Pacificana Support for Pacific students - University of Otago - Otago University
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University of Otago Pacificana Support for Pacific students
Talofa lava, kia orana, malo ni,
malo e lelei, fakaalofa lahi atu,
bula vinaka, halo ola keta,
mauri, fakatalofa atu and
warm Pacific greetings.
Welcome to the University of Otago
Aotearoa’s first university
and the first choice for more than
21,000 students.
Whether you’re following a family tradition or leading the way
for others – university will be a new experience for you.
At Otago we value everyone. Alongside our wider Pacific
community, we are here to look out for you, to ensure you
study hard, enjoy life and succeed in ways that will enrich your
own life, and the lives of your family and community for years
to come.
You have what it takes to succeed, and Otago has what it takes
to help you get there – we look forward to welcoming you.
5+
Highest possible Dedicated on-campus 200 undergraduate 14 residential colleges
international support services and postgraduate offer a vibrant and
quality rating programmes supportive campus
community
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Welcome
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first
university and remains its finest, founded by early
Scottish settlers to Dunedin in 1869. Although our roots
at Otago are firmly Scottish, our wings are shaped
by the Pacific region in which we live. If you imagine
the map of the world with the Pacific Ocean in the
middle, you notice two things. First, the Pacific Ocean
is massive, and second, New Zealand sits right in the
middle – giving us an excellent launching pad to make a
difference in this part of the world.
Over the last few decades, the University of Otago
has become a powerful force in the Pacific. We are
committed to being good neighbours to our other
Pacific island nations. We will continue to collaborate
with them through education and research to tackle the
challenges we face in this region.
For many years the University of Otago has welcomed students from the Pacific Islands, and
many graduates have provided notable leadership and service in their own countries (including
several Prime Ministers). Increasingly, Pacific students born in New Zealand are also choosing
the University of Otago for their education.
The University’s commitment to Pacific aspirations is articulated in its Pacific Strategic
Framework (2013–2021), which marks a significant milestone in the University’s longstanding
engagement with local, national and regional Pacific communities. The Framework is ambitious
in scope and sets targets to support the development of activities that promote improved rates of
access, retention and completion among students of indigenous Pacific descent.
On behalf of everyone at the University of Otago, I would like to offer a very warm welcome to
Pacific students. We are delighted to have you here, and will do all we can to make your time at
Otago fruitful and enjoyable.
Professor Helen Nicholson
BSc(Hons) MB ChB MD
Vice-Chancellor (Acting)
2
Warm Pacific greetings
The University of Otago has had a long relationship with
people of the Pacific who, whether Island-born or New
Zealand-born, are high achievers.
The Pacific Islands Centre endeavours to ensure that all
students are welcomed and see the Centre as an extension
of home, as an extension of the vā (sacred space) – a home
away from home. The Centre achieves this by providing
academic, pastoral, social and spiritual guidance for all
Pacific students.
Pacific student numbers continue to grow at Otago with
currently more than 1,200 Pacific students enrolled in
2021 (a 12.7 per cent increase on the previous year).
We provide the cultural link for students and their
parents/families to the University’s teaching and research
community. This continues to be well supported by
the diverse Pacific communities across Aotearoa, who choose the University of Otago as the
tertiary destination for their family member.
Our staff are passionate and committed to providing ongoing holistic support to Pacific students
through understanding the issues and challenges they face. The Pacific Islands Centre is
committed to doing all we can to contribute to their experiences and their academic success
here at Otago.
The Pacific Islands Centre is waiting for your journey to academic success to start at the
University of Otago.
Mr Tagiilima Feleti
BEd(Tchg) PGDip(ECE Leadership)
Pacific Islands Centre Manager
3
Supporting your
journey to Otago
Living away from home and going to
university is very different to secondary
school, which is why we offer a lot of
support to help you feel prepared for the
change.
4
Who can I talk to?
No matter where you are there will always be someone you can talk to about coming to
Otago – we have a real commitment to Pacific students and the community.
Pacific Liaison Officers
Taitu’uga Christine Anesone is our Pacific Islands
Community Liaison Officer. She sits within the Pacific
Islands Centre on campus in Dunedin, and visits families
and communities to provide support and information to help
prepare students for a successful transition to Otago.
Kitiona Pasene is our Pacific Liaison Officer. He works from
Auckland and visits schools in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and
Wellington.
Both Kitiona and Christine attend Pasifika festivals and Taitu’uga Christine Anesone
expos, and host community fonos around the country. 03 479 4981
christine.anesone@otago.ac.nz
Tutorials and Academic Pastoral Support Co-ordinator
Dr Marea Colombo grew up in Dunedin and completed a
PhD in Psychology from the University of Otago. Marea
supports undergraduate and postgraduate students during
their time at university, and co-ordinates supplementary
tutorials and postgraduate workshops. Please feel free to reach
out to talk about the courses you are interested in taking, and
how to thrive while you are at Otago. Marea looks forward to
meeting you and supporting your growth here at Otago.
Schools’ Liaison team Kitiona Pasene
Our schools’ liaison officers, based in Auckland, Wellington 09 373 9715
and Dunedin, may be your first contact with us. They kitiona.pasene@otago.ac.nz
visit secondary schools throughout the country to provide
information and advice about courses and life at Otago.
