Celebrating half a century of backing Pacific career potential

Two Pacific ākonga ‘students’ studying at Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec have been recognised for their commitment to education, whānau and community, having received tertiary education grants from PACIFICA Inc. in the organisation’s 50th year.

Tiueti Lua, who is studying a Bachelor of Pacific Nursing at Manukau, and Nicolee Luteru, a final-year Bachelor of Construction student majoring in Quantity Surveying at Mt Albert, were selected from a competitive field of more than seventy tertiary grant applications nationwide.

Both returned to education after taking different paths through work and family life and are now preparing for careers which they hope will make a difference for their communities.

PACIFICA Inc. Vice President Central Region Mele Wendt says the calibre of this year’s recipients was outstanding, with applicants assessed on their educational and personal achievements, leadership and community involvement, financial need and references.

“The qualities that stood out for all successful grantees were being able to successfully manage their study as well as to care for and serve their families and communities, and having the resilience and determination to do well, not for themselves but for their aiga/family, in some challenging economic times.”

A long-held ambition to become a nurse

For Tiueti, beginning Bachelor of Pacific Nursing at MIT marked a new chapter after spending 10 years as a stay-at-home mum.

After her three boys started school, Tiueti felt it was the right time to pursue a career path she had been interested in following for a while.

“I chose this course because I want to make a difference in people’s lives and be an advocate, especially for Māori and Pacific communities who often face barriers in accessing quality healthcare.”

Returning to study has also meant relying on one income while her husband supports their young family.

Tiueti applied for the PACIFICA grant hoping she could help ease some of that pressure.

“When I saw this opportunity, I prayed and applied. I was so happy and thankful when I found out I had been successful.”

The grant will help with everyday costs that come with balancing study and raising a family, including groceries, power, transport, parking, clothing and study supplies.

While balancing study and family life brings its challenges, Tiueti says she enjoys every opportunity to learn at MIT.

“I love it so much. I look forward to class. I enjoy learning and I’m excited for the future.”

A new career with a purpose

Nicolee spent more than a decade working as a change analyst before deciding to pursue a Bachelor of Construction.

Returning to study as a mature learner with no previous construction experience took her well outside her comfort zone. For her first two years, Nicolee balanced full-time work with part-time study before moving to full-time study in her final year.

Ms Luteru chose Quantity Surveying after recognising an opportunity for greater Pacific representation within the construction sector.

“Our communities deserve qualified professionals who understand their needs, particularly in the residential sector, where families are investing their life savings into building their own homes.

“A skilled Quantity Surveyor plays a critical role in ensuring clients receive genuine value for money and are protected throughout that process.”

Moving into full-time study, however, meant a significant reduction in household income.

“This grant means I can keep my focus where it belongs – on my studies. For a mature student in their final semester, that peace of mind is invaluable.

“It means I can give my coursework the time and energy it deserves, finish strong, and graduate with the standard of results I know I’m capable of.”

Her experience studying Quantity Surveying at Unitec has also helped give Nicolee confidence about the career she has ahead of her.

“The programme itself is practical and industry-focused, which suits me perfectly. Quantity Surveying is a demanding discipline – it requires a strong grasp of construction processes, contracts, cost management and project delivery – but the teaching at Unitec brings those concepts to life in a way that feels relevant and applicable.

“I’ve grown enormously, both professionally and personally, through this programme, and I feel genuinely prepared for a career in the construction industry.”

Nicolee hopes her decision to return to education carries a message for her own children.

“Education has always been a value I hold deeply, and I hope that by completing this degree I am showing my children that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

“Finishing this qualification is both a personal milestone and, I hope, the beginning of something bigger – a chance to make a meaningful impact within the construction industry and for our Pacific community.”

Pacific support services at MIT and Unitec

Across our organisation, Pacific learner success is supported through dedicated teams that work together to connect ākonga with academic, cultural and wellbeing support throughout their study journey.

Aiono Manu Fa’aea, Senior Pacific Manager, says collaboration between the Pacific teams has grown naturally as MIT and Unitec have come together as one organisation.

“Organically, we’ve always worked together to support each other’s events,” Aiono says.

“Now, structurally, we’re working together as well. We have regular operational meetings where we share ideas, discuss what’s happening across our campuses and look at how we can continue strengthening the support available for Pacific learners.”

“The support and programmes we offer are reflective of the communities we serve.

“At the Pacific Development Office, we create an environment where Pacific ākonga feel they belong and have the support they need to succeed. Whether that’s academic guidance, cultural connection, mentoring or practical advice, it’s about walking alongside students throughout their journey.”

Across the Ōtara, Manukau and Tech Park campuses, 1,586 Pacific ākonga are supported by the Pacific Development Office, while the Pacific Centre provides support to 940 learners at the Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses.

Interim Manager Pacific Success Daisy Bentley-Gray says the Pacific Centre, based at Mt Albert, works alongside Māori Success, Student Success and academic teams to support learners.

“The Pacific Centre supports students through a range of initiatives, which includes participating when students are welcomed through our institutional powhiri, institutional and programme-specific orientations, to programme-specific support during the learning journey, and celebrating them cross the stage at graduation.

“We work collaboratively with our Māori Success, Student Success, and Academic teams across the Mt Albert and Waitakere campuses to ensure our learners have access to support in a timely manner.”

Together, the Pacific Development Office and the Pacific Centre provide academic learning support, mentoring, cultural and pastoral care, scholarship and financial advice, career guidance, and opportunities for Pacific ākonga to connect with one another and their communities.