WITH PASIFIKA,
FOR PASIFIKA
LEADING WITH STRENGTH AND PURPOSE
WE ARE
APSTE
The Association for Pasifika 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.
Aiono Manu Fa'aea
Chair
Manukau Institute of Technology
Our 2025
EXECUTIVE
TEAM
Rosalie Ivala-Feleti
Vice-Chair
University of Otago
Keilah Vaetoru Fox
Secretary
University of Otago
Lulu Lutui
Secretary
Competenz
Solomon Daniel
Secretary
BCITO
Gail Ah-Hi
Treasurer
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Sam Latu
Communications
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Stariana Framhein-Tagoa'i
Public Relations
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Annette Pitovao
Upper North Regional Coordinator
Unitec Institute of Technology
Mela Kaufusi-Ta'ala
Lower North Regional Coordinator
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Sefa Faletano'ai
Upper South Regional Coordinator
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Simo Faitaua
Upper South Regional Coordinator
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Litea Ikahihifo
Lower South Regional Coordinator
Otago Polytechnic
What's the hapste?
JUNE NEWSLETTER
REGIONAL EVENTS WEEK | 7-9 MAY
Thanks to everyone who attended our first Regional Events from 7-9 May. Check out some of the footage we captured of the connections made during this week via our Instagram or Facebook.
-
Our next regional events week to stay connected is scheduled for October
-
If you would like to host some coffee catch ups and face to face gatherings, please get in touch via email: apste.connect@gmail.com so we can connect you to the Regional Coordinators.
Tribute to Ali'itasi Lemalu
Last week APSTE bid farewell to a key pioneer in the foundation of our association - Ali'itasi Lemalu.
Exec invited APSTE Alumni, Papalii Pale Sauni, Dr. Linda Aumua, Toleafoa Dr. Alfred Schuster, Pulotu Selio Solomon and Seulupe Falaniko Tominiko to offer a written tribute to Ali'itasi, to honour her during Samoan Language Week. Lower South Regional Coordinator, Litea Ikahihifo, represented APSTE at Ali'itasi's funeral with a meaalofa tupe (monetary gift) and a teu fugalaau (bouquet).
Annual apste fono 2025
The theme for our APSTE Conference for 2025 will be: Stay Fefeka
Holo pe tu'u he koe ngalu 'e fasi | Stand firm and the wave will break.
The full programme will be available from June 13.
More information can be found on the APSTE Fono 2025 page.
Upcoming Events
- 48 days to the event2025 Annual APSTE Fono18 Aug 2025, 8:30 am – 19 Aug 2025, 3:00 pmVictoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand