Pacific Islands students' support
Warm Pacific greetings
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 | |||
Classics | |||
College of Education | |||
| Dunedin Campus | Karina Nafatali Parker Ormond | ||
English and Linguistics | |||
Geography | |||
History | |||
Languages and Cultures | |||
Faculty of Law | |||
Media, Film and Communication | |||
Music, Theatre and Performing Arts | Music | Associate Professor Jennifer Cattermole | |
Theatre Studies | Lisa Warrington | ||
Bachelor of Performing Arts | Associate Professor Suzanne Little | ||
National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies | TBA | ||
Philosophy | |||
Politics | Dr Christine Winter | ||
Psychology | Dr Marea Colombo | ||
| Religion | Dr Elizabeth Guthrie elizabeth.guthrie@otago.ac.nz | ||
Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology | TBA | ||
Te Tumu | |||
Theology | |||
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