Auckland office
09 373 9704
auckland.liaison@otago.ac.nz
Wellington office
04 460 9805
wellington.liaison@otago.ac.nz
Dunedin office
03 479 8247 Dr Marea Colombo
liaison@otago.ac.nz 03 479 4160
marea.colombo@otago.ac.nz
5
Programmes for school students
We run a number of outreach programmes and events, including opportunities to travel
to Dunedin and experience life at Otago.
Hands-On at Otago
Hands-On at Otago is a week-long summer
Pacific On-Campus Experience
camp held annually at Otago in January. The Pacific On-Campus Experience
The Pacific Islands Centre offers scholarships (POCE) programme coincides with
for Pacific secondary students entering Year Dunedin Tertiary Open Days in May
12 or 13 to participate in the programme. every year.
They cover all costs for you to travel to POCE is a fully funded scholarship
Dunedin to experience Otago, while that provides an amazing opportunity
developing your knowledge, skills and passion for 50 senior secondary Pacific students
for tertiary study. to sample living and learning at the
otago.ac.nz/hands-on-at-otago University of Otago.
Students from around the country are
Dare to Succeed Programme sponsored to come to Dunedin for three
The Dare to Succeed Programme aims days to experience life in a residential
to give Pacific school students a better college, attend various programmes
understanding of the importance of getting (including the Open Days), meet the
good academic qualifications at school, so Pacific Islands Centre staff, and start
that they can build a strong foundation on planning their academic journey.
which to aspire to undertake tertiary level otago.ac.nz/poce
study, creating opportunities for success and
excellence in the future.
The programme runs four times a year, “I made the decision to study at Otago after
linking South and Central Otago Pacific participating in the Pacific On-Campus Experience.
secondary school students with suitable I was attracted by the facilities, student services
undergraduate and postgraduate student and the city of Dunedin. The lifestyle looked
mentors – positive role models who can
enjoyable and I believed this would be the best
place for tertiary study.”
demystify university studies.
The programme has also engaged with
Matt Manukuo
Studying for a Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies)
students in North Island-based schools, via
Zoom and online Fono.
6
Transition and orientation
When you arrive at Otago, our preparation programmes and events will help you settle
into university life.
Orientation programmes at the start of the unicrewotago.org
year will tell you about all of the support Kickstart 101:
services that are available at Otago. Preparation programme for Pacific
Academic Orientation during Orientation students
week is specifically planned to help you
transition from living at home to living This is a free university preparation
independently, and from studying at school programme offered to Pacific students before
to studying at university. the beginning of their first year of study. It
is a mix of lectures, workshops and social
otago.ac.nz/aow
activities designed to help new students hit
Sign up to be a member of a club or the ground running.
society. There are many cultural, sporting, What is Kickstart 101?
and academic options to choose from.
• Learn university-level study skills and
ousa.org.nz/clubsandsocs habits.
Another great way to meet people and get • Get to know what university is about and
to know Dunedin is by volunteering in the how it works.
community. Many colleges have their own
volunteering programmes, but be sure to • Experience the Otago campus and
check out UniCrew volunteers as well, to stay facilities.
informed about the opportunities that are • Make friends with like-minded students.
available. • Meet our amazing Pacific support staff.
When and where?
Two weeks of distance learning starting early
January, followed by five weeks on campus
with free accommodation.
otago.ac.nz/kickstart101
7
Scholarships
The University of Otago offers a number of scholarships for students who have indigenous
Pacific ancestry.
University of Otago Pacific Peoples’ University of Otago Pacific Islands
Entrance Scholarships Doctoral Scholarships
Standard value of $10,000 for first-year $27,000 per annum plus tuition fees for three
Pacific students. For exceptional candidates, years for indigenous Pacific students to
this scholarship can be awarded at a higher undertake a PhD.
value, and for up to three years. (International students may also apply for these
scholarships.)
University of Otago Māori and Pacific otago.ac.nz/entrance-scholarships
Islands Study Grants
$3,000 for Māori and Pacific students Other scholarships
progressing to their fourth year of study. The New Zealand Government also offers
scholarships through the New Zealand Aid
Division of Humanities Pacific Bridging programme to citizens of Pacific countries.
Scholarships To check if you might be eligible to apply for
$10,000 plus tuition fees for indigenous a New Zealand Scholarship please go to:
Pacific students with a bachelor’s degree nzscholarships.govt.nz
intending to proceed to their first year of
There are many scholarships available from
taught postgraduate study in Humanities.
a wide range of sources. To find out about
them, visit givME, the GenNZ website that
University of Otago Pacific Islands provides information on more than 4,000
Masters’ Scholarships scholarships and awards.
$15,000 plus tuition fees for indigenous generosity.org.nz/giv-me
Pacific students to undertake a research
master’s degree.
