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Engaging with the Pasifika Community
MIT Pasifika Community Forums
The Pacific Development Office has set-up a number of internal and external Forums which it consults on a regular basis for feedback or input on a wide range of issues that are essential to the progress and advancement of Pasifika students and their communities.
“External” Forums
- Pasifika Churches Forum
- Pasifika Teachers Forum
- Pasifika Community Organisation Forum
Members are drawn from various Pacific cultures including academics, politicians, educators, community workers, church representatives and highly respected community leaders.
This two-way process also ensures that the wider Pasifika communities in Counties Manukau and MIT’s Pasifika staff are kept informed of on-going developments at MIT and are able to participate in decision making process that will shape the future of MIT.
“Internal” Forums
The “Fono Tagata Pasifika” (FTP) Network was established in the mid 1990’s and is made up of Pasifika staff employed by MIT. Coordinated by the Pasifika Development Office the main role of FTP is to assist and develop MIT’s ability to effectively respond to the educational needs of its Pasifika students, staff and communities in line with the MIT Pasifika Development Plan. FTP collaborates widely with significant areas with the Institute regarding curriculum development and it also contributes to various Pasifika Forums associated with the Pasifika Development Office.
MIT Pasifika Community Advisory Board
The Pasifika Community Advisory Board is MIT’s primary Pasifika advisory body.
Members are selected from the Pasifika Community Organisation Forum , Pasifika Teachers Forum and Pasifika churches Forum. Board members also include representatives from MIT’s Leadership Team, MIT Council, Fono Tagata Pasifika and the Pasifika Development Office.
Collectively, they offer a considerable wealth of experience not only through their knowledge of Pasifika cultures and values but also in key disciplines such as tertiary education in New Zealand, employment, business, law, finance, information technology and marketing.
The Board provides advice on:
- MIT’s strategies for the recruitment, retention and success of Pasifika students at MIT;
- building strong relationships between MIT and the Pasifika communities of Counties Manukau;
- ways in which MIT can work to increase the number of tertiary qualified Pasifika people in the Counties Manukau region by ensuring that the educational views, perspectives and contribution of Pasifika communities are reflected in MIT strategic and operational planning at all levels;
- the establishment and ongoing development of a Pasifika Centre at MIT;
- advice on meeting the goals of the TEC Pacific People’s Strategy;
- monitor the implementation of the MIT Pasifika Development Plan.
Members serve a 3 year term and are appointed by the Pasifika Community Advisory Board Selection Committee.
Community Advisory Board Members
 Chairperson – Rev Robert Robati-Mani, Pasifika Churches representative |
 John Kotoisuva, Deputy Chairperson – Community representative |
 Iva Ropati, Pasifika Teachers Forum representative |
 Italia Toelei’u, Community representative |
 Faanānā Efeso Collins, Community representative |
 Pefi Kingi QSM, Community representative |
 Vui Mark Gosche, Pasifika Organisations Forum representative |
 ‘Iani Nemani, Community representative |
 Nathan Dunn, MIT Graduate representative |
 Bernadette Pone, MIT Council representative |
 Toleafoa Sina Aiolupotea-Aiono, MIT Pasifika Development Manager |
 Dr Stuart Middleton, MIT Director External Relations |
 Leatuavao Rebekah Rimoni, FTP representative |
 Julie Ah-Ken, Pasifika Development Assistant/ Secretariat |
