Pacific at Waikato

Te reo Māori Kūki 'Airani - Cook Islands Māori Language Week!

We’re excited to share that the full schedule for Cook Islands Māori Language Week is now live. We've also included the schedule from WUCIA - Waikato University Cook Island Association.

This year’s theme is “Me kite koe i te tuatua i to’ou reo tupuna, e turanga rangatira tena nō’ou no te uki amuri atu”, which highlights the importance of speaking and preserving our ancestral language as a treasured legacy for future generations.

As part of this week’s celebrations, we invite you to join us as Teora Claudia Te-Rua-Harii Turua, one of our talented students and a Kauvaiora Student Assistant in the Library team, shares her story and connection to Kuki Airani. Currently studying a Bachelor of Laws, Teora brings a rich blend of lived experience, cultural knowledge, and personal reflections that celebrate the language, people, and traditions of the Cook Islands.

This workshop will be held in person on our Hamilton campus in MSB.1.36.

We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate the language, culture, and rich heritage of the Cook Islands.

🌺 IMUA Legacy Seminar is Back! 🌺

Halo, talofa lava, mālō e lelei, bula vinaka, fakaalofa lahi atu, kia orana, and warm Pacific greetings!

Calling all new Pacific students at the University of Waikato! Join us for the August IMUA Legacy Seminar, a chance to enjoy talanoa, connect with fellow students, and gain inspiration for your academic and leadership journey.

Details of the event are provided on the poster.

You can join the workshop through this Teams link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/435947070537817?p=8BRpC39SNmEtxiQ3j1

Hear from our Assistant Vice Chancellor Pacific, Dr Keaka Hemi and Lecturer from Te Pua Wananga ki te ao, Sau Lau Young as they share insights on Pacific resilience, navigating challenges, and working smart through the wisdom of our islands, reefs, and communities.

School Leaver Scholarship recipients are required to attend as part of their scholarship commitment. All new Pacific students are warmly encouraged to join us.

📝 Registration is required:
https://crmwaikatoportal.powerappsportals.com/events/event/?id=61ec35e9-2c8a-f111-ab0f-7ced8da0d1b9

Legacy Lunch is provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pacific Health & Wellbeing Workshop | De-Stress Fest 2026

Join us for a meaningful talanoa on health, wellbeing, and mental wellness with our special guest speaker, Cori Poimatagi, counsellor at the University Student Health Centre.

With over 12 years of experience supporting mental health and wellbeing, Cori brings a wealth of knowledge grounded in compassion, culture, and community.

Cori Poimatagi is an Aotearoa New Zealand-born Niuean-Samoan counsellor at the University Student Health Centre, with over 12 years of experience supporting mental health and wellbeing. He is committed to supporting individuals on their healing journeys through compassionate, culturally responsive, and person-centred care.

As a proud Pacific practitioner, Cori is passionate about strengthening the health and wellbeing of Pacific communities by creating safe spaces where culture, identity, family, and lived experiences are valued. He believes that meaningful relationships and culturally grounded practice are fundamental to empowering people and achieving positive wellbeing outcomes.

This workshop is an opportunity to hear from Cori as he shares his experiences and insights on health, wellbeing, and mental wellness through a Pacific lens. Come away with practical tools and a deeper understanding of wellbeing grounded in Pacific values and perspectives.

✨ Come along, bring a friend, and take some time to invest in yourself.
📍 Check out the poster below for event details and registration information.

We welcome you to come and attend!

📝Ready to take your learning to the next level?📖

Come along to our Māori & Pacific Postgraduate Information Evening and discover what postgraduate study could mean for you.

Hear real experiences from those already on the journey, explore the support available, and learn how advanced study can help you grow your knowledge, leadership, and impact in the communities you care about.

Plus, it's a great opportunity to meet others who are also considering their next steps.

Register your attendance by scanning the QR code on the poster to secure your spot.

We look forward to welcoming you! 📚

🌺 Challenge the Horizon Presents - Pacific Postgraduate Tok Stori Series 🌺

Are you considering postgraduate study, currently completing your Master's or PhD, or interested in learning more about Pacific-led research?

Join us for our next Pacific Postgraduate Tok Stori featuring Dr Agatha Gibbons, Lecturer in the Division of Health at the University of Waikato.

Dr Gibbons is a Fijian researcher whose work focuses on Pacific health, gender equity, Indigenous methodologies, sport, and cultural safety. Her research centres Indigenous knowledge systems and explores ways to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific communities, particularly Pacific women and girls.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear about her postgraduate journey, research experiences, and insights into Pacific-led research.

📅 Date: Wednesday 22 July
🕐 Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
📍 Location: Hamilton Campus, M Block , Level 1 in room 42

Please scan the QR code on the poster to register.

Whether you're already on your postgraduate journey or thinking about taking the next step, we'd love to see you there.

☕Kiribati Language Week – Say the Phrase, Earn a Coffee! ☕

Join us today as we celebrate Kiribati Language Week with a fun challenge on campus!

Here are the details provided below:

Location: Hamilton Campus – M Block, Library Level 2
Date: Wednesday 15th July, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Come along, learn the Kiribati phrase of the day, and if you can say it, you'll earn yourself a coffee on us!

It's a great opportunity to practise a phrase in te taetae ni Kiribati and broaden your horizons by trying something new.

We'd love to see you there. Pop over when you have a moment and join in the fun!

💙 Mauri and happy Kiribati Language Week!

🌺 Pacific Orientation 2026 – B Trimester 🌺

Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia orana, Ia orana, Halo Ologeta, Aloha, Fakalofa lahi atu, Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Noa'ia, Fakatalofa, Mālō ni, Kam na mauri, Tēnā koutou katoa, and warm Pacific greetings!

Are you a new Pacific student joining the University of Waikato this B Trimester?

Come and be part of Pacific Orientation 2026. This is an opportunity to connect with your Pacific community on campus, build meaningful relationships, and learn about the many services and opportunities available to support your academic, personal, and professional success.

Join us for Pacific Orientation 2026, a welcoming space where you can connect with fellow Pacific tauira, meet the Pacific at Waikato team, and learn about the support, services, and opportunities available to help you thrive throughout your university journey.

Hamilton Campus:
📅 Thursday, 9 July 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 The Pā, Te Kōpūroa

Tauranga Campus:
📅 Thursday, 9 July 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 TBCD.2.08

Come and:
✅ Meet Pacific staff and students
✅ Connect with fellow Pacific tauira
✅ Learn about academic, wellbeing, and career support services
✅ Discover opportunities to get involved on campus
✅ Build friendships, connections, and community from day one

🌺 Hear from our very own Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Dr Keaka Hemi, alongside Pacific student leaders who are making meaningful contributions and creating positive change within our University and communities. 🌺

This is an opportunity to feel connected, informed, and empowered from the start.
We can't wait to welcome you into our Pacific community here at Waikato.

Ready to join us? Simply scan the QR code on the poster below to register. We have separate registration posters for our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, so please select the one that applies to you. Imua!