POPO Foundation Scholarship Academic support
Programme You’ll have additional tutorials for each
The POPO Foundation Scholarship of your subjects in the Foundation Year
Programme is a Health Sciences support Health Sciences course.
programme for Pacific students studying the
Pathways Health Sciences course at Otago. Pastoral Support
POPO students receive a guaranteed Your progress is monitored to ensure you’re
place in a University of Otago residential staying on track to achieving your goals.
college. POPO students also receive
Mentoring support
financial assistance towards their college
accommodation fees as well as their Pathways You’ll have the chance to meet with
programme tuition fees. senior Pacific students who studied the
Foundation Year course and are now in
their second (or above) year of their health-
8 related programmes.“Receiving an entrance scholarship presented an “I’m now employed by the Government of Niue.
awesome opportunity for me to study abroad. My work involves management of the Niue trade
My uncle and older sister graduated from Otago, portal, updating trade procedures and legislation,
so it was fitting to embark on this exciting journey, vetting foreign investment applications and preparing
follow in their footsteps, and add to the small list Cabinet papers.”
of proud scarfies in the family.
“I enjoyed learning from top lecturers and studying Aytron Tatui
interesting papers that were relevant to my career. I Bachelor of Commerce
made new friends in my college, classes, the Pacific Trade Officer, Government of Niue
Islands Centre, rugby club, and other associations.
“My biggest highlight was graduating – hearing my
name being announced and then walking across the
stage to be capped by the Chancellor was humbling
and rewarding. I was honoured that my family were
present to enjoy the moment together.
9International Office
The International Office runs a welcome desk and orientation programme at the start of
each semester to give all international students a thorough introduction to Dunedin and the
University. Staff are available all year round, on a confidential basis, to help international
students with advice and information on issues such as:
• pre-arrival information
• family support
• homesickness
• academic issues
• general health and wellbeing
• medical and travel insurance
• student visa requirements
• flatting and accommodation
• student exchange
• employment during your study
• cultural adjustment.
otago.ac.nz/international
10“It feels good to be a student at Otago. The community “I have a lot of goals. I hope to become a visual
and culture in Dunedin are tight-knit and everyone is presenter for media outlets. Through interviews or
friendly. Many of the experiences I had as a first-year writing articles, I want to be able to tell Pacific people’s
student were memorable – everything was new and stories in a unique way.
exciting and I was happy to get stuck into the lifestyle. “I believe that whatever career path you choose, your
“The services, resources and facilities at the Pacific goals should intertwine with that career, as that is
Islands Centre are open for me to use at any time. I’ve where you will be most happy. Fakaaue lahi.”
attended events and been encouraged seeing and
hearing from other established Pacific students at Matt Manukuo
Otago. Studying for a Bachelor of Arts
“I enjoy my communication papers because what we
are taught is applicable to the world today. Our classes
provide a great space for discussion and I’ve gained an
understanding of different perspectives and ideas from
other students, ultimately helping my learning.
11Support for Pacific
students
One of the benefits of studying away from
home is learning to take responsibility for
yourself. This can be challenging, especially
when coming from a family-based, community-
oriented environment. So don’t be afraid to ask
for help from any of our support services – they
are here to ensure you study hard, enjoy life and
succeed during your time at Otago.
12Support services
We have a system of services to ensure that Otago is a safe place to live while you reach
your full potential.
Campus Watch Otago University Students’ Association
The Campus Watch teams are out and (OUSA)
about 24 hours a day, 7 days a week offering The OUSA is run by students for students
assistance and advice around campus and and is central to the Otago experience.
North Dunedin whenever it is required. Its services include welfare and advocacy,
otago.ac.nz/campus-watch student representation, sport and recreation
and, of course, social activities which begin
Career Development Centre with Orientation at the start of the first
The Career Development Centre helps you semester and continue throughout the year.
sort out your career goals and build the ousa.org.nz
future that you want: whether it’s checking
out papers, considering an international Recreation
exchange, finding career-related summer jobs The Unipol Recreation Centre and OUSA
or looking for graduate opportunities. Clubs and Societies Centre provide a
otago.ac.nz/careers comprehensive programme to ensure you
maintain a healthy, balanced and fun lifestyle
Code of Student Conduct while studying at Otago. There are many
The University has a Code of Student recreational opportunities on and off campus
Conduct, a set of common-sense rules that including courses, trips, group fitness classes,
prohibit behaviour that is likely to endanger social sport, sports clubs and societies.
safety. otago.ac.nz/recreation
otago.ac.nz/code-of-conduct
Student Health Services
Disability Information and Support Student Health is situated on campus and
Disability Information and Support provides provides medical, nursing, counselling and
free and confidential learning support, advice, psychiatric advice and treatment for all
advocacy and information to students with students enrolled at the University of Otago.
disabilities, impairments, medical conditions or otago.ac.nz/studenthealth
injuries that may impact their study.
otago.ac.nz/disabilities
Student Learning Development
Student Learning Development offers a free
Libraries service to help you improve your learning and
study skills, with individual help and practical
Our seven libraries offer an outstanding guidance, a student mentoring scheme and
range of information services and resources, online assistance.
access to Wi-Fi, and warm comfortable
facilities suitable for individual study or group otago.ac.nz/sld
learning.
otago.ac.nz/library
13The Pacific Islands Centre
Otago’s Pacific Islands Centre is a little bit of the Pacific right in the middle of campus.
