Samoan academic recognised for his outstanding practice with national award
2 October 2025
Associate Professor Lefaoalii Dion Enari has been announced as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Le Moana Mua award.
The category is part of Te Whatu Kairangi Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards and recognises phenomenal Pacific educators and trainers in their contributions to develop and support the next generation of students and leaders.
It is the second consecutive year that a Unitec kaimahi has received Le Moana Mua award. Senior Lecturer, Electrical and Applied Technology, Jone Tawaketini was the inaugural recipient of the award last year.
According to his citation, “Dr Enari symbolises what it is to be a Kiwi with Pasifika DNA.
As an educator, he illustrates the number 8 wired mentality into his teaching, where he searches for continual customisation to his class so that his learners with diverse needs participate and engage to the end.
“His impact is being felt in the communities where students have gained meaningful employment opportunities as well as pay, and to his own words, "I will continue to do this till I die. Another Pacific person graduating is another victory for our people.”
Lefaoalii, 35, joined Unitec in April as its first Pacific Associate Professor in the School of Healthcare and Social Practice. He is a New Zealand-born Samoan, but raised in Brisbane, Australia. He also spent time living in Samoa.
"I’m so honoured to have won this award,” says Lefaoali’i. “It's a testament to my Samoan teachings and the amazing students and staff we have here at Unitec.
“They actually teach me how to better my craft as a teacher.”
Lefaoali’I’s passion is indigenous research, and he is based at Ngā Wai a Te Tūī, Unitec’s Māori and Indigenous Research Centre, where he brings a dedicated focus on Indigenous knowledge, Pacific languages, and decolonising education.
“As a Samoan and Indigenous person, we have a long history of research malpractice that was imposed on us and dehumanised us. By being in research, I can correct some of these wrongs and ensure research is done for Indigenous by Indigenous,” he says.
Lefaoali’i holds a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD from Bond University (2022) and a master’s in international relations from Griffith University (2014). He was awarded the Pacific Education Award at the 2024 Sunpix Pacific Peoples Awards.
Te Whatu Kairangi award winners will be recognised with a ceremony at Parliament in early November where Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year will also be announced.
