Pacific Innovation

He waka eke noa

A canoe which includes us all

UniServices and Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland have made it a priority to advance world-class research inspired by our place in Aotearoa and the Pacific. As such, strengthening relationships with Pacific communities and businesses is a major aim.

Transdisciplinary research centres focusing on the Pacific include the Centre for Pacific and Global Health, and MĀPIHI: Māori and Pacific Housing Research Centre.

Pacific education is a strong research theme at the Faculty of Education and Pacific health is likewise at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

UniServices works with Pacific communities in New Zealand and the Pacific islands in areas such as Pacific-led education, immunisation support and training, and co-designing programmes and services such as OL@-OR@. We also support the advancement of research with a Pacific lens in areas such as mental health in the Pacific, supporting Pacific learners, combatting rheumatic fever and climate change resilience.

Case Studies

Tapasā PLD: Helping educators connect with Pacific learners

Tapasā PLD: Helping educators connect with Pacific learners

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IMAC: Supporting vaccination in the Pacific

IMAC: Supporting vaccination in the Pacific

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LEAP: Improving education in the Solomon Islands

LEAP: Improving education in the Solomon Islands

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All case studies

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Who we are

Learn what UniServices believes in and works for – our purpose, values, vision, strategic plan and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi.

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Advancing Research

UniServices helps researchers in areas such as securing funding, connecting people, developing capacity and applying research commercially or for public good.

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Services and Projects

UniServices delivers projects, programmes and services that build on University research to create positive and equitable impacts for the community.

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Public Health and Social Policy

Learn how UniServices works to advance and apply University research aimed at building a healthier, safer and more equitable society for all.

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News and Features

Meet UniServices’ new Pacific business development director

Meet UniServices’ new Pacific business development director

29 September 2022

UniServices has appointed a new Pacific business development director to build and nurture key business relationships with the Pacific community.

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Comprehensively assessing mental health needs in Pacific countries

Comprehensively assessing mental health needs in Pacific countries

08 September 2022

A new research project by New Zealand and Pacific partners aims to investigate mental health challenges in Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu as these countries navigate Covid-19 and the climate crisis.

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Training educators to better support Pacific learners

Training educators to better support Pacific learners

01 June 2022

The Tapasā cultural competencies framework, co-provided by Tui Tuia, helps schools better support Pacific learners.

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Overcoming distance and other challenges to support vaccination in the Pacific

Overcoming distance and other challenges to support vaccination in the Pacific

18 March 2022

The Immunisation Advisory Centre is transporting a cold-storage Covid-19 vaccine to the Pacific islands and supporting vaccinator training there.

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Pacific Innovation Contacts

Pedro van der Ent

Business Development Director – Pacific, Creative Arts, Arts, Business, Law, Education

More about Pedro

Pedro joined UniServices in August 2022. Of Samoan and Dutch descent, he holds an MBA and has 20+ years in business management, sales and client relationships. Contact about: Funding opportunities in creative arts, arts, business, law, education and areas involving Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific Region.

Maliaga Erick

Pacific Cultural Clinical Advisor/Matua, Whāraurau

More about Maliaga

Maliaga, a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, is a mother of seven children and grandmother to many. She has a degree in social work and a graduate certificate in dual diagnosis (mental health & drugs and alcohol). Contact about: The mental health workforce, Pacific mental health, parenting.

Moelagi Leilani Jackson

Programme Manager – Pacific, Immunisation Advisory Centre

More about Leilani

Leilani, an experienced registered nurse and programme manager, has been with IMAC since 2021. Contact about: Pacific health, nursing, immunisation, Covid-19.