Home for students from Pacific
NEW Dunedin Pacific Islands Centre manager Tagiilima Feleti wants the growing numbers of students to see the centre as a home, even if they come from far away.
He hopes University of Otago Pacific students will regard the centre as ‘‘an extension of home, as an extension of the va [sacred space]’’.
‘‘I want them to know they will be cared for and looked after, they will find kai and they can come and speak their language and just be Pacific,” he says.
Mr Feleti was officially welcomed to Otago at a recent event, and was ‘‘very excited’’ and humbled to be there.
Born in Samoa, he grew up in Dunedin, attending Otago Boys’ High School, and the university.
‘‘Everyone has the responsibility of raising achievements and success of Pacific students,” he says.
Mr Feleti’s career in education has included work as a teacher, a lecturer, and, in recent years, a review officer at the Education Review Office.
He enjoyed working for ERO, but the time away from his wife and four children in Dunedin was too difficult.
‘‘I live in Dunedin and I’m a local Dunedin boy, but I’ve always worked out of Dunedin,’’ he said.
Coming home was positive for worklife balance.
Pacific student numbers continue to grow at Otago, and more than 1200 Pacific students are now enrolled, up 12.7% on last year.
Mr Feleti wants the centre to get back to its roots, providing academic, pastoral, social and spiritual guidance for all Pacific students.