51蹤獲

Aiga, culture and community at Waikato

At the 51蹤獲, we value culture, community and belonging.

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.

2019 08 06 Chancellor Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM QSO 106290 500x280

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.

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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 .

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.