Waipapa, Taumata Rau University of Auckland, recently hosted the inaugural Lalanga e Ako ’ae Māori moe Pacific Fono 2025.
Te Fale Pouāwhina, Student and Scholarly Services hosted the Fono, 26 – 28 November at the new Ngā Tauira Marae; an opportunity to talanoa, share ako, whanaungatanga and kai with the event attracting guests from around the globe.
Kaitiaki/Team Leader Darlene Cameron acknowledged the support to ensure the Fono’s realisation; she was grateful to the offices of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori and Pacific, Tuākana Science, School of Graduate Studies, Kiwi Harvest, Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga, Te Puni Kōkiri, and Leadership Through Learning.
“This was a celebration of identity, resilience and collective achievement.”
The Fono also honoured couple and Learning Advisers from Te Fale Pouāwhina, Matt Tarawa (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) and Mona O’Shea (‘Uiha and Haveluloto/Tonga) for their two decades of service.
At the heart of the Fono were postgraduate tauira (students), who have engaged with Te Fale Pouāwhina programmes throughout their studies. Former and current students gathered alongside Waipapa Taumata Rau student support services for three days of whanaungatanga, wānanga ako and korero whakamanawa.
The Fono embraced the Fijian proverb “Ki Namuka vata ga nikua” – We will all reach Namuka today. A reminder that regardless of the path, pace or approach, everyone will ultimately arrive at a shared destination. Reaching Namuka, the horizon of completion, is not about arriving first, but about ensuring that everyone arrives together.
Tauira represented a rich tapestry of whakapapa who travelled to be at the event: American First Nations, African American, Australian First Nations, Chinese Hun, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jewish communities, Kanaka Maoli, Mexico, Philippines, Samoa, Tahiti, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, and Aotearoa. The diversity a reminder of the collective and intergenerational responsibilities that affirm the enduring strength of connections to tūpuna and future generations.
Associate Professor Sereana Naepi delivered a powerful korero whakamanawa on navigating colonised spaces, exploring how Māori and Pacific scholars can remain true to cultural values while succeeding in environments shaped by Western norms.
“It’s about understanding the challenges of working in a colonised space and finding strategies to thrive without compromising who you are,” said Associate Professor Naepi.
Tarawa and O’Shea were humble and modest about being honoured for their long-service contributions. They both spoke about the importance of kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) connections, noting the depth of whanaungatanga and understanding that comes from meeting in person.
“Seeing our tauira move confidently into these spaces – whether as students, staff, or academics – makes us proud. It’s about loving people as best we can and creating spaces where they feel seen, heard and valued,” said Matt and Mona.
Cameron acknowledged the contributions of the many hands that helped launch the Fono: Veronika (Roni) Iloilo, Programme Lead for Leadership Through Learning, whose leadership was supported by Learning Assistants volunteering beyond their contracts. She thanked Fay Nanai, Kohu Hakaraia, Campus Care, CDES, the Marae Team, and all guest speakers and researchers.
“Their contributions inspire future pathways for Māori and Pacific students and reflect the aroha and collaboration that drive Te Tumu Herenga forward,” Cameron said.
Press release from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
