Tears, laughter and waiata as Nimo farewelled

There were plenty of heartfelt words shared at a gathering to farewell Nimo Elisara-Too this morning.

Amid the tears, laughter, waiata and kai, colleagues and friends acknowledged Nimo’s commitment, kindness and generosity of spirit.

“I’m going to really miss you Nimo,” Brayden Murray, Director: learner Services, said.

“I’ll miss working with you, I’ll miss you daily and, like many at OP, I’ll miss your warmth, your graciousness, your positivity and your laugh … as well as finding rugby questions for me that I can never answer in the daily quizzes.

“Thank you for all that you’ve done here at Otago Polytechnic, for students, staff, families and communities.

“Yes, we will miss you, but we are excited to strengthen our connection with Pasifika through your new role as Chief Executive at Pacific Trust Otago.”

Nimo, who began working at Otago Polytechnic in 2015 within what was then known as the Quality Enhancement Centre, has since held a range of roles, including in Student Success, as a Pasifika Learning Advisor, Registry and, more recently, the Customer Services team, where she became Team Leader.

She has also led OP in our Pasifika space in the role of Pasifika Projects Facilitator and has played a key part in the re-vitalisation of the Pasifika Strategic Framework, including setting up internal and external advisory committees, overseeing Pasifika scholarships, connecting OP with Pasifika developments within Te Pūkenga and also nationally through the Association of Pasifika Staff in Tertiary Education.

“Nimo leaves this role in such a better place than what is was when she stepped into it – and I thank her for that,” Brayden says.

“We will endeavour to continue growing everything Pasifika, following the strong foundation she leaves us with.”

Nimo prompted more than a few tears from those at the gathering when she spoke from the heart about her love of OP, her colleagues and the values that have driven her to support ākonga, be they of Pasifika descent or otherwise.

“I will really miss this place. The last few weeks building up to my departure have been so tough. But I’m also excited about the future and working closely with Pasifika people.

“We all need to remember that our words, and our actions, can change others’ lives.

“When we are talking to others, or the phone or to someone who has just turned up at our desk, we need to treat them with the dignity they deserve,” Nimo says.

“That’s what has made this place strong – that caring approach.

“Regardless of the changes this sector faces, we should never forget that.”