‘Surreal experience’ accompanying PM on Samoa commemoration trip
Tuesday 16 August 2022
After being named as Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit this year, Director of Va’a o Tautai serves as a companion of a different kind.
New book lifts curtain on Rapa Nui 'theatre' traditions
Tuesday 9 August 2022
Languages and Cultures Pūkenga (Lecturer) Dr Moira Fortin Cornejo’s latest publication Rapa Nui Theatre: Staging Indigenous Identities in Easter Island describes her experiences of living on the remote Pacific island and provides a rare insight into its fascinating performance tradition.
Vice-Chancellor receives a warm Pacific welcome
Wednesday 3 August 2022
Pacific leaders and stakeholders at the University of Otago banished the winter chill by providing a warm welcome for new Vice-Chancellor Professor David Murdoch.
Celebrating 60 years of independence and friendship
Thursday 28 July 2022
Samoan patriotism was evident as the University’s senior leaders, Samoan staff, student leaders and invited guests celebrated a special anniversary.
Student Health rewarded for MMR vaccine mahi
Thursday 21 July 2022
Student Health staff have been recognised for their “outstanding” mahi in enabling Pasifika students to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Nurturing Pacific community relationships
Wednesday 20 July 2022
Meaningful long-term relationships with local Pacific communities are important for the University and first aid was the recent focus of a health initiative.
New Pacific Islands Centre suits growing team
Friday 15 July 2022
The Pacific Islands Centre, which has served faithfully as a site of support, connection and celebration on the Dunedin campus, has relocated to Castle St.
World-first studies point way to preventing rheumatic fever in Aotearoa and internationally
Wednesday 6 July 2022
University of Otago-led research has uncovered the strongest evidence yet that household overcrowding is a major risk factor for acute rheumatic fever and streptococcal infections of the skin.
Otago graduates head for US with prestigious Fulbright Scholarships
Wednesday 15 June 2022
Five Otago graduates are heading to universities across the United States (US), after being named in this year’s cohort of 27 Fulbright New Zealand Award winners.
Biomedical Sciences student Julia Imo wins thrice
Tuesday 14 June 2022
The bioengineering postgrad student won three awards at the Startup Dunedin's Audacious event recently.
Project will preserve New Caledonian women’s stories and traditions
Friday 3 June 2022
Dr Christiane Leurquin will create a documentary and educational material on how intangible cultural heritage and traditions are passed from mothers to daughters in New Caledonia.
Otago takes centre stage for Lexus Song Quest semi-finals
Tuesday 24 May 2022
Congratulations to Otago alumnus Ridge Ponini and current student Sarah Hubbard for reaching the semi-finals of the Lexus Song Quest.
University of Otago research trial of lifestyle and cooking programme reaps healthy rewards
Monday 23 May 2022
A study by the University of Otago, Christchurch has found that every single Pasifika participant in a new Pegasus Health lifestyle and cooking programme lost body fat – with the majority trialled also improving key health and wellbeing measures such as lower cholesterol and greater social connection.
Diving into a rewarding career
Monday 23 May 2022
Learning about study options in the mid-nineties after a chat at Dunedin’s Captain Cook Tavern helped kickstart the future career of Otago alumnus – marine biologist Dr Richard (Rick) Hamilton.
Scholarship recipient wants Pacific to get active
Monday 7 March 2022
Toloa scholarship recipient Iokopeta Tobeck wants to help Pacific peoples the best way she knows how – by breaking down barriers to exercise for her community.
Otago appoints new Dean to Dunedin School of Medicine
Monday 14 February 2022
Professor Joanne Baxter has been appointed as the new Dean of Dunedin School of Medicine.
Ziggy Lesa - a life-giving vocation at Otago
Thursday 10 February 2022
After two decades as a college warden - at Studholme and Cumberland - Ziggy Lesa is retiring from his dream job.
New Dunedin School of Medicine Dean appointed
Thursday 10 February 2022
Professor Joanne Baxter (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō) is the new Dean of the Dunedin School of Medicine, at the University of Otago.
Otago professor recognised for services to Pacific community and tertiary education
Friday 21 January 2022
When Faumuina Professor Fa’afetai Sopoaga learned she had made the New Year’s Honours List, she dedicated it to her parents, her Samoan upbringing and the colleagues she works alongside.
Health Research Council backs Pacific research at Otago
Thursday 16 December 2021
Pacific researchers were granted a total of $259,700 in the latest Health Research Council Career Development Awards round.
History made at Otago with consecutive Pacific student leaders
Wednesday 8 December 2021
In 2021 the oldest university students’ association in Aotearoa, founded in 1890, elected its first president of Pacific decent. This year, she hands over to another Pasifika president for 2022.
Associate Dean (Pacific) steps down after a successful term
Monday 6 December 2021
Associate Professor Daryl Schwenke leaves his Associate Dean (Pacific) role satisfied he has contributed to the advancement of Pasifika, but says he could not have done it without the support of his committed team.
Members of Microbiology: Meet Lupeoletalaleleiamaima Isaia
Tuesday 9 November 2021
Witnessing anti-biotic resistance in her homeland of Samoa has Lupeoletalaleleiamaima Isaia concerned that we may be returning to a period where people die of simple infections.
University of Otago signs MOU with the Pacific Community
Monday 18 October 2021
The University of Otago has formally partnered with the Pacific Community.
Newest Associate Dean (Pacific) dedicated to better Pacific health outcomes
Friday 1 October 2021
The University of Otago’s newest Associate Dean (Pacific) is dedicated to achieving better health outcomes for Pasifika.
