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Pacific Islands students' support

Warm Pacific greetings

Sia Lei Mata afa and Vika Piukala image
Sia Lei Mata’afa (left) and Vika Piukala.

Sia Lei Mata’afa and Vika Piukala make up the Pacific Islands Student and Community Support team within the Division of Humanities at the University of Otago.

As alumnae of the Division, both bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a strong commitment to supporting Pacific students. They have backgrounds in education, community engagement, and Pacific studies, and are passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces for Pacific learners.

Their work focuses on:

  • Providing academic and pastoral support to Pacific students enrolled in Humanities programmes
  • Acting as key points of contact for Pacific students within the Division
  • Facilitating access to student services, course advice, and pastoral care
  • Liaising with academic departments to support Pacific student success and wellbeing

The team’s mission is to foster belonging, cultural confidence, and academic achievement for Pacific students throughout their Humanities journey.

Contact details

Tel +64 3 479 9616
Email pacificsupport.humanities@otago.ac.nz
Office Room 1C8, First Floor, Arts Building
95 Albany Street, University of Otago, Dunedin

Office hours

  • Monday–Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • Friday: 9:00am to 12:30pm

Please email to make an appointment if you would like to meet at a time outside regular office hours.

Pacific Islands students' contacts in Programmes and Schools

Anthropology & Archaeology

Professor Glenn Summerhayes
glenn.summerhayes@otago.ac.nz

Classics

Dr Arlene Allan
arlene.allan@otago.ac.nz

College of Education

Dunedin Campus

Karina Nafatali
karina.nafatali@otago.ac.nz

Parker Ormond
parker.ormond@otago.ac.nz

English and Linguistics

Dr Michael Cop
michael.cop@otago.ac.nz

Geography

Ben Varkalis
btv@geography.otago.ac.nz

History

Professor Angela McCarthy
angela.mccarthy@otago.ac.nz

Languages and Cultures

Dr Adelso Yanez
adelso.yanez@otago.ac.nz

Faculty of Law

Professor Rex Ahdar
rex.ahdar@otago.ac.nz

Media, Film and Communication

 

Music, Theatre and Performing Arts

Music

Associate Professor Jennifer Cattermole
jennifer.cattermole@otago.ac.nz

Theatre Studies

Lisa Warrington
lisa.warrington@otago.ac.nz

 

Bachelor of Performing Arts

Associate Professor Suzanne Little
suzanne.little@otago.ac.nz

National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies

TBA

Philosophy

Associate Professor Andrew Mooreandrew.moore@otago.ac.nz

Politics

Dr Christine Winter
christine.winter@otago.ac.nz

Psychology

Dr Marea Colombo
marea.colombo@otago.ac.nz

Religion Dr Elizabeth Guthrie
elizabeth.guthrie@otago.ac.nz 

Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology

TBA

Te Tumu

Dr Michelle Schaaf
michelle.schaaf@otago.ac.nz

Theology

Dr Terry Pouono
terry.pouono@otago.ac.nz

Library contacts

Katherine Milburn
Hocken Library
Email katherine.milburn@otago.ac.nz

Amanda Mills
Liaison Librarian, Hocken Library
Email amanda.mills@otago.ac.nz

Megan Vaughan
Subject Librarian, Commerce and Humanities (Law) Library
Email megan.vaughan@otago.ac.nz

Student Learning Development

Pauline Brook
Email pauline.brook@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 5788

Student Learning Development at the Higher Education Development Centre

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