Pacific Talanoa breakfast opens the dialogue between Unitec and Pacific community leaders

The launch of the Pacific Breakfast Talanoa Forum was held at our Waitākere campus on Monday 2 September.

‘Talanoa’ is a word used across the Pacific, meaning to hold an inclusive and transparent dialogue. The breakfast, hosted by Director of Pacific Success Falaniko Tominiko and Head of Health and Social Practice Linda Aumua, was the beginning of what will become a regular talanoa conversation with our Pacific community leaders where the group will discuss  how our Pacific students can be best supported and equipped with the knowledge and skills our community and industry will expect from future graduates.

Talanoa attendees (from the left): Sam Sefuiva – Project Manager, Maori and Pasifika Trade Training; Dr Falaniko Tominiko – Unitec Director of Pacific Success; Tu Nuualiitia – Unitec MPTT Student Success; Pava Saifoloi – Unitec Community Engagement Advisor Pacific; Ronnie Matafeo – Unitec Lecturer, School of Building & Construction; Rev Gary Mauga – Church Minister, St Andrew Presbyterian Church, Henderson; Sally Dalhouse – Chief Operating Officer, The Fono; Dr Rev Fei Taulealeausumai-Davis, Church Minister, Pt Chevalier Homestead Church; Annette Pitovao – Unitec Director of Student Success; Sophie Martin-Welsh – Unitec International Relationship Advisor; Linda Aumua –  Unitec School of Healthcare and Social Practice; Rakesh Patel – Unitec Business Analyst, Commercial Services; Constable Tony Tatupu – NZ Police, Avondale Station; Kirsten Petersen – Unitec Events and Administration Advisor

Representatives from a variety of sector groups with an interest in the West Auckland Pacific community attended, including churches, education, health, police and trades.

The conversation started with an update from Unitec on what’s happening here and in the wider tertiary sector, including our upcoming Open Day, scholarships, Pacific Success Strategy launch, and the recently-announced sector changes.

The group then discussed how Unitec can best respond to the skill shortages and education needs in West Auckland, with a view to the changing landscape of jobs and industries over the next five to ten years.

It was agreed that this community forum was a valuable way to engage and encourage stakeholders to work together as a unified support network to support the success of Pacific people.

Pava Saifoloi, Community Engagement Advisor Pacific said it was a humbling and productive meeting.

“It was a valuable opportunity to get many of our Pacific community organisations together so we can plan and develop ways for our Unitec and our community to support Pacific student success. We’re looking forward to grow this forum and making this a regular event, and sharing ways to work together for positive outcomes” said Pava.