Journeying forward, together
Aloha mai, Faka’alofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Gud de tru, Halo olgeta, Ia orana, Kam na mauri, Kaselehlie, Kia ora, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Ni sa bula Vinaka, and Tālofa lava. Welcome to Vaka Tangata Moana at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
As Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, it is my privilege to welcome you - our Pasifika students, our staff, and our communities - as partners to our malae. Te Herenga Waka speaks to a place where canoes come to anchor, where journeys meet, and futures are shaped. In this same spirit, Vaka Tangata Moana (the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika) is the canoe that brings our Pacific peoples together during our time here - whether we are studying, teaching, researching, or working in service to others. And our canoe - Vaka Tangata Moana - is more than a canoe; it's a symbol of a symbol of our malaga, our purpose, and our collective strength. Our work includes supporting Pasifika students to thrive academically and personally; supporting the success of Pasifika staff; and providing strategic leadership and guidance on teaching, learning, and research.
While you are here with us at Te Herenga Waka, remember:
You belong here
Every one of you carries a story written long before today. You carry your grandparents' hopes, your parents' sacrifices, and your own dreams. I firmly believe in the brilliance of our peoples. This brilliance is not new - it has always been there: enduring and proven across generations. Long before our ancestors reached Aotearoa some 800 years ago, they were expert navigators, innovators, scholars, and leaders of complex societies. And when they set out for Aotearoa – they were intentional. They landed here, not by accident, but by design. And it is the same with each of us: we are here by design, not by accident.
No-one journeys alone - not then and not now
A successful voyage on a vaka is never carried by one person alone but by many. Every role matters and the vaka only moves forward when all of us work together. It is no different with your journey with us here. Vaka Tangata Moana is here to support your success. For our students, your Tautai (Advisers) are your navigators: working with and alongside you. They know the currents, the winds, and the challenges you might face. They are here to help you read the signs, to adjust your course, and to stay steady. And they are not the only ones in your vaka. Your lecturers, tutors, librarians, student support teams, and security staff - they are all part of your crew.
Keep moving forward — even when the tides shift
Your journey here will have moments when you feel like you're soaring, and moments when you feel like you’re paddling against the current. That is normal. That is real. And that is part of being a navigator of your own future. On the good days - move forward with confidence. On the days that aren't so good - move forward with courage. What matters is that you do not stop. Adjust your sail if you need to, slow your pace if you need to: but keep going, keep pressing forward. All of us are here behind you, championing you, and cheering you on every step of the way.
For me, this work is deeply personal. I was raised in Sāmoa, on a malae called Matamoana - a name that translates to keeping our gaze lifted to the horizon. Just as I have been encouraged to keep my gaze lifted, so I encourage others: to look forward with intention, to stand firm in who we are, and to believe in the brilliance that unfolds when we journey together.
At Vaka Tangata Moana, the team and I are looking forward to being part of your journey. We are here to walk alongside you, to champion you every step of the way, and to celebrate your brilliance. As we know, our destiny is within sight when we paddle our canoe together - e vave taunu’u le malaga pe a tatou alo va’a fa’atasi.
I look forward to seeing you @ The Malae.
Welcome to Vaka Tangata Moana — our aiga, our home, our journey together.
Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett
Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika
Sā Petaia, Sā Te’o, Sā Atoā, and Ngāti Maniapoto