It’s a welcoming environment – with study rooms, computers and kitchen facilities –
designed to help all students of Pacific descent make the most of their time at university.
Many students have just left their parents and need
someone to help them with things they have never had
to deal with before. They use the Centre for advice
on anything from academic assistance, scholarships,
accommodation issues, legal matters, immigration,
airfares and places to worship – or just to have a chat.
The Centre also helps with fellowships, information
about church groups, Pacific Islands community
networks, advocacy, career advice, and lots more.
Course planning
The Pacific Islands Centre offers career planning and
course guidance to ensure you are studying the right
subjects to achieve your goals, and also offers direction
to existing services.
Cultural, health and pastoral support
If a listening ear is what you need, then Tagiilima
Feleti, the Pacific Islands Centre Manager, is only
too happy to provide it. He is also able to put you in
contact with community elders and ministers who can
provide care and support.
Otago has a very inexpensive Student Health and
Counselling Centre, which is there to help students
mentally and physically – so they can make the most
of their Otago experience.
Of course, the Pacific Islands Centre is a great place
to meet other people who are in exactly the same
situation as you.
14Orientation POPO: The Pacific Orientation Programme
A special Pacific Orientation programme at Otago
is held at the beginning of semester 1. Funded by the Ministry of Health, the
Organised by the Pacific Islands Centre, the
Pacific Orientation Programme at Otago
programme helps newcomers find their feet
and tells them where they can get support. (POPO) runs annually in the first semester.
Orientation runs for a whole week and POPO is an 11-week programme, designed
students are provided with necessary for Health Sciences First Year (HSFY)
information from academic departments to students who want to work in health-related
places of worship. professions. The programme helps students
engage with, and benefit from, all available
This Orientation week of events ends with the
annual University of Otago Pacific Welcome, support services. This gives them the best
a formal event where students, parents and possible chance to succeed at university.
staff all come together to celebrate and POPO nurtures the aspirations of students,
worship before the start of another academic helping them to “capture the moment” for
year. success.
Soon after Orientation there are several otago.ac.nz/pacific
welcome events for Pacific students to meet
support groups within their academic
divisions, and an Academic Mentoring
evening where tutorials and mentoring
details are confirmed. Specialised orientation
programmes are also run for each academic
division.
Talanoa with our matua
As Pacific Islanders, our strength comes with
our value of being together, praying together,
growing up together and living together –
that is our point of difference.
However, there is a time when we must
allow our fanau to leave home to ensure they
are exposed to the great opportunities out
there, gain an education and return home
successfully – to continue to build warm, safe
and happy families and communities.
The Pacific Islands Centre is aware
of this and it is the fundamental value
that encapsulates all its services. Staff
are available to meet with parents and
communities to plan a pathway for our fanau
and to answer all your questions. You are an
important part of our fanau’s journey and we
look forward to working together with you to
ensure our success as a community. 15Academic mentoring
Academic mentoring means studying smart and getting the most out of university.
All Pacific students, especially first-year students, are encouraged to engage in mentoring.
The Pacific Islands Centre and support staff in the academic
divisions co-ordinate the Taimane Academic Mentoring
Programme, meeting with students 1:1, providing advice PHASE 1
on welfare and academic issues, or directing them to the Orientation
appropriate support services. and
welcome
Students are contacted four times during
the semester to ensure they are settling in
and coping well with their studies. PHASE 4 PHASE 2
• Students are allocated an academic Exam How’s it
mentor to help guide them with their workshops going?
Sinking or
subjects, courses and career aspirations. swimming?
• Final-year students will be mentored by
our graduates in the workforce to help PHASE 3
them find that perfect job.
How did the first
• Mentoring is available to undergraduate assignment
and postgraduate students. go?
Extra study help
Need a hand with your studies? The Pacific Islands Centre can help to arrange additional
tutorials and establish study groups.
Supplementary tutorials
The tutorials are free and the tutors
are from academic departments.
The schedule is usually available
shortly after the main lecture
timetable is finalised.
Study nights
Supervised study nights are also
held weekly at the Pacific Islands
Centre. While these are set up
mainly for Fofoa students, any
Pacific student may attend if they
wish.
16“I chose to study Law at Otago because the idea of “After completing an internship in the Criminal Law
studying in a tight-knit student community appealed team at the Ministry of Justice at the end of my fourth
to me, the campus impressed me, and I liked living year, I returned to Dunedin to complete my final year
somewhere where everything was within walking of study then came back to the Ministry as a graduate
distance. policy advisor.
“I was privileged to serve as the president of the Pacific “My studies equipped me with excellent writing and
Island Law Students’ Association (PILSA). Being on critical thinking, research and analytical skills as well
the executive was hard work and a big commitment, as the ability to process and synthesise large amounts
but being able to bring together all the Pacific Law of information in a short time frame. My time at law
students to form our own Pacific community to support school also provided me with experience in dealing
each other made it all worth it. with strict deadlines, managing my time effectively,
“Seeing the students we mentored as first-years join coping with stress and building resilience.”
the executive and continue fostering and growing that
community has been really rewarding. Nera Tautau
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts
Graduate Policy Advisor, Ministry of Justice
17Academic support staff
There is strong support for Pacific students within the four academic divisions.
