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WITH PASIFIKA,

FOR PASIFIKA

LEADING WITH STRENGTH AND PURPOSE

WE ARE

APSTE 

The Association for Pasifika Staff in Tertiary Education (APSTE) is a collective of Pasifika staff working to strengthen our presence, leadership, and success across Aotearoa’s tertiary sector.

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We advocate for representation, provide professional development, and create spaces for collaboration and cultural empowerment.

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WHY IT MATTERS

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Pasifika staff play a crucial role in shaping education. By coming together, we empower each other to navigate challenges, amplify our voices, and contribute to a more inclusive tertiary landscape.

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Our 2025

EXECUTIVE

TEAM

Aiono Manu Fa'aea

Chair

Manukau Institute of Technology

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Rosalie Ivala-Feleti

Vice-Chair

University of Otago

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Keilah Vaetoru Fox

Secretary

University of Otago

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Lulu Lutui

Secretary

Competenz

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Solomon Daniel

Secretary

BCITO

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Gail Ah-Hi

Treasurer

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

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Sam Latu

Communications

Ara Institute of Canterbury

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Stariana Framhein-Tagoa'i

Public Relations

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

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Annette Pitovao

Upper North Regional Coordinator

Unitec Institute of Technology

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Mela Kaufusi-Ta'ala

Lower North Regional Coordinator

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

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Sefa Faletano'ai

Upper South Regional Coordinator

Ara Institute of Canterbury

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Simo Faitaua

Upper South Regional Coordinator

Ara Institute of Canterbury

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Litea Ikahihifo

Lower South Regional Coordinator

Otago Polytechnic

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What's the hapste?

May NEWSLETTER

2025 EXEC UPDATE

Join Our Weekly Online Talanoa Sessions!

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Connect, share, and support each other every Friday at 1:00 pm in a relaxed, open forum for Pasifika staff from APSTE member institutions.

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Our Focus:

  • Addressing challenges for Pasifika learners, staff, and communities.

  • Strengthening Pasifika connections across the sector.

  • Promoting staff development, leadership, and mentoring.

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No formal agenda—just good conversations over lunch.

Drop in whenever you can; we’d love to have you.

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To add more APSTE members, contact Aiono Manu Fa’aea, APSTE Chair 2025.

REGIONAL EVENTS WEEK | 7-9 MAY

Join us for our first Regional Events Week of 2025.

 

Connect with Pasifika colleagues, learn about APSTE's support, and hear our plans for the year.

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  • Upper North Region – Online Quiz Night | 7 May | 7–8pm | Microsoft Teams

  • Lower North Region
    – Quiz Night | 8 May | 5–6:30pm | Hunter Lounge, VUW 

  • Lower South Region
    – APSTE Connect | 9 May | 12–2pm | HUB, Otago Polytechnic 

  • Upper South Region – Details to come

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We look forward to seeing you there.

Annual apste fono 2025

Accommodation Update

 

The APSTE Fono will be held on 18–19 August at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

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Accommodation Deals:

  • Quest on The Terrace – Studio $159/night, One Bedroom $169/night | Travel Dates: 17–20 August 

  • Novotel Wellington – 15% off the Best Unrestricted Rate (subject to availability) 

  • James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor – 10% off the Best Available Rate (subject to availability) 

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Book early to secure your stay. Reach out to an Exec member for more info.

Upcoming Events

  • 87 days to the event
    2025 Annual APSTE Fono
    18 Aug 2025, 8:30 am – 19 Aug 2025, 3:00 pm
    Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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