Massey to work with Samoa university

A greater flow of academic collaboration, study exchanges and internships between Massey University and the National University of Samoa are the goals of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two institutions.

The agreement was signed last week when the University’s International Office joined a trade mission to Samoa, led by Auckland City Mayor Len Brown.

Assistant Vice-Chancellor Professor Ingrid Day (International and Academic) says, “The MOU reflects the University’s Road to 2020 vision with its goal of strengthening our connections with local, national and international partners, as well as the Pasifika@Massey strategy.”

“We are committed to transforming educational and economic outcomes for Pacific students, and to contributing to Pacific development in the broadest sense through workforce development, research and the establishment of networks within New Zealand and across the Pacific region,” she says.

Now in its fifth year, the Pasifika@Massey strategy – led by Pasifika Director Professor Sitaleki Finau – aims to advance educational achievement for Pasifika peoples through five goals; academic advancement, professional development, research capability, cultural diversity and collaborative partnerships.

