Program Overview

Introduction to Va'aomanū Pasifika—Pacific Studies and Sāmoan Studies

Va'aomanū Pasifika makes distinctive contributions to the University's proud tradition of research, teaching, and learning about the Pacific tradition. The Pacific Studies and Sāmoan Studies/Matā'upu Tau Sāmoa programme aims to increase understanding of Pacific issues and to produce graduates who contribute to the development of Pasifika communities in New Zealand, the region, and internationally.

Programme Overview

Our students learn to think critically and creatively, developing strong skills in written and verbal communication and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse cultural contexts. These skills readily transfer to a range of careers, with our alumni finding success nationally and internationally in government and the public sector, education, information management, museum and heritage industries, non-governmental organisations, creative industries, and related careers.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning in Va'aomanū Pasifika features:

• Holistic approaches, reflecting the way Pacific knowledge is constructed
• The exploration of Pacific concepts and understandings through literature, material and performing arts, written and oral texts, and narratives
• Flexibility, enabling students to select their fields of research and study
• Engagement, relationship-building, and knowledge exchanges with wider communities
• The understanding that language is central to culture and cultural understanding
• Resource-building, such as in the Tidal Pools website and the compilation of teaching resources by the Sāmoan Programme
• Exposing students, particularly postgraduates, to national and international forums and supporting students to present at these forums

Scholarships and Awards

There are a number of scholarships and awards available to students, some of which are specifically for Pacific students. The Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to support students of Pacific Studies.

Community Relationships

Staff and students in our Va'aomanū Pasifika programmes have strong linkages with the Pacific community locally, nationally, and in the wider Pacific region. We value and nurture these relationships and draw Pacific elders and families into our learning journeys.

Research Areas

Va'aomanū Pasifika is also a hub for Pacific-focused research and has become Victoria University of Wellington's contact point for government agencies, research commentaries, liaison with our Pacific communities, and public forums on Pacific-related issues.

Career Opportunities

Our alumni find success in a range of careers, including:

• Government and the public sector
• Education
• Information management
• Museum and heritage industries
• Non-governmental organisations
• Creative industries
• Related careers

Programme Structure

The programme includes:

• Undergraduate study
• Postgraduate study
  • Postgraduate subjects
  • Grad and PG diplomas
  • Honours
  • Master's and PhD
• Pasifika Pathways
• Courses offered, including:
  • Asian Studies
  • Chinese
  • Classical Studies, Greek and Latin
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Modern Language Studies
  • Pacific Studies
  • Sāmoan Studies
  • Spanish
• Student support
• Enhance your study, including:
  • Language Study Abroad
  • Greek field trip
  • Overseas exchange
  • Kitea Impact Programme
• Careers

Language Learning Resources

Language learning resources are available, including:

• Practise online in languages such as Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Sāmoan, and Spanish
• Learning tips, including independent learning, speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and using graded readers