University of Otago Pacific People's Reference Group
The University of Otago Pacific People's Reference Group aids and supports the development and implementation of a University of Otago Pacific People's Strategic Framework.
Terms of reference
Background
The reference group will encompass a role to:
- Provide advice and feedback to the University of Otago on how achievement of the goals and objectives for Pacific Peoples outlined in the University of Otago Charter and Profile can be progressed and to ensure alignment between the University of Otago’s goals and Pacific community aspirations
- Provide guidance on the development of links with Pacific communities and organisations locally, nationally and internationally
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with Pacific communities
- Promote and advise on structures and processes that promote effective communication and dialogue with Pacific students and their communities
- Provide advice on the provision of support for Pacific students to undertake and successfully complete University study
- Aid in the development and continuation of cooperative relationships with universities and other appropriate research and educational organisations in the Pacific region
Membership
The external reference group will consist of Pacific people with expertise and relevant involvement in tertiary education. The suggested make-up of the group is:
- A member of the University Senior Executive (Chair)
- A prominent member of the Otago Pacific alumni
- The regional manager for the Ministry of Pacific Islands Affairs
- A local community representative
- University of the South Pacific visiting fellow
- Dean of Te Tumu (School of Maori, Pacific & Indigenous Studies) or nominee
- The Manager of the University of Otago Pacific Islands Centre
- A University of Otago Student Representative
- Otago Pacific People's Reference Group Secretary
- Health Sciences' Representative, University of Otago
- Policy Advisor- Director, Planning & Funding Office, University of Otago
Meetings
The University of Otago Pacific Peoples reference group will meet quarterly in the first instance. Additional meetings may also be held as required, subject to availability of members and resources.
Secretariat support will be provided by the University of Otago. This support would include co-ordinating, compiling the agendas and circulating the minutes.
Key issues and developments relating to the reference group will be reported to the Vice-Chancellor.
Resources
The University of Otago will pay for all reasonable and actual travel and accommodation expenses associated with reference group participation.
Current members
Professor Vernon Squire
Chair
Professor Vernon Squire is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) for the University of Otago.
Judge A’eau Semi Epati
Prominent Otago Pacific Alumni
Judge A’eau Semi Epati was born and educated in Samoa. He attended Otago University and graduated with a BA (Philosophy) and LLB. After a number of high-profile roles in the legal field both in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region, he became the first Pacific Island District Court Judge in 2002.
Mr Amanaki Misa
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Cluster Leader South Island, Ministry of Pacific Islands Affairs.
Rev Tokerau Joseph
Local Community Representative
Rev Joseph was elected by the local Pacific community as their representative on the Group. He is the Minister at First Church of Otago and is currently completing his PhD at Otago. Rev Joseph is of Cook Islands descent.
Ms Michelle Schaaf
Nominee for Te Tumu
Michelle Shaaf is a lecturer at the School of Maori, Pacific & Indigenous Studies.
Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai
Manager of Pacific Islands Centre
Tofilau is the Manager of the University of Otago Pacific Islands Centre.
Student Representative
To be appointed.
Ms Naomi Weaver
Otago Pacific People's Reference Group Secretary
Ms Weaver is the secretary for the Group and is a Planning and Institutional Research Analyst at the University of Otago.
Dr Fa'afetai Sopoaga
Health Sciences' Representative, University of Otago
Dr Fa'afetai Sopoaga is the Associate Dean (Pacific) for the Division of Health Sciences.
Mr David Thomson (in attendance)
Director, Planning and Funding Office, University of Otago
Mr David Thomson is the Director of the Planning and Funding Office of the University of Otago and a policy advisor for the Pacific Islands Reference Group.