Graduating from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland was never just a personal achievement for Meleana Payn. It was the fulfilment of a dream that began generations earlier when her grandfather left Tonga for Aotearoa seeking greater opportunities for his family.
The first Pasifika student to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education conjoint degree, Meleana is the youngest of five children and the only daughter of Siliva and Joyce Payn.
With family roots in Mailetaha, Tongatapu, and Neiafu, Vava’u, Meleana is proud to be a first-generation New Zealand-born Tongan carrying forward the aspirations of those who came before her.
“It was my maternal grandpa Kapeliele Cocker who first moved to New Zealand in the late 1960s, like many Polynesian migrants seeking a better life,” she says.
“Everything I’ve been able to achieve is because of the sacrifices and opportunities he helped create for our family.”
“I’m so proud to be the granddaughter; of Solomone Peini, Nola Peini, Kapelieli Cocker, Kelela Cocker and Mele’ana Matangi; daughter of Siliva and Joyce Payn; sister to Mone, Patrick, Brandon, Aaron and my millions of cousins.”
Education was always valued in the Payn household.
“Tertiary study wasn’t really a question. It was an expectation from the moment I was born,” she laughs.
“My parents didn’t have the same educational opportunities growing up in Tonga, so I’m incredibly grateful to continue the vision my grandfather started decades ago.”
At university, Meleana found more than academic success. She found community.
A strong advocate for Māori and Pacific student success, she credits programmes including Tuākana Business and Commerce ‘o Pasifika and Pasifika Success within Sport, Health and Physical Education with helping her thrive.
“Something that really rings true for me is, ‘it’s hard to be what you can’t see’. Being surrounded by my people gave me strength and confidence.”
Through those programmes she connected with mentors who became role models and whānau, including Lisa Filitonga, Uili Uili, Sione Taufa, Pelimani Fisi’iahi, Meleana Puloka and lecturer Dr Jean Uasike M Allen.
“Sione Taufa often tells students to ‘find their university family’, and I was lucky enough to have two university families.”
“These people gave me support, wisdom and inspiration. Watching the work they do showed me what leadership can look like.”
Meleana also completed the TupuToa Internship Programme, acknowledging the support of mentors from Adidas and TVNZ; she says the friendships formed made university a memorable experience.
She hopes her achievement will contribute to greater visibility for Māori and Pacific students in higher education.
“It is an honour to be among the first Pasifika graduates to complete this conjoint pathway. But being first is not really what matters most.
“What matters is creating pathways where our people can see themselves succeeding and feel confident enough to take up space in those places themselves.”
While graduation marks the end of one chapter, Meleana has already begun the next. Inspired by her mother’s response when asked which degree should be displayed at home, she is now studying a Master of Business in Sport Leadership and Management at Auckland University of Technology.
“‘The next one,’ she said.”
Influenced by her father’s involvement in rugby in Tonga and New Zealand, Meleana’s research interests focus on increasing opportunities for Pacific peoples in sport leadership and management.
“I’m passionate about exploring how we can create greater opportunities for Pasifika people within sport, both on and off the field.”
Alongside her studies, Meleana continues as Tuākana Business Head Tutor Pacific.
“I’m so grateful I could continue my role. This is my third year with the Tuākana team and my first as Head Tutor Pacific.
“I never saw myself as a tutor, but working for Tuākana has been the most fulfilling job I’ve had because I get to play a part in the academic journeys of our Māori and Pacific tauira.”
She hopes to provide the same encouragement she received from those who guided her.
“I’ve been fortunate to have people who opened doors for me, showed me what was possible and encouraged me to keep going. I’d like to do the same for the people coming after me.”
Graduation remains a collective achievement for Meleana.
“I owe it all to my village. Thank you to everyone who has stood beside me throughout this journey, especially my parents, my brothers, and those who will continue to walk alongside me.
“This is a huge win for all of us. But I also know the job’s not finished.”
Built on family sacrifice, collective support and a commitment to creating opportunities for future generations, Meleana’s success is a reminder that when one person graduates, an entire village graduates with them.
