people, communities, stakeholders and end-users can read research about them in their own languages.
Community
When you enrol with us, you become part of a vibrant community of stakeholders focused on success. This includes strategic partners, student leaders and proud alumni.
Strategic Partners and Collaborations
We are privileged to work closely with Pacific community organisations, networks and other stakeholders.
Examples of our strategic partners and collaborations include , the Waikato Pacific Teachers Association and .
Waikato Student Union (WSU) - Pacific Student Associations
The 51蹤獲 is proud to support a vibrant and welcoming community of Pacific student associations.
Led by our Pacific students, these leadership groups provide opportunities to grow skills, explore cultures and languages, build connections in your area of study, and make lifelong friendships.
Each association fosters academic encouragement, peer support networks, and a wide range of cultural and social activities throughout the year.
Together, we honour nine Pacific Language Weeks and celebrate various Pacific Independence Daysstrengthening community, culture, and pride.
To join a Pacific student association, contact them via the email links below or visit the .
Papua New Guinea Students Association PNGWSA
Email: pngwaikatostudentsassociation@gmail.com
Waikato University Ethnic People's Association (Tauranga) WUVSA
Email: blessing.pasi@waikato.ac.nz
Waikato University Fijian Students Association WUFSA
Email: waikatouniversityfijianstudent@gmail.com
Waikato University Samoan Student Association WUSSA
Email: wussahamilton@gmail.com
Waikato University Vanuatu Student Association WUVSA
Email: wuvsa2020@gmail.com
Pacific Law Students Association PLSA
Email: plsawaikato@gmail.com
Pacific Islands Management Students Association PIMSA
Email: pimsawaikato@gmail.com
STEM Pacific and Mori
Email: stem.pm18@gmail.com
Pacific Ako (Education) Students Association
Email: pacificakoassociation@gmail.com
Culture and languages
You will hear many different Pacific languages being spoken on campus by staff and students. We celebrate cultural events together including all of the New Zealand Pacific Language Weeks and our Pacific Awards.
Pacific cultures and languages are precious taonga that create community and belonging.