Seluvaia Ratoul, UOPISA president 2025.
From Vice President of the Politics Students Association to President of the Pacific Island Law Students’ Association, Seluvaia Ratoul is showing no signs of slowing down as she steps into her latest the role as University of Otago Pacific Islands Students’ Association (UOPISA) President.
UOPISA was established in 2018 by a collective of Pacific associations. Seluvaia becomes the fifth Tongan female to hold the presidency position.
Seluvaia, a fifth year law and arts student, shares her excitement and nerves for the challenges her role will present in 2025.
“I was raised in Ashburton, so moving to Dunedin was a culture shock in how diverse the city’s campus was with students.
“My experience feels privileged. I have only ever had great encounters in Dunedin, and this is not the experience for everyone, but I have spent years trying to unpack my experience and how I could replicate that for Pacific students so that they too can see the beauty this place has to offer.”
Highlighting UOPISA’s values of collectivism, reciprocity, compassion, service and sustainability will be a priority for Seluvaia.
“Collectivism is our strength, it is why there is a UOPISA and informs how we interact with our students, staff and wider community. Reciprocity is at the heart of what we do, we have these opportunities because of those who came before us. Service is the value that drives our mahi, to lead is to serve which means we bear a great responsibility to our Pacific students to work in their best interests. Compassion is how we show our love, vā and understanding for people, which in turn makes us better representatives.
“Finally, there is sustainability, ensuring that UOPISA endures long after we leave,” she says.
UOPISA soaking in the Dunedin sun while it lasts!
Bridging connections have always been a focal point for UOPISA and Seluvaia is adamant relationships will continue to strengthen through working with the community this year.
“It is the gateway of connecting our wider Pacific Island communities with our students. Plenty of our cultural associations have great relationships with our wider community and UOPISA as an association.
“We collaborate with Te Roopu Māori and OUSA throughout the year which assists in maintaining a strong relationship between our associations,” she says.
Seluvaia says Otago is making good progress towards its goal to be a true university of the Pacific.
“We have great Pacific staff allies here driving meaningful change, and association members bending over backwards to ensure Pacific students have safe spaces where they can receive pastoral and academic support.
“The appointment of the Deputy-Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu, for me are indicators that the University is committed to supporting our Pacific tauira with Pacific leadership at the forefront. We just have to keep advocating for our community”.
While UOPISA will run many events throughout the year, there are three that Seluvaia is particularly looking forward to – two of them being a leadership weekend, and a mentoring initiative which enables clubs to voice their concerns and be heard.
“The year will culminate in a Pacific awards night that is essentially celebrating Pacific students and staff for their amazing work within our community.”
In the meantime, Seluvaia is ready to tackle the new year and urges the students to make the most of all opportunities.
“My one piece of advice for Pacific students that want to get into student leadership roles is to just do it. Get out of your comfort zone, join the associations and be ready for new level of responsibility.
“This can feel scary and intimidating, but showing up is the first step, this is where it all starts, so just do it,” she says.
-Kōrero by Viena Faiva, Adviser Communications (Pacific)