As Niue celebrates its 50 years of self-government, the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health will host its first Niue Research Symposium at Te Tai Tonga, South Auckland campus.
The symposium will be launched on 5 October at the University of Auckland’s South Campus in Manukau, with the aim to establish a network of professionals and academic students.
Niue has a significant number of diaspora, primarily in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a growing population in Australia and other parts of the world.
It will also showcase the Niue diaspora’s success throughout a range of industries including healthcare, education, business, technology and the arts.
Community leaders from churches, schools, sports and other groups will also have an opportunity to connect with one another at the inaugural event.
Associate Dean Pacific and Associate Professor of Public Health, and co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Sir Collin Tukuitonga is a key speaker at the event.
He said holding the symposium became necessary to meet the cultural and professional needs of Niue professionals and academic students to ensure future successes.
“As we mark and celebrate 50 years of self-government, it’s crucial to track the progress of our journey in Aotearoa and the region, to understand how the sons and daughters of Niue have fared so far from home and what the needs of our next generation will be.”
Other key contributors include Reverend Igatia Mokole, Coral and Brendon Pasisi, Professor Judith McCool, Dr Jess Pasisi, Associate Professor Vili Nosa, Dr Amio Matenga-Ikihele, Dr Nuhisifa Williams, Sonny Liuvale, and Ioane Aleke Fa’avae, PhD candidates and Masters students will also include, Asetoa Sam Pilisi, Nogiata Tukimata, Dantzel Tiakia, and Jess Lagaluga-Hutchings.
The symposium will also highlight Pacific-led research undertaken by Niue academics.
Aotearoa will next week celebrate Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue, Niue Language Week from 13-19 October with theme, 'Protect and Nurture Vagahau Niue for the Future.’
