Get the support you need while studying
Over 850 students with Pacific heritage – both New Zealand and Island-born – currently study at the University of Otago. The University welcomes the diversity Pacific people bring to Otago and assists you through a range of networks and support systems.
There is strong support for Pacific students from all four academic divisions, the student services division and the International Office. Make the most of the wonderful assistance and advice available across campus to help you succeed in your studies. Don't be afraid to ask for help and contact the services that can best help you during your time at Otago.
Join our Pacific Islands family
Get the advice and support you need through the Pacific Islands Centre. The Centre exists solely for supporting Pacific students, their families and communities. Let us help to make your journey at Otago smooth and enjoyable and assist in your pursuit of knowledge.
History of the Centre
The Pacific Islands Centre was established in 2001, and officially opened on the 26th of June 2003 by Dr Phil Meade as Acting Vice-Chancellor. The keynote speaker was the Hon. Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese, Tamaaiga and paramount chief of Samoa.
The Centre moved to its current location at 1 Leithbank in August 2006, where facilities include two offices and two seminar rooms (named after Pacific leaders who trail blazed the way for Pacific Islanders here at Otago). There is the Sir Tom Davis Common Room, and the Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Seminar Room, a kitchen and the Epati Courtyard named after Judge A'e'au Semi Epati.
In 2011 the Centre was allocated an additional adjacent building at 3 Leithbank. This building houses an office, a computer lab and three tutorial rooms. The Centre currently has 3 permanent fulltime staff.
In 2015 the Centre returned 3 Leithbank and was allocated Oceania House which is located on 63 Clyde Street. Supplementary tutorials are held in Oceania House and has the following tutorial rooms for student use; Faafaletui Room (conference room), Hakai Mei Tahi (people from the sea) Room, Wantok (someone speaks my language) Room and a computer lab. The Academic Programmes and Transition Officers are based in Oceania House.
University of Otago Policies, frameworks and protocols
- University of Otago Policy Database
- Pacific Strategic Framework 2013-2020 (PDF, 131KB)
- Pacific Research Protocol (PDF, 402KB)