Le Moana Action Group
Le Moana Action Group, which co-ordinates
all the support services on campus for Pacific
students, includes staff from the Pacific Islands
Centre and support officers from all academic
divisions.
At monthly meetings, the group discusses best
practice and shares information to ensure no
Pacific student falls through the cracks.
The group also regularly meets with the
Directors of Student Success, Student
and Academic Services, and the Pacific
Development Office as well as the Associate
Deans (Pacific) within each academic division.
Health Sciences
The Pacific Islands Research & Student Support Unit (PIRSSU), Va’a o Tautai – Centre for
Pacific Health, looks after approximately 500 Pacific students from New Zealand and the Pacific
region studying in the Division of Health Sciences.
We offer excellent support for Pacific students in health professional and allied health
programmes, nurture successful research careers, and offer quality pastoral care in an inclusive
cultural environment. We look forward to welcoming you to our Pacific community in Health
Sciences.
Grettel Williams Garrett George
Programme Co-ordinator Programme Co-ordinator
(Mentoring) (Academic)
“I am of Samoan descent, “I was born and raised in
and was born and raised Kea’au, on the Big Island
in Hawke’s Bay. I have of Hawaii. I started my
a Bachelor of Science, a voyage at PIRSSU in March
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, and am currently 2021, co-ordinating the academic programmes and
completing a Master of Public Health from Otago. monitoring the progress of Pacific students within the
My journey at PIRSSU began in 2018 as the Academic Division. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Administrator in the Centre for Pacific Health. I feel blessed from the University of Manoa in Oahu, Hawaii.
to have now taken on the mentoring role, where I am Previously, I was teaching English to kindergarteners in
responsible for co-ordinating the POPO mentoring and Tokyo, Japan. I am excited to work alongside you and
outreach programmes that ensure our students are well- support you in your journey at Otago.”
supported in all avenues of their journey. I am here to work popoacd@otago.ac.nz
directly with you. To help, guide and walk alongside you
throughout your studies here at Otago.”
18 popomnt@otago.ac.nzHumanities Sciences
Sia Lei-Mata’afa Sonya Xavier
Pacific Islands Student Support Officer Pacific Islands Student Support Co-ordinator
“I am of Samoan decent, “Having worked with Pacific students
I was born and raised in in Auckland for years, I joined the
Dunedin and have a Bachelor Sciences Pacific Support and
of Teaching (Primary Strategy team in September
endorsed). I am blessed to 2020. With my training and
have joined the Division of business background, I enjoy
Humanities in 2021 as the the dynamic nature of my
Pacific Islands Student Support role supporting students and
Officer. I am excited to be supporting promoting Pacific interests within the
and encouraging all Pacific Humanities students as University and community to achieve student success.
I have traversed the same path. I am here to work I am passionate about the progression of Pacific communities
alongside you, to guide, support and assist you in in all areas and enjoy working with students and academics to
your journey to success here at at Otago.” achieve shared goals.”
sia.lei-mataafa@otago.ac.nz sonya.xavier@otago.ac.nz
Amanda Taia
Otago Business School Pacific Outreach Programme Co-ordinator
“I joined Sciences Pacific Support
Esmay Eteuati
Associate Dean Pacific and Pacific Islands Academic and Strategy in 2018 and have a
Adviser Master of Arts from Otago. I am
responsible for co-ordinating,
“I am of Samoan heritage, and
developing and delivering
have lived and worked in New
outreach programmes designed
Zealand and Samoa.
to engage Pacific Island youth,
An Otago graduate,
and their communities, with the
I am here to help guide,
Division of Sciences and all the pathway
grow, nurture and provide
options it provides.”
support to all Pacific students
amanda.taia@otago.ac.nz
studying at the Otago Business
School.” Meliame Jackson
esmay.eteuati@otago.ac.nz
Pacific Islands Student Support Facilitator
Mary Jane Kivalu “I am of Tongan descent and have
Pacific Student Support Facilitator a Bachelor of Sciences degree
“I am of Tongan descent and was majoring in Physiology from the
born and raised in Otara, University of Otago. Soon after
Auckland. I have a Bachelor graduating, I joined the Sciences
of Commerce and a Master Pacific Support and Strategy
of Business Administration team, following a brief period
from Otago. I joined the working in other Pacific offices
Otago Business School across the University. I equip students
in 2020, and my role is to with skills to become successful learners who then go on to
facilitate support in the Division of achieve their goals and liaise with staff University-wide to
Commerce for first and second-year Pāsifika students. ensure students have access to the right services when needed.
I value my fatongia to the next generation and look I feel a deep sense of fulfilment and joy in the work that I do
forward to meeting our new students.” because of my successors who supported me in my academic
mary-jane.kivalu@otago.ac.nz
journey as a student, which is the same support I offer today.”
mel.jackson@otago.ac.nz 19Pacific student groups
The Pacific Islands Centre helps organise several student groups, which offer mentoring,
and moral and cultural support.
