Thank You for Joining Us!
The 2025 APSTE Fono has officially concluded!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating Pasifika excellence, connection, and leadership across Aotearoa’s tertiary education sector.
Over the course of the Fono, we shared stories, strengthened our network, and reflected on how we can continue to create change with Pasifika, for Pasifika. Your presence, voices, and insights made this gathering truly special.
Stay Fefeka!
APSTE Executive Team 2025
.jpg)
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.
The programme opened with a kava ceremony, followed by a keynote address and panel discussion facilitated by Pro-Chancellor of Massey University and Director of New Zealand Rugby Caren Rangi ONZM, who spoke on the importance of connections.
“You never know when you’ll need to call on those connections [...] and it’s those connections that make my heart sing,” Ms Rangi said in her address.
APSTE Chair Aiono Manu Fa’aea shared updates on the association’s work, highlighting progress toward developing a new constitution that will ensure APSTE continues to meet the requirements to remain an incorporated society.
“It will be our compass, it will be our map, it will keep us safe,” Aiono said, while also acknowledging the challenges Pacific staff are facing in the current climate of tertiary education.
“My responsibility is to inspire, which is hard when lately I feel like expiring. But APSTE is a body of people who can keep each other safe,” she said.
The Fono also confirmed future hosts, with MIT Unitec set to host the 2026 gathering, and BCITO stepping forward to host in 2027.
At the formal dinner evening, members were invited to share updates from their respective institutions, and were entertained by lively performances from Victoria University’s Tongan, Samoan, Tuvaluan and Tokelauan students’ associations, followed by a live band.
The second day began with a pōwhiri to welcome attendees, followed by a series of Pacific craftmaking workshops.
Attendees also enjoyed sightseeing visits to Te Papa Museum to learn about the Pacific cultural artifacts in the back of house and front of house collections, with a sightseeing visit to Mt Victoria and the Botanic Gardens also on offer for guests to explore the natural surroundings of the region.
A Pasifika leadership panel brought together voices from across the tertiary and political sectors, featuring Deputy Vice Chancellor (Pacific) at the University of Otago Dianne Sika-Paotonu, Kaiwhakahaere of Māori Cultural Capability at Ako Aotearoa Dr Mei Winitana, Head of School of Healthcare and Social Practice at Unitec Dr Linda Aumua, Principal Advisor Pacific at Stats NZ Vaotui Seulupe Dr Falaniko Tominiko, and Green Party List MP and Assistant Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament Teanau Tuiono.
Mr Tuiono reminded attendees of the value of viewing the world through a lens of connection.
“Each of us are connected to other islands in different ways. I think that’s an important way to view not only the world but how we position ourselves in the world,” he said.
Unitec Head of School of Healthcare and Social Practice Dr Linda Aumua reflected on the importance of being together in the face of change in the tertiary sector.
“When you’re in institutions and you’re in a very Western construct, it’s really hard to actually engage without your colleagues around you.
“But here, you gain strength from each other, you advocate together, you rub shoulders with people who have done a lot of shifting and moving. My cup is filled just with everybody being happy, being together.”
Pacific Staff Taunga from AUT’s Office of Pacific Advancement and first-time APSTE Fono attendee Hepi Tony Halalilo echoed this sentiment.
“It’s really important for us to connect in this tertiary environment where we’re really trying to bring more and normalise a lot more Pacific ideology, knowledge systems and ways of being here in Aotearoa.
“This is our region, and while governments and institutions have set up here, they must respect us, our ways, our culture, our values as well.”
Mr Tominiko spoke about the importance of creating spaces where different perspectives can be shared.
“The thing about Pacific is we’re not homogenous. We’re all from different walks of life and when we come together, it’s an opportunity to share that knowledge. Once we have a shared knowledge, then and only then can we come up with what will support our Pacific,” he said.
Interim Executive Director of Learner Success & Oritetanga Rose Masters added:
"In Pacific leadership, connection is everything. By lifting each other up and walking together, we find strength beyond ourselves and move forward without ego, only purpose.”
Reflecting on the growth of APSTE, Dr Aumua said:
“I always remember how we started, and then when I see how many we’ve actually gathered now, it’s really a privilege to be still in this space and actually see the growth of Pacific in the tertiary sector. Proud moments.”
The Fono closed with a session of reflection and farewell, sending participants back to their institutions with full cups, new connections, and a strengthened commitment to advancing Pacific success in the tertiary sector.
