Pasifika culture and success celebrated

Otago Polytechnic recently welcomed Pasifika ākonga back to campus with an evening filled with colour, connection, and celebration.

Learners joined with their families, kaimahi, and leaders and elders from the wider Pasifika community to share stories, successes, performances, and food.

The event also marked the full launch of Lalanga, the polytechnic’s Pasifika Strategic Framework and Action Plan.

Director of Pasifika Achievement, Litea Ikahihifo, shared how Lalanga will help guide Otago Polytechnic’s direction, decisions, and commitment to Pasifika learners over the next five years.

She acknowledged two important pioneers in the longer journey - the late Ali’itasi (Tasi) Lemalu, who served 30 years of her life at Otago Polytechnic and wrote and led our very first Pasifika strategy, and Fa’animo Elisara To’o, who carried that legacy forward by completing our second strategy.

“Their vision and dedication laid the foundations we continue to build on today”, says Litea.

Former Otago Polytechnic Pasifika leaders Ali’itasi Pepe (Tasi) Lemalu (L) and Fa’animo Elisara To’o (R)

Chief Executive Andrew McSweeney gave the opening address, welcoming ākonga and the community supporting them. He highlighted the depth of the Pacifika students culture, and how that will strengthen and enrich the Otago Polytechnic community.

Andrew also restated the polytechnic’s commitment to help every learner succeed.

"That means high-quality, practical education, strong connections with industry, and support services that recognise the importance of belonging and wellbeing", he said.

"We want our Pacific learners to feel seen, supported and proud of who they are."

Litea pointed guests to the beautifully crafted display model of a Fale, created in partnership with He Toki ākonga and award-winning architect Mila Makasini, who completed his Master’s in Architecture at Otago last year.

William Woolnough, Kaiwhakatere (navigator) for Māori and Pasifika Trades Training, said the model was built by learners from He Toki’s Carpentry and Electrical programmes, and stands as both a learning opportunity and a celebration of Tongan tradition.

The roof of the fale is set to be built this year as the second phase of the project before the model is put on display around campus.

2026 Otago Polytechnic Student Association President, Daiiz Rongo, also took the stage, sharing their learner journey and the strength of the student and Pasifika support systems here. As the first Pasifika learner to hold this senior role, they also shared the deep sense of pride felt by their whānau and community.

Despite recent personal challenges including the loss of their father and their home, Daiiz expressed how uplifted they felt by the care of our kaimahi and fellow students.

Pasifika Advisors Matilda Garnett and Fa'ao'o Lale worked alongside our Pasifika mentors to assist in the smooth running of the night, which included some lively cultural entertainment from Cook Islands group Turama Ite Ara Performing Arts, who even encouraged some of our staff and TKM leadership team to get up and dancing).

The Pasifika Welcome event finished up with a shared dinner and the chance to connect in a relaxed setting.