In collaboration with the organisers of the Pacific Voices Symposium and our colleagues at the Pacific Development Office, the Pacific Thought Network will be hosting a public panel discussion. This will be a part of an event celebrating 20 years of the Pacific Voices Postgraduate Symposium.

The panel will focus on reflections and responses to the Inaugural Pacific Lecture given by Tootooleaava Dr Fanaafi Aiono Le-Tagaloa in May earlier this year. It is entitled “Thinking Pacific – Pacific Thinking”, inspired by her thought-provoking comment and discussion. The panel will discuss issues that look to the future of Pacific research and teaching here at the University of Otago.

There will be four invited panellists:

• Professor Richard Blaikie (DVC, Research and Enterprise)
• Professor Rose Richards (Co-Director, Coastal People: Southern Skies; Acting Director, Pacific Development Office)
• Dr Tui Rakuita (School of Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology)
• Dr Jess Pasisi (Te Tumu, School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies)

There will be refreshments including a buffet supper. The evening will begin with an address from Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai with her reflections on the Pacific Voices Postgraduate Symposium before our panel commences. The panel is scheduled to run for approximately 50–60mins followed by Q&A.

RSVP

We would be delighted if you would join us. If you would like to attend, please RSVP as soon as possible to:

Alison Finigan
Email alison.finigan@otago.ac.nz