Unitec celebrates alumni success on Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week

Only in its second official year of being recognised in New Zealand, Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week highlights pride in Solomon Islands identity and the importance of keeping Pijin visible and alive, which is highlighted in this year’s theme – “Protektim langguis an kalsa blong yumi – Protect our language and culture”.

The Solomon Islands is located about 2000km northeast of New Zealand and has a population of around 750,000 people, spread across its nine provinces. There are over 900 islands with diverse cultures and more than seventy languages.

In Aotearoa, an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people comprise the Solomon Islands community based mainly in Auckland and Wellington.

According to NZ Scholarships & Youth Guarantee Lead Byron Iosia who manages the Manaaki Scholarship at Unitec, Unitec has thirteen alumni from the Solomon Islands who are now contributing to their country in the governmental and private sectors as well as industry.
“After our recent Manaaki Scholarship recruitment visit in the Solomon Islands last month, two more will be joining us in February 2026,” Byron shares.

Current Manaaki Scholar Relmah Alopitu hails from the Western Province of the Solomon Islands and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Business majoring in Operations Management.

“What I love about my country is the breathtaking stunning scenery, delicious local dishes, beautiful traditional attire, vibrant music and dance, and the warm hospitality of our people,” Relmah says.

Alumni Q&A

Our Manaaki Scholarship team caught up with alumnus Esmond Damkana Siope during their visit to the Solomon Islands in October 2025 who shared his story of how the skills gained at Unitec are helping to make a difference in the country since graduating in 2020.

Kia ora Esmond, where are you from in the Solomon Islands?

I hail from three provinces in the Solomon Islands: Choiseul, Guadalcanal, and Malaita.

What is your current job title and when did you start there?

I began my tenure at Solomon Telekom Company Limited in November 2021, initially serving as a QA and Capacity Planning Engineer. I have since transitioned into my current role as a Senior Engineer Project & Support, a position I officially commenced on 22 May, 2025.

What do you do in your job and what do you enjoy the most about it?

As a Senior Engineer Project & Support, my role is quite dynamic I am involved in the successful planning, execution, and delivery of telecommunications projects, from initial concept (desktop study) to final implementation (Base station installation & Commissioning). This involves coordination of technical teams, managing budgets and timelines, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and troubleshooting any technical hurdles that arise.

What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to travel to incredibly remote places throughout the Solomon Islands for site assessments and project deployments. Navigating challenging terrains, connecting communities that never have mobile network reception before, and knowing that I played a crucial role in bridging communication gaps is incredibly rewarding.

When did you graduate from Unitec and what was your qualification?

I graduated in April 2020 with a Bachelor of Computing Systems.

What are your favourite memories from your time as a Manaaki Scholar at Unitec?

While my academic journey at Unitec was rewarding, my favourite memories as a Manaaki Scholar is exploring New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable trips organised by the Unitec Scholarships team. I particularly cherish the thrill of snow skiing. Equally magical was the journey to the movie set of Hobbiton, bringing the whimsy of Middle Earth to life, and the fascinating visit to Rotorua, where the geothermal activity and rich Māori culture offered profound insights into the spirit of Aotearoa.

What is your advice to other Manaaki scholars trying to navigate their studies?

My primary advice to fellow Manaaki scholars navigating their studies is to embrace proactivity and build a strong support network. Don’t hesitate to engage with your lecturers and tutors early on; clarifying doubts, discussing assignments, and seeking feedback are invaluable. Actively utilize the academic support services offered by your institution—whether it’s writing centres, study groups, or library resources—as they are designed to help you succeed.

What motivated you to pursue your current career path?

Witnessing the stark digital divide in my home country, particularly the isolation of remote islands, ignited a powerful motivation within me to pursue a career as a Project Engineer in the Telecommunication Industry. The prospect of bridging this communication gap, empowering underserved communities with access to vital services like digital finance, the internet, and consistent communication, I envisioned a future where geography would no longer be a barrier to opportunity and I knew that by applying my skills in the telecommunications space, I could be a tangible force in making that goal a reality.

How did you find out about the Manaaki scholarship programme and what have you gained from it?

I learned about the Manaaki scholarship programme through a trusted network of friends who had previously benefited from its support. Their first-hand accounts of the opportunities and guidance it provided were incredibly inspiring. To explore deeper, I attended an information session hosted by the NZ High Commission team. This session was invaluable, clarifying the application process and highlighting the programme’s commitment to fostering leadership and academic excellence. Since being awarded the scholarship, I have gained not only financial assistance that has significantly eased my academic journey but also access to a robust network of mentors and peers. This has broadened my perspective, enhanced my professional development, and provided a supportive community that encourages both personal and academic growth.