Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies

11/09/2026

Today is the last day of Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Week💛

11/09/2026

Celebrating Pacific success and the strength of our partnership with Rolleston College. 🌺

Congratulations to Alby Wilson on his permanent appointment as Associate Principal. We look forward to continuing our shared commitment to Pacific learners, culture, connection and success.

Celebrating Alby Wilson – Associate Principal
Senior Campus

We are delighted to share with our community that Alby Wilson has been permanently appointed to the role of Associate Principal at the Senior Campus of Rolleston College – Horoeka Haemata.

Alby is already a highly valued leader within our kura and someone who has built strong and genuine relationships with our learners, staff, whānau and wider community. He understands who we are, what matters to us, and importantly, where we are heading.

What particularly stands out about Alby is his ability to think beyond what is in front of us today. He is a future-focused leader who brings energy, courage and fresh thinking, while remaining deeply grounded in people, relationships and community. As Rolleston College continues to grow and develop across our two campuses, this combination will be incredibly important.

Alby believes strongly in our young people, understands the importance of belonging and culture, and lives our belief that Others Matter. He is also prepared to challenge our thinking and ask what we can do differently and better for the learners and community we serve.

There is a lot ahead for Rolleston College, and we believe Alby is absolutely the right person to help lead us into that future.

Please join us in congratulating Alby on his permanent appointment. We are incredibly excited about what comes next.

He waka eke noa — we are all in this together.

Congratulations, Alby. 💙

11/09/2026

Two weeks ago, we celebrated Pacific Graduation and the outstanding achievements of our Pacific Graduates 🎓

A special highlight was a beautiful performance by our MBC Artist in Residence Matuaitoga Posenai Mavaega alongside Tanya Muagututi’a and Andrew Sione 🎶

09/09/2026

🌏 Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific, delivered the opening address at the International Association for Social Science and Humanities (ICOSS) in Bali as Chair of the conference.

His keynote explored securing humanity and saving the planet through innovative thinking and inclusive action, reflecting this year's theme: “Pathway to Inclusion, Empowerment and Peace in a Turbulent World.”

Amongst others, one of the focus of ICOSS is to create a transformative knowledge eco-system to empower and advance communities in Global South.

02/09/2026

Meet Viliame Kasanawaqa, UC Doctoral Researcher in Political Science. Exploring Pacific futures through ocean governance, environmental justice and Indigenous knowledge - read more about his research in the slides 🌊

21/08/2026

🌿Two weeks ago, our PACS221: Pacific Sustainability and Climate Resilience class headed to Lincoln University for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.

Vinaka vakalevu to Dr Suli Vunibola for hosting us, and to Pacific PhD scholars Serah Pyawa, Rosemary Imara, and Patrick Fong for sharing the incredible research they're leading across the Pacific. We also loved visiting Lincoln’s Pacific student space, the Nursery Greenhouse Centre, and the BHU Organics Farm.

Thank you to everyone who made the day so memorable — we can't wait for more collaborations🌺

21/08/2026

It’s Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga

The 2026 theme is Ko ‘etau hiva, ko e fe’unu mahu’inga ia ki he mo’ui ‘a e Tonga - Our music is a vital strand of our Tongan culture 🎶🌺

07/08/2026

Meitaki Chris! Give these kupu a go for ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani 🇨🇰👍🏽

07/08/2026

Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific and Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, delivered the keynote address at the opening of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) conference on Climate Crisis and Networked Security in Brazil. 🌏

Hosted by São Paulo State University, the conference brings together around 400 academics, policy experts and researchers from around the world to explore the challenges of climate security and planetary politics.

Professor Ratuva continues to elevate Pacific perspectives on the global stage, contributing to conversations shaping more sustainable and secure futures. ✨💙

06/08/2026

📘 Now available: Motivational Interviewing: A Pacific Guide

Congratulations to UC PhD Scholar Esala Vakamacawai and the contributing authors on the publication of Motivational Interviewing: A Pacific Guide.

The guide brings together Motivational Interviewing and Pacific knowledge systems to support culturally responsive practice across health, social services, education and community settings. Grounded in the Pacific practice of talanoa, it offers a holistic approach to strengthening the health and wellbeing of Pacific Peoples. 🌺

A valuable contribution to Pacific scholarship and practice which is available here:

Introduction The purpose of this guide is to bring Motivational Interviewing (MI) to Pacific Peoples working in the health and social service sectors. As a way of working, the authors believe it offers much to enhance the work of Pacific practitioners – particularly those working with Pacific Peop...