Noa'ia, Aloha mai e, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Kam na mauri,
Kia orana, MAlO e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Gud de tru, Kaselehlie, Halo olgeta, Ia orana,
Kia ora, Talofa lava, and Warm Pasifika Greetings.
The APSTE Fono is more than an event — it’s a chance for Pasifika tertiary staff across Aotearoa to come together, reconnect, and recharge.
This year, we gather in Te Whanganui-a-Tara under the theme
Stay fefeka! Holo pe tu'u he koe ngalu 'e fasi
(Stand firm and the wave will break)
Over two days, we’ll engage in rich talanoa, hear from inspiring voices, and explore how we continue to grow and thrive as Pasifika in tertiary education.
Whether you’re new to this space or have been walking this path for years, we welcome you.
Let’s come together in the spirit of connection, culture, and collective strength.
With Pasifika, for Pasifika.
APSTE Executive Team 2025
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Caren Rangi ONZM is a self-employed professional governance practitioner, currently serving as Pro-Chancellor of Massey University and a Director of NZ Rugby. She also holds positions on numerous boards, including the Hawke's Bay Regional Economic Development Agency and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited.
Previously, she served on the Board of Te Papa and made history as the first Pacific woman to Chair Creative New Zealand. Caren is deeply passionate about influencing decision-making and ensuring that the views, perspectives, and needs of the communities she represents are heard at the highest levels.
Explore our APSTE Fono venues pinned on the map for easy access and navigation.
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monDAY 18 augUST
TUESDAY 19 AUGUST
Rutherford House, Pipitea campus, 33 Bunny Street
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Kelburn campus, 21 Kelburn Parade
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
08:30 AM
Registration
10:00 AM
Kava Ceremony | Fakafeiloaki
11:00 AM
Keynote Address | Caren Rangi
12:00 PM
Lunch | Group Photo
01:00 PM
APSTE AGM | Institution Updates
02:00 PM
Fehokotaki | Explore Wellington City
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Te Papa - Pacific Artefacts (Back of House Tour)
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Te Papa - Tangata O Le Moana Exhibition
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Te Whanganui-a-Tara Bus Tour
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Botanical Garden via Cable Car
04:30 PM
Free Time
06:30 PM
Conference Dinner
08:30 AM
Pōhiri at Te Tumu Herenga Waka
10:00 AM
Pasifika Leadership Panel
11:00 AM
Concurrent Session 1
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Strengthening the Waka
Dr. Sereana Naepi
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Ancestral Intelligence
Moe Nanai & Ta'ase Pusa
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Pacific Opportunities Programme at Otago
Kala Fagasoaia, Tafā Laulu Tafā & Letava Thompson
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BCITO Culture and Construction
Daniel Farani & Dr. Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga
12:00 PM
Lunch | Group Photo
01:00 PM
Ako Aotearoa | Pale Sauni & Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg
01:30 PM
Concurrent Session 2 |
Cultural Creativity
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Foufou
Inagaro Vakaafi
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Kahoa
Mele Halafihi
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Ngatu
Mele Katoa
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Tivaevae on Canvas
Taeao Filo
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Artwork
Lisa Terreni
02:30 PM
Afternoon Tea
03:00 PM
Concurrent Session 3
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Pasifika Pillars
Tapu Vea & Fabiefara Filo
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SamSefa Radio - Echoes from the Pacific
Sam Latu & Sefa Faletanoai
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Volunteer Services Abroad Talanoa in the Pacific Islands
Lupeti Finau & Toleafoa Alfred Schuster
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Lived Places Publishing
Dr. Seuta'afili Patrick Thomsen & Dr. Moeata Keil
04:00 PM
Reflection | Farewell
10:30 AM
Morning Tea
09:30 AM
Morning Tea
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Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Pacific
University of Otago
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Dr. Mei Winitana
Kaiwhakahaere Māori Cultural Capability Ako Aotearoa
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Dr. Linda Aumua
Head of School, Healthcare & Social Practice Unitec Institute of Technology
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Vaotui Seulupe Dr. Falaniko Tominiko
Principal Advisor Pacific Engagement
Stats NZ
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Teanau Tuiono
Green Party List MP
