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we are
APSTE
The Association for Pasific Staff in Tertiary Education (APSTE)
is a collective of Pasifika staff working to strengthen our presence, leadership, and success across Aotearoa’s tertiary sector.
We advocate for representation, provide professional development, and create spaces for collaboration and cultural empowerment.
WHY IT MATTERS
Pasifika staff play a crucial role in shaping education. By coming together, we empower each other to navigate challenges, amplify our voices, and contribute to a more inclusive tertiary landscape.
CURRENT FINANCIAL MEMBERS:
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SPONSORS:
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2025 exec team
APSTE Fono 2025: Staying ‘Fefeka’ Through Connection
Members of the Association of Pacific Staff in Tertiary Education (APSTE) recently gathered in Wellington for their annual Fono, themed ‘Stay Fefeka’, to connect, share ideas and strengthen relationships.
Hosted at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, the two-day gathering brought together Pacific staff from across the motu for presentations, panel discussions, hauora-focused activities, collaborative talanoa and professional learning and development opportunities.
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Kia orāna, Mālō e lelei, Bula vinaka, Talofa lava, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Kia ora, Taloha ni, Halo olaketa, Ia orana, Mauri, Malo ni, Namaste, Noa'ia, Aloha mai e, Kam na mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Gud de tru, Kaselehlie, Halo olgeta & Warm greetings.
Macawa ni Vosa vakaViti – Fijian Language Week | 5-11 October
The 2025 theme for Fijian Language Week is ‘Na noqu vosa me na tekivu mai vale – My language starts at home’.
We hope you enjoy celebrating Fijian Language Week this week. If you would like to share and profile the activities you are running this week, send us your images and we will feature your Pacific Language Week celebrations across Aotearoa.
2025 exec update
APSTE Constitution
Check out the APSTE Constitution subpage on our website to keep track of our progress.
Our executive team will meet in the coming weeks to review the feedback collected from members since the August APSTE Fono. We’re working on the next draft, which will be shared with members for input ahead of the Special General Meeting in December, where the constitution will be ratified.
APSTE Executive Fono
The final Executive meeting of the year will take place on 20 October 2025. On the agenda is the APSTE Constitution, the Pacific professional learning and development support network, an in-depth review of the APSTE 2025 Fono and early preparations for next year’s APSTE Fono.
APSTE Fono 2026 – Save the Dates
Mark your calendars for 28–29 September 2026! Next year’s Fono will be hosted by MIT Unitec during their mid-term break in Semester 2.
March Executive Fono 2026
The APSTE Executive will meet on 25 March 2026, to kickstart the year.
At this Fono, we will ensure that the Constitution is ready to be lodged by 5 April.
The APSTE Executive meets four times a year to drive initiatives that support Pacific staff through academic leadership development, professional learning opportunities and stronger connections with colleagues, industries, and employers across the regions.
Ako Aotearoa
APSTE continues to be inspired by the collective work of Ako Aotearoa and their commitment to advocating for, championing and advancing Pacific excellence in the tertiary education space. Ako Aotearoa has also been the proud sponsor of our annual APSTE fono for many decades.
At the APSTE Fono 2025, Papalii Pale Sauni and Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg shared key messages to Pacific staff to remain steadfast and to hold true to the advancement of Pacific tertiary excellence across our learning and earning spaces.