Students’ associations
• University of Otago Pacific Islands Students’ Association
• Otago Cook Islands Students’ Association
• Otago Fijian Students’ Association
• Otago Samoan Students’ Association
• Otago Tongan Students’ Association
Academic Division associations
There are several specialist groups for students on particular courses:
• The Division of Health Sciences helps to organise the Pacific Islands Health
Professional Students’ Association (PIHPSA).
• The Science Students’ Pacific Islands Association (SSPIA) organises a student
welcome within the Division of Sciences, and gatherings and mentoring events
to help students settle in to their studies.
• The Pacific Islands Law Students’ Assocation (PILSA) organises an annual
guest lecture and runs support programmes during the year.
• Humanities Otago Pacific Students’ Association (HOPSA) provides support,
and meet and greet gatherings.
• The Pacific at Commerce Students’ Association (PCOM) helps students stay
connected and navigate their way through their academic journey. They are
based in the Pacific room on the ground floor of the Otago Business School.
Pacific Postgraduate Reference Group
The Pacific Postgraduate Reference Group is open to all students completing a
postgraduate degree at the University of Otago. The group meets almost every two
weeks and offers workshops (e.g. ways into writing, how to present your research, the
technicalities of writing) and writing days (full days for Pacific postgraduate students
to work on their writing with peers). The group is a place where postgraduate
students can bring their frustrations and ideas, and seek and offer support. There
is an annual Pacific Voices symposium where students present abstracts of their
research projects to an invited audience of academic staff and peers. These are
published in the Pacific Voices booklet available online:
otago.ac.nz/pacific-postgrad
20“My three years so far at Otago have all been great in and I have appreciated the personal connection, such
their own way – being in a residential college was a lot as checking on us individually during the lockdown to
of fun in my first year, and I’ve really enjoyed all the make sure we were safe and well.
papers I’ve taken. My favourite thing has probably been “Since graduating, I’ve been involved in a collaboration
heading to Unipol at the end of the day to play pickup with the National University of Samoa to develop a lab
basketball. experiment for their physics students. This year, I’ve
“Seeing how real science is done has been an returned to Otago for further study towards my goal
invaluable experience and I’ve enjoyed learning the of a physics PhD, and I’m excited to get some practical
fundamentals from experts in their fields. It’s also been research experience in the coming years.”
rewarding to meet and work with like-minded students
in my lectures and labs. Ben Ripley
“It’s been comforting to know that the Pacific Islands Studying for a Bachelor of Science with Honours
Centre is there to support and promote Pasifika
students. They do a great job of celebrating our success
21Pacific Peoples and the University
Education is recognised as a key for ensuring the strong future of Pacific people.
The University of Otago is proud to play a part in assisting all Pacific people to excel.
Our Pacific students study across all subjects at the University, and have gone on to
careers in various government ministries, religious roles, health, education, law, diplomacy
and much more.
The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, was welcomed with a kava ceremony during
a visit to Otago.
22Te Tumu: School of Māori, Pacific
and Indigenous Studies
The University offers students the
opportunity to learn about their own
history and culture through papers and
degrees offered at Te Tumu.
The BA in Pacific Islands Studies is
taught across several departments such
as anthropology, archaeology, history,
geography and media studies. The
programme examines contemporary
issues of importance to Pacific peoples
within their broad cultural context.
Staff at Te Tumu come from a variety
of academic and cultural backgrounds,
There are currently approximately 1,200 and include members who identify as
students with Pacific heritage – both New Māori, Pacific and Pākehā. Te Tumu
Zealand- and Island-born – studying at Otago. has a strong commitment to Pacific
These include students from Fiji, Samoa, communities and aims to put into
Tonga, Niue, Solomon Islands, Marshall practice the language and inclusive
Islands, Tokelau Islands, Papua New Guinea, cultural values that it teaches and
Tuvalu, Kiribati, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Caledonia, researches.
Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Pacific students
also come here from Australia, Singapore, Pacific issues are also addressed in
Dubai and the USA. subjects right across the University,
including law, politics, health, sciences
and music.
Dunedin’s Pacific community
There is a long-established Pacific
community in Dunedin, which contributes
to pastoral care of our students.
Dunedin’s Pacific families welcome the
young Pacific students who come to the city.
They offer pastoral care to the new students,
providing meals, advice and company to
students who need their support.
These families may even provide
accommodation to young students when
they first arrive in the city, or offer places for
visiting relatives to stay.
Left: Dunedin’s Pacific community came out to celebrate
their culture and heritage at the inaugural Moana Nui
Festival in 2021 [Photo: Dunedin NZ]. 23Key events for Pacific students
January July
• Summer School • Second semester re-orientation
• Pacific Kickstart 101 • Lectures start
• Hands-On at Otago • Welcome back BBQ
• Otago University Advanced School • Taimane second semester first phase:
Sciences Academy (OUASSA) Students learn when tutorials will start and
where they can find the right support
February
• Pacific Orientation August
• Pacific Welcome – the Vice-Chancellor • Tutorials
welcomes students and parents • Careers evening
• Pacific first-year students’ orientation • Vakavinavinaka – Pacific graduation
programme celebrations for graduands and their
• Taimane first semester first phase: Students families
learn when tutorials will start and where • Graduation ceremonies
they can find the right support • Taimane second semester second phase:
• The Pacific Orientation Programme How’s it going? Sinking or swimming?
at Otago (POPO) for first-year Health • Scholarship applications open
Sciences students
• FOFOA orientation September
• Preliminary lectures • Pacific Week including Fiefia Cultural Night
– all student associations perform
March • Taimane second semester third phase:
• Lectures start How did the first assignment go?
