Massey University Pacific Massey

What's the Tolu is back. Where we ask 3 randomly generated out of 100 get to know you questions.

Featuring Professor Tupa’ilevaililigi Ridvan Firestone, a frontrunner in every sense of the word, grower of Pacific and Student excellence and recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship that will see her heading over to the USA🇺🇸 later this year.

Photo's are straight from the Fulbright awards ceremony held in Wellington last night featuring Dr Ridvan's Aiga.

21. What is the best book or movie that you've experienced recently?
Project Hail Mary – I loved reading this book (in my book club) about 2 years ago. I watched the movie this year at the cinema and was astounded and happy of how closely aligned the movie was to the book, especially of the alien Rocky – he was portrayed as I had imagined him to be when I was reading it. I also loved hearing the Maori waiata being played in poignantly point of the movie when two friends were farewelling each other – it was very moving.

10. If you could instantly master any skill what would it be and why?
I would love to be a savant. In particular, to be able to pick up the guitar [six string], bass guitar and piano effortlessly play them by listening!

88. What is your best absolute way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon?
Watching my favourite TV shows and the Australian Netball league (SSN), accompanied by my favourite snack food.

Well done Professor - we are so very proud of your achievements🥳🎉🥳

🌺 Kam Na Mauri!

This is a call out to all Pacific students studying within Massey Business School, regardless of what year of study you’re in. Whether you’re studying on campus or online by distance, we would love to have you join us for a time of connection, encouragement, and community.

Come along as we equip, strengthen, connect, and build networks with one another alongside fellow Pacific Business students, staff and alumni.

🍽️ Food will be provided!

📍 Auckland – Albany Campus | Sir Neil Waters Building
📅 11 July
🕐 1:00 PM

📍 Manawatū Campus | Chaplaincy
📅 18 July
🕓 4:00 PM

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Psssst - If you didn't know...well now you do!!

🚀 Big news! We’ve reached our highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings, climbing 15 places to 215th globally! 🌍

📈 Employment Outcomes: Up 92 places to 173rd globally
💼 Employer Reputation: Up 58 places
🎓 Academic Reputation: Remaining strong in the global top 300.

"This result is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the success of our graduates, and our commitment to delivering an outstanding, globally relevant education." – Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter.

Well done to Tamara, Siufaga and Toetujoetina🎉🥳

✨ Alive and buzzing! The Malaga Sā: Minime Konise showcase lit up the Great Hall with Pacific choral music and CoCA creative energy.

🙌 Fa'afetai tele lave to Dr Igelese Ete for his beautiful vision honoring his late sister, Minime, and our Vice Chancellor Pierre Venter for the inspiring words.

🎵

Photo Credit:

Welcome to What's the Tolu - What's the 3 - where we ask 3-randomly generated questions from Massey Pacific's list of 100 never to fail conversation starters.

WHO: Dr Jack Scanlan.
WHAT: He's a Dr, Lecturer, Born and raised in Mangere and from his answers definitely has some wrestling moves he can share😉

Question 7: Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

That’s tough because I am a real foodie like any islander, but I would have to say my fellow Samoan, the Rock. However, I don’t think KFC would not be on the menu if you know what the Rock is cooking...lol...but I ain't complaining if the uso is paying.

Question 42: If you could wake up tomorrow with any one quality or ability, what would it be?

I would love to say be the greatest Rugby League player in the world so I can help NZ Warriors win their maiden NRL premiership, followed by helping Toa Samoan win the Rugby league World Cup after helping the NSW take out the State of Origin 😊.

Question 64: If you were a wrestler, what would your entrance theme song and signature move be?

Showing my age, I was a massive Ultimate Warrior fan, his entrance still ranks high for me. As far as a finishing move, being Samoan, I will have to go with the Rock’s, People’s Elbow.

Photo Credit@Stuff.
101Questions@Sunday.

Em i gutpela stret Dr Pari Irai from the School of Business - who also hails from Papua New Guinea.

This was extra special as Dr Pari travelled all the way from China, where he now resides to be here. He also presented at our Massey University Pacific Postgraduate Conference and zoomed in nearing midnight for a pre-recorded session.

Congratulations Dr Irai and wishing you safe travels back to China.

Director Melvin Apulu from our Pacific Student Success Team as well as Naita Puniani and fellow Phd student - Vika Namoa were there to celebrate Dr Pari Irai's success.

Second Picture - Dr Pari Irai with his supervisor Professor James Arrowsmith

Our Auckland Ceremonies were held this week at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna.

Vi'ia Le Atua Dr Jack Scanlan who completed his Doctorate in Social Work (DSW). Jack is a lecturer in the School of Social Work at Massey. Jack is pictured here with Naita Puniani who works in our Pacific Student Success Team.

Amazing work Dr Jack!!

Throwback to Wgtn Graduation ceremony before we get into Auckland Graduations.

They say it takes a village!

Malo Le Tauivi to Yasmin Brown who graduated with a Bachelor in Business. Her mother and sister travelled over from Perth to witness her graduation day along side her village from Porirua. Well done Yasmin - we are very proud of your achievements.

Some of our most recent graduates 🎓

Congratulations to all who walked across the stage at our Manawatu graduation ! Well done on an awesome achievement - we are so proud of you 💐