UOPISA Pacific Awards

Millie has shown extraordinary leadership this year. She is approachable, kind, hardworking, humble, outspoken, confident, courageous, intelligent, wise, passionate, and everything in between. She reflects the values of her culture and encourages others to develop their own capacity for leadership. She has been described as an important member of the Pacific student community. 

Rev Latu came to Dunedin to pursue his studies and has immersed himself in his cultural community and wider communities down here. He is always happy to share his extensive knowledge of his culture with others, Pacific or not. 
 

Kalisi wears her culture on her sleeve, sharing it with everyone she meets. She has been described as an amazing leader and supporter, teaching other students tools they can put into their own baskets of knowledge. She has put countless hours and sleepless evenings into making sure cultural events of their association run well and smoothly. She has also nurtured strong connections to her cultural community outside of the University. 

Louis has facilitated a very successful sports event that encouraged building connections both within and between other executive communities. He is admired by his peers and carries himself with humility and grace. 

OTSA have worked with their cultural community to create a home away from home for their students so that they can be their authentic selves and feel proud and secure in their cultural identities. They have made students who do not affiliate with their culture welcomed into their spaces with open arms. Each of their executive members has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, sense of humour, maturity, passion, and confidence, which has reflected in their service and work.

SSPIA has made a significant impact on their students, ensuring they have academic support and fostering connections between their students and staff members continually. They have worked closely with their division to facilitate student-led workshops, and have flourished significantly this year. They put their students at the centre of everything they do, and take pride in their own work.

The Division of Humanities continues to be welcoming and supportive toward all students. They extend their support to Pacific students beyond those who are under their division, with many of their small closet-sized spaces being occupied by students outside of their division. Pacific staff in this division have been described as genuine and understanding, and treat their students like their own children.

Trina has been a key member in her cultural association this year, teaching cultural practices to others and taking pride in doing so. She is respectful, kind, and encouraging toward others. 

Michelle works hard in the background and lets her team take credit for her triumphs while she deals with tricky situations. She is empathetic, supportive, and straight-up when she needs to be. She often remains quiet about the extent to which she truly supports students. She has comforted and reassured students when they were doubtful of their futures in University, saying "if we can't go through the front door, we'll go through the back door or climb through the window".

Patrick has been heavily involved in the activities of his own cultural association this year, although he does not sit on the executive team. He is committed and present, and shows great potential to further flourish in the future leadership opportunities. 

Marea has gone above and beyond her job description to support students, doing things such as arranging private doctors for Pacific students when student health has been at maximum capacity, cooking and baking for our students, helping them with leases and contracts for flats, and just being an absolute blessing. Her office is always filled with Pacific students, which is a testament to how loved, approachable, supportive, and genuine she is. Even though she is not of Pacific descent, her heart to serve Pacific students is one of a kind.

Sia has worked closely with students to ensure that they plan and complete their degrees to the best of their ability. She is constantly calling, texting, emailing, and following up with students to make sure they're keeping on top of their work. They get super excited about each student's achievement, and their office is described as a safe space for all. They are willing, open-minded, non-judgmental, and active in supporting our Pacific students.