• Academic Divisional welcome • Pacific Voices Symposium, for Pacific
• Taimane first semester second phase: postgraduate students
How’s it going? Sinking or swimming?
• Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship events October
• Taimane second semester fourth phase:
April Exam workshops
• Taimane first semester third phase: How
did the first assignment go? November
• Mid-semester break • Exams and holidays
May December
• Vakavinavinaka – Pacific graduation
• Vakavinavinaka – Pacific graduation
celebrations for graduands and their
celebrations for graduands and their
families
families
• Graduation ceremonies
• Graduation ceremonies
• Taimane first semester fourth phase: Exam
• Enrolments for the following year due
workshops
June
• Exams and holidays
2425
Otago life
The University of Otago ranks first
in New Zealand for helping students
succeed in their studies.
When you come here, you’ll enjoy
our world-class teaching, facilities and
support, and a unique student lifestyle.
26Moving to Dunedin
Dunedin is a true student Dunedin has everything Dunedin is a small city
city. During semesters our that’s on offer in larger between the mountains, the
cities, but it is still a friendly, harbour and the sea – that
21,000 students make uncrowded and safe place means there’s heaps to do
up 20 per cent of the to live. and it’s easy to access. The
population, creating an There is a strong cultural wild coast of the Otago
energy and atmosphere focus. Music and the arts, Peninsula is home to an
that’s unique to Otago. food, shopping and fashion, array of wildlife, and is also
and museums and libraries where the original Māori
are among the best in New settlement of Ōtākou still
Zealand. And New Zealand’s overlooks the harbour
only covered stadium is entrance.
Auckland also right on our doorstep –
hosting international sport What’s the weather like?
and music events throughout Despite being the country’s
the year. southernmost university,
Wellington
Although surrounded by Dunedin’s weather is milder
hills, Dunedin is mostly than you might think.
Christchurch
flat and easily accessible. Daily highs are typically
You don’t need a car to get 18–22°C in summer and
Dunedin around – it’s a 10-minute 10–12°C in winter. Dunedin
walk from the campus, also has considerably less
residential colleges and rainfall than most New
student flats to the town Zealand centres.
centre, and a good public
transport system covers the
main suburbs.
27The university year
NOV
AUG
MAR
MAY
OCT
DEC
APR
JUN
FEB
SEP
JUL
JAN
SUMMER SCHOOL SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
This is a general overview of what’s going on in students’ lives during the university year.
January June
> Summer School starts early in January. It > The first semester ends with exams in the
is generally attended by returning students first half of June. Once exams are over, there
rather than first-years. is a two-week break.
February July
> Semester 1 starts. This is when you finalise > Semester 2 is winter in Dunedin. New
what you are going to study, pay your fees courses start.
and get your student ID card.
August
> Orientation week is packed with music gigs,
sports days, a market day and other activities. > One-week mid-semester break.
> There is also an academic orientation September
programme to prepare you for the year. > Students complete their last assessments
March and begin studying for the final exams.
> Anxieties around courses and workload, October and November
finances and health, and homesickness may set > End-of-year exams start in mid-October
in. There are people available in the colleges and finish in early November. Once students
and on campus to offer help and support. complete their last exam, summer break
April begins!
> This is a busy time for assignments and December
assessments, followed by mid-semester break. > Semester 2 exam results come out at the
May beginning of December.
> The lead-up to exams can be an anxious
time as the pressure of study mounts. Staff in
the colleges and support services are on hand
to help.
28“I decided to study Oral Health after working as a we were able to spend a lot of time doing “hands-on”
dental assistant in the Hutt Valley DHB and seeing learning during clinics and labs with our tutors and
the urgent need for Pacific peoples in the workforce. I each other.
believed there was a real opportunity for me to make “The Pacific Islands Centre was always the spot for a
a difference in my community, especially in health warm cup of coffee on a cold Dunner stunner day and
promotion. I can’t thank everyone there enough for the love and
“The highlight of my time at Otago was always with my support they gave myself and my family.”
Pacific Islands student community. The Pacific Islands
Centre and staff provided me with pastoral care, safe Otessa Tuisila
study spaces, tutorials, even food at times and most Bachelor of Oral Health
importantly – a family! Oral Health Therapist, Hutt Valley District Health
“I enjoyed the practical aspect of my studies. Oral Board
Health has a relatively small cohort compared to other
health professional programmes, which meant that
29Where will I live?
As more than 85% of new students come from outside Dunedin, we place great
importance on providing high-quality, safe and supervised living in our residential colleges.
The colleges are all situated on campus or within walking distance of
the University. They are fully catered, have a mix of male and female
students, and range in size from 125 to more than 500 beds.
