Pacific at AUT

08/09/2026

Welcome, Tonga National University, to AUT. 🇹🇴

We're honoured to have welcomed Dr Giulio Masasso Tu'ikolongahau Pāunga, Vice-Chancellor of Tonga National University, and his delegation to campus this week.

The visit began with a pōwhiri yesterday, marking an opportunity to strengthen connections between our institutions and our shared commitment to education and the future of Pacific communities.

This Thursday, the conversation continues.

Join Dr Pāunga and Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of AUT, as they explore a big question: What does it mean to build a Tongan university?

This is a free public event. Register via the link below.

https://events.humanitix.com/tatai-hono-pacific-leaders-in-conversation

06/09/2026

Happy Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Wik! 🇵🇬

Our very own students and friends share a little bit of home with us, materials and cultural treasures that hold great significance in their culture and identity.

We’re proud to celebrate Tok Pisin Wik and the rich cultural heritage of our Papua New Guinean community here in Aotearoa and at AUT.

01/09/2026

What does it mean to build a university for a nation? 🇹🇴

Join Dr Giulio Masasso Tu'ikolongahau Pāunga, Vice-Chancellor of Tonga National University, for a special public conversation exploring the vision behind Tonga's newest university and its role in shaping the country's future.

Centred on the theme "What Does It Mean to Build a Tongan University?", this event will examine the broader significance of higher education in strengthening national identity, fostering cultural resilience and supporting long-term social and economic development.

Established in 2023, Tonga National University represents a significant milestone in Tonga's educational journey. Dr Pāunga will reflect on the opportunities and challenges of building a new national institution, sharing insights into leadership, educational transformation and the responsibility universities have to serve their people and communities.

Facilitated by Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of AUT, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leader of one of the Pacific's newest universities and explore how higher education can help shape the future of Pacific nations.

Whether you're part of the Tongan community, the wider Pacific community or simply interested in education, leadership and nation-building, you're warmly invited to join the conversation.

Free tickets found in the link below ⬇

Presented by AUT's Tātai Hono programme, hear Tonga National University Vice-Chancellor Dr Giulio Pāunga discuss building a Tongan university.

16/08/2026

Mālō e lelei and Happy Tongan Language Week! 🇹🇴

Our very own students, Viliami and Afolani, introduce us to Tongan Language Week by sharing what the traditional ta’ovala means to them and its significance to our Tongan people.

We look forward to celebrating lea faka-Tonga and Tongan culture throughout the week. 🌺

02/08/2026

Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani 2026 🇨🇰

For Georgia-Rae, AUT Master of Geospatial Science student, mapping shoreline change at Rarotonga's Avana Harbour is more than research, it's her way of service and staying connected to her people and her reo.🌺

25/07/2026

🇻🇺 Happy Vanuatu Bislama Language Week!!

Celebrating Vanuatu Language Week with AUT students Ashton, Suzanne, and Maeva as they wear and introduce the "Island dress," a key part of Ni-Vanuatu identity, especially while living away from home.

The green reflects the Vanuatu flag, symbolising the islands' soil and vegetation, tying into this year's theme: "Tokbaot klaemet jenis – Hemi tru samting mo yumi mas lukaotem gud laef" – "Talk about climate change – it is real, and we must look after life."

05/07/2026

Happy Kiribati Language Week! Kam na bane ni mauri! 🇰🇮🌊

For this year's Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati, a traditional Kiribati dance, te Mwaie ni Kiribati, is showcased by our very own AUT students, Fetai Meerabe and Margret Ratieta. They share how Kiribati traditional dancing is one of the meaningful ways that helps them stay connected to their culture, heritage, and identity.

This ties in beautifully with this year's theme of Karina te ang, tauraoi nakon te mwioko ao kabura rikiara ni Kiribati, strive diligently to fulfil our responsibilities and uphold our Kiribati identity 🌺

05/06/2026

Fa'afetai tele lava to all who joined us for Samoan Language Week at AUT 🇼🇸. We began with a Faigalotu and Ava ceremony, honouring the spiritual and cultural foundations at the heart of Samoa, setting the tone for a full week of trying, teaching, honouring, and celebrating the Gagana Samoa and the rich culture it carries.

Special thanks to the AUT Samoan Student Association for leading many of our celebrations across campus.

In the spirit of this year's theme 'E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u', "From the high mountains are the blessings of the village" — may we continue to uplift and carry the Gagana Samoa.

31/05/2026

🇼🇸 Happy Samoa Language Week!

Anchored in this year's theme — "'E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u — From the high mountains are the blessings of the village" — AUT Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences student Julius Netzler shares what receiving the pe'a, the traditional tatau of Samoan men, also known as the malofie, means to him.

A reminder that our blessings, knowledge, and identity are rooted in these "mountains" — our ancestors, leaders, culture, and faith. Passed down through generations, they remain a living source for us to return to, draw strength from, and continue to explore.

Like the mountains, may we all stand tall in our identity, our service, and our culture. Manuia le vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa! 🏔️

10/05/2026

Noi ia e Mauri! Ḁlalum ˈäe ˈe gasav ne fäeag rotuḁm teˈis! - Happy Rotuman Language Week!

The theme of Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta 2026 is "Ȧf'ȧk, putua, a'pumuạ'ȧk ma rak'ȧk 'os fäega ma 'os ag fak Rotuma, la se maoen 'e 'os tore" - treasure, nurture and teach our Rotuman language and culture so it may live on through generations.

These four AUT students represent something bigger than themselves — a community keeping its language and culture alive, here in Aotearoa.