APSTE members from Otago: Kristy Walker (left), Viola Huch, Sia Lei-Mata'afa, Dr Telesia Kalavite, Grace Fogavai (right)
“We are still in the eye of the storm.”
This message from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Vice-Chancellor Dr Damon Salesa was echoed throughout a recent event for Pacific staff in tertiary.
Members of the Association of Pasifika Staff in Tertiary Education (APSTE) came together in Auckland late last year to take inventory and strategise for the new year.
Dr Telesia Kalavite (centre) on the panel for academics.
The group has not been able to congregate for two years, resorting to online workshops and wellbeing fono in the interim period, and there was plenty to discuss.
It was a time to reflect on the weight of the pandemic on Pacific tertiary staff serving universities, polytechnics and vocational institutions in Aotearoa, Dr Salesa told them.
Dr Salesa, who last year made history as the first Pacific Vice-Chancellor in Aotearoa, reminded his audience that the effects of the pandemic would be felt for years to come.
He spoke about the cohort of Pacific tauira who would be starting their journeys in tertiary education this year, offering words of encouragement as staff plan for the challenge of supporting the most learning-impacted generation of students.
Executive Director of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga spoke about their various courses and services like their “earn as you learn” initiative, designed to serve Pacific students looking to expand their credentials while earning an income.
Lecturer at Te Tumu and longstanding APSTE member Dr Telesia Kalavite sat on a panel with academics from other institutions to discuss the new climate of teaching and provided strategic summation and guidance for a way forward.
APSTE members happy to be gathering in person.
A student's panel was also part of the fono programme and attendees heard from three students who shared their personal experiences navigating higher education amidst lockdowns, changing socio-cultural landscapes and the switch to virtual learning.
Former Otago University Students' Association President Melissa Lama shared her perspectives as both a student leader and a parent progressing through tertiary studies.
Two students from other tertiary institutions also shared their unique experiences of learning through the pandemic and offered insight into what staff can do to support the new generation of learners.
Pacific Islands Students' Support Officer in Humanities Sia Lei-Mata'afa (left), Pacific Islands Studies Programme Co-ordinator and Lecturer at Te Tumu Dr Telesia Kalavite & Programme Co-ordinator at Va'a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health Kala Fagasoaia (right).
APSTE Chairperson and Otago Pacific Community Engagement Manager Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai says “APSTE must be prepared to help its members and the wider Pacific community during these challenging times due to post-Covid and related issues like supporting its members during some re-structural changes within the tertiary sector currently”.
The annual general meeting ensued, and together APSTE members participated in a general election for executive positions. Kirifi-Alai was re-elected as chairperson for the next two years.
After a day of talanoa, attendees were encouraged to connect with other APSTE members and re-energise for the year to come at an Elvis-themed dinner.
Pacific Students Transition Officer Scotty Opetaia led members from Otago's Pacific Islands Centre in dance as they performed their rendition of 'Jailhouse Rock', followed by an improvised rendering of 'Suspicious Minds' by members from Otago's Pacific Development Office.
University of Otago APSTE members were the largest group in attendance and were joined by members from Otago Polytechnic, Auckland University, AUT, Victoria University, Lincoln University, Pacific Tauira Association, Ako Aotearoa, Te Pukenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and some TEI organisations.
Kōrero by Keilah Fox