Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, launched its first Pacific Strategy Ala o le Moana (2025–2030), on 9 June at the Fale Pasifika, marking a historic milestone in the University’s 142-year journey.
A bold and enabling framework, Ala o le Moana amplifies the strengths of Pacific learners, academic and professional staff, and communities to achieve the outcomes set out in Taumata Teitei, Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025. The strategy’s title, meaning “pathways of the ocean,” is characteristic of Pacific peoples’ journeys within and across vast oceanic expanses, highlighting their deep history, mastery, and navigational expertise.
Developed under the leadership of Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Ala o le Moana reflects the University’s deep commitment to Pacific success, equity, and inclusion. The result of an extensive University-wide collaboration over the past 15 months, the strategy was informed by consultations with Pacific communities in Aotearoa and across the region, as well as with strategic partners and individuals from non-Pacific communities.
“This strategy is more than a document — it’s a directed flightpath for transformation,” said Professor Tiatia-Siau.
“It’s about creating a future where Pacific learners and leaders can thrive, with an approach that recognises and celebrates their identities, values and languages, while also honouring their invaluable and unique contributions and excellence.”
Dignitaries and guests from across Aotearoa attended the launch, including Secretary for the Ministry of Pacific Peoples Geraldine Clifford-Lidstone. Tiatia-Siau acknowledged the many people and communities who contributed to the strategy’s development, giving generously of their time.
She expressed her gratitude, saying the collective effort behind the strategy reaffirms the university’s shared goal of building, nurturing, and sustaining a thriving environment for Pacific communities.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dawn Freshwater, described Ala o le Moana as a tangible and visionary roadmap for Pacific success. “Many hands and hearts have shaped this important document – we are absolutely thrilled that, after 142 years, Ala o le Moana has been realised.”
The strategy was shaped through talanoa with church leaders, community elders, youth, and business leaders, ensuring it is grounded in the realities and aspirations of Pacific peoples. This inclusive process reflects the University’s commitment to partnership and collective values.
The University’s legacy of Pacific achievement began in 1936, when Olive Malienafau Nelson became the institution’s first Pacific graduate—and first Pacific woman graduate. In 2022, the Sir Michael Jones Foundation established the Olive Malienafau Nelson Pasifika Scholarship for Excellence in her honour to support Pacific law students.
Today, the University has over 40,000 students, with around 4,000 identifying as Pacific, and nearly 400 Pacific staff, according to the 2023 Pacific statistics.
The strategy outlines five key focus areas: research; innovation and entrepreneurship; teaching and learning; service; and leadership. These priorities build on existing gains made for and by Pacific peoples.
Tiatia-Siau noted that the launch follows the University’s Māori strategy Kawea Ake and its framework Toitū Waipapa. The Pacific strategy aligns with Māori aspirations for tino rangatiratanga, equity, and transformation. She acknowledged the support of the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, led by Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins, and senior Māori colleagues from across the institution.
Acting Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Sili-Mireta Ropati, who played a key role in the development of the framework, said the launch marked another breakthrough.
“This is a proud moment for our University and our Pacific communities. It’s about amplifying Pacific voices and ensuring our tauira [students] are equipped to lead with confidence and cultural pride.”
