Celebrating partnerships with Pasifika community

Dunedin’s Pasifika community have joined with secondary school principals & teachers to celebrate with Pasifika scholarship winners and their families.

The gathering in The Hub on Thursday night was also a chance for a community blessing for Otago Polytechnic’s new Lalanga Pasifika Strategic Framework (PSF), developed after months of collaboration and community engagement.

Litea Ikahihifo, Director of Pasifika Achievement, says this is the third iteration of the PSF, and reaffirms the institution’s commitment to its Pasifika ākonga.

“This important document is the result of a strong partnership between Otago Polytechnic and the Pasifika communities we serve,” she says.

“At the heart of this work is our unwavering dedication to creating an environment where Pasifika ākonga are supported, encouraged and empowered to succeed."

Guests celebrated with more than 30 recipients of Pasifika awards and scholarships, including current ākonga and high school leavers.

Mercy Hospital Chief Operating Officer Simone Curran-Becker was proud to present three sponsored scholarships of $2,500 each to a trio of 1st year Bachelor of Nursing ākonga.

The scholarships are aimed at assisting Pasifika students in continuing with their Nursing studies at Otago Polytechnic. Ākonga also get placements on the wards at Mercy Hospital and the potential of a fulltime job when they graduate.

“We recognise the importance and the richness that Māori and Pasifika students bring to our workplace,” says Simone Curran-Becker.

“And we’re keen to nurture that, from the early phases of their study right through to the end.”

A new $5,000 Mercy Hospital scholarship to support a Pasifika learner studying Occupational Therapy was also announced. This will be awarded for the first time in 2026.

Mercy Hospital Scholarships – Nursing ($2,500 each)

(L-R) Otago Polytechnic Principal Nursing Lecturer Kerry Davis with scholarship recipients Margret Hofeni Kanofou, Selina Rivers, Fa'ataumamatemalesoatau Talatonu, and Mercy Hospital Chief Operating Officer Simone Curran-Becker

Inati Community Scholarship ($2,000 each) – in association with Otago Community Trust

(L-R) Recipients: Jonson Tatana, Jerome Misiloi, Jolani Fidow, Candela Tipasa, Savelina Molitika
(Absent: Kolokesa Lomu, Mereseini Boletawa, Lilyann Tuila, Linda Fifita, Matthew Onosai)

Otago Polytechnic Vaka Moana Secondary School Award Scholarships
(Senior scholarships are multi-year, covering the entire cost of a student’s study at OP)