Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor—Pasifika, Provost Office

Led by our Assistant Vice-Chancellor—Pasifika, the dedicated Pasifika team aims to grow representation and provide support for staff and students.

Fabiefara Filo Masoe, Acting Assistant Vice-Chancellor—Pasifika

Tālofa lava, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō Ni, Fakatalofa atu, Kam na mauri, Gude tru, Kaselehlie, Halo olgeta, Ia orana, Aloha mai e, Noa'ia, Talofa, Kia ora, and warmest Pacific Greetings and Welcome,

I am Fabiefara Filo Masoe and it is a blessing and honour to serve as the Acting Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika. I am a daughter of Asau, Safune, Salelologa, Sa’anapu and Alafua in Samoa.

My parents, the late Masoe Auva’a Masoe and the late Fara Masoe, instilled in me the values of tautua (service), alofa (love), and fa‘aaloalo (respect). These values continue to inform my approach to leadership and guide my responsibilities in this role. I have the privilege of providing strategic leadership across the University to help ensure Pasifika students and staff are supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive. This includes shaping policy, implementing key programmes, and championing the success of our communities within the university, across Aotearoa, and throughout the wider Asia-Pacific region. A core part of my role is ensuring that Pasifika voices are heard and upheld at all levels of the University.

We are Wan Solwara. Our Pasifika kainga is more than a home away from home, it is a place where you are seen, your journey is respected, and your presence adds meaning to our collective story. Here at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, our Pasifika community is grounded in collective purpose, cultural pride, and enduring connection. Pasifika students are not on the margins of this university; you are central to its present and future. You are not alone on this path. Our committed Pasifika staff, vibrant student associations, and the wider university kainga are here to support and walk alongside you, every step of the way.

Alofa tele atu and I wish you every success in your journey, and we look forward to welcoming you into our kainga.

The role of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor—Pasifika, established in 2010 holds a distinctive role within New Zealand universities. The purpose of the role is to provide strategic guidance and support for all Pasifika students and staff at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington.

The Assistant Vice-Chancellor—Pasifika, and its office is tasked with promoting the enrolment, retention, and successful completion of programmes for Pasifika students, while also fostering strong connections throughout the University community. Emphasis is also placed on nurturing the University's Pasifika identity, increasing the representation of Pasifika academic and professional staff and ensuring their wellbeing, and stimulating research into Pasifika topics spanning New Zealand and the Pacific region.

The Pasifika Student Success Team, is dedicated to helping our Pasifika students navigate their transition to higher education. This team centres on achieving academic excellence, personal growth, and overall wellbeing.

The Pasifika team at the University proudly celebrates the academic achievements of our Pasifika students through a range of events delivered in collaboration with our Pasifika student associations.   Our key events include university Pasifika Orientation to welcome new students each year, the Annual Pasifika week that showcases diverse aspects of everything Pasifik, hosting graduation celebreatios for Pasifika students held in both May and December.