“My students come from all over Oceania, Asia, South America, and Africa to study in Wellington, so I enjoy helping show them some of what this amazing city and university has to offer,” says Dom.
Dom is proudly Tongan and Cook Islander, with his father coming from Hofoa and Haveluloto, Tongatapu, and his mother from the Islands of Rakahanga, Mauke, Atiu, and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. He loves being part of both Cook Islands and Tongan community groups, as a dancer, singer, and drummer. Alongside his usual role, he facilitates workshops at the University, teaching students and staff how to perform traditional Cook Islands dance.
“Something not many people know about me is that as a young boy, I travelled all over Europe performing Māori, Samoan, and Cook Islands dance in countries like Slovenia, Slovakia, Italy, Croatia, Germany, and France,” says Dom.
But he is right at home here, supporting both Pasifika and other students, helping them to navigate their journey and creating spaces where they can truly thrive. “I provide holistic support, and help them to navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
“I make sure they know I am here to support them. The main thing I tell my students is to be 100 percent themselves,” says Dom.
“University can feel uncomfortable at times, especially if you let yourself believe you don’t belong. Make it your home away from home. Own your space. Talk the way you talk, dress the way you dress, and express yourself in ways that are true to who you are.”
Dom says that “family, faith, and culture” have always been at the centre of his journey. They’ve shaped the way he sees the world, and the values he lives by. “My family’s support, the grounding of my faith, and the pride I carry for my culture have been pillars for me in the way I connect with others.”
With that in mind, its perhaps unsurprising that he is inspired by the proverb, “Ka ankara ana ki te mato i paoia mai ei koe—Look yonder to the rock from which you are chip off.”
Dom loves working with his students, and thrives on seeing them develop, graduate, and contribute to society.
You can catch him during Pasifika Week drumming for the Cook Islands Association.