Professional, experienced college leaders and staff take a real interest
in the wellbeing of their residents. They are supported by senior
students who mentor and guide students through their first year of
university. The colleges provide tutorials and study spaces, active social Our residential colleges
and volunteering opportunities, new friends and, most of all, peace of accommodate
mind. around 3,500 students.
You can apply online for a place in a residential college from 1 August
each year.
otago.ac.nz/colleges
Other options include private boarding or flatting. The Pacific
Islands Centre works with the University’s Student Accommodation
98%
Centre to help students find appropriate accommodation. They can
also help arrange temporary accommodation with a member of the
98% of students provide a
Pacific community for students settling into the city. positive assessment of their
colleges.
Fofoa Accommodation Award
The Fofoa Accommodation Award for Pacific students pays for half
of the annual rent for a room in one of the two flats managed by the
Pacific Islands Centre.
“Fofoa” in Polynesian languages means “to nurture or to incubate”
and the aim of the award is to “incubate” academic and culturally
congruent learning pathways for Pacific first-year students.
Essentially, it helps Pacific students in their transition from school and
home to studying at university and living away from home.
Applications open in September.
Email pacific@otago.ac.nz
30What will it cost?
Study fees Is university worth it?
Most domestic students who are new to Yes. Statistics tell us graduates generally earn
tertiary education will be eligible for one the best salaries. They also find a range of
year of fees-free study. For more information, jobs available, as a degree is evidence of being
and to find out how to check your eligibility, hard-working and adaptable.
please visit: And the university experience helps people
otago.ac.nz/fees-free grow, influencing every aspect of their lives
and affecting the way they bring up and
After your first year, programme fees range educate their own family.
from approximately $6,000 to $16,000
depending on what degree and papers you Going to university is not a guaranteed door
study. to success – but it’s a path that leads
in the right direction.
Student loans and allowances
If you cannot pay all of your costs yourself,
StudyLink can help you arrange a
Government Student Loan. The service can
also help you apply for a student allowance
(conditions apply), and assist with budgeting
and other financial advice.
studylink.govt.nz
Living costs estimate Residential college Flatting
Annual accommodation fee $16,340 -
Average rent (52 weeks) - $8,580
Groceries (40 weeks) - $3,600
Electricity/internet (52 weeks) - $1,400
Personal costs (40 weeks) $2,640 $2,640
Entertainment (40 weeks) $2,200 $2,200
Total $21,180 $18,420
Please note: Costs are based on 2021 figures. Residential college contracts are normally for 38 weeks. Some colleges
may charge a higher fee than the fee listed in the table. In addition to the accommodation fee, the residential colleges
charge a small amenity fee. Personal costs vary considerably depending on lifestyle. This estimated budget does not
include travel costs or any significant personal expenditure items.
31Enrolling at Otago
To enrol at Otago, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old by the start of classes
and hold one of the following university entrance (UE) qualifications.
NCEA Level 3 International Baccalaureate (IB)
• At least 14 credits in each of three • IB diploma with 24 points minimum
approved subjects
• Meet literacy and numeracy requirements
• Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or higher
• Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above
(five in reading and five in writing)
Cambridge Assessment International Overseas secondary school qualifications
Education (CAIE) • Australian secondary school ranking
• At least 120 points on the UCAS Tariff, • General Certificate of Education
with a grade of D or better at AS or A (GCE) Advanced Level
level in syllabuses from at least three
different syllabus groups, broadly • International Baccalaureate (IB)
equivalent to the NCEA approved subject taken overseas
list • Other overseas qualifications
• Meet literacy and numeracy requirements
Alternative methods of admission
The Pathway programme foundation studies At the beginning of Year 13, check
certificate provides a university entrance that you are taking sufficient credits
qualification recognised by all New Zealand and enough approved subjects
universities. at Level 3, and that you have the
Special Admission: for students 20 years required literacy and numeracy
of age or over. credits. This can save confusion and
Discretionary Entrance: for students disappointment when you come to
under 20 years of age. enrol at university.
See our website for further information.
otago.ac.nz/entrance
32Contact us
Pacific Islands Centre
1 Leithbank Key dates
Dunedin
03 479 8278 1 August 15 September
Residential college Bachelor of Radiation
pacific@otago.ac.nz
applications open online. Therapy, Bachelor of Oral
Health, Bachelor of Dental
AskOtago 15 August Technology applications
AskOtago can help with all your Closing date for many due.
questions about studying at Otago. University of Otago
Find answers with our searchable entrance scholarships. 30 September
knowledgebase. Or call, email or chat Residential college
31 August applications due.
with us. Bachelor of Teaching
ask.otago.ac.nz applications due. 10 December
university@otago.ac.nz Closing date for
0800 80 80 98 1 September applications for all new
Performance Music students taking Summer
audition applications due. School, semester 1 or full-
year papers or courses.
The information provided in this guide is, as far as possible, up-to-date and accurate at the time of publication. The University reserves the
right to add, amend or withdraw courses and facilities, to restrict student numbers and to make any other alterations as it may deem necessary.
Published by the Division of External Engagement, University of Otago, August 2021.Auckland
Wellington
Christchurch
Dunedin
Invercargill
0800 80 80 98
otago.ac.nz
university@otago.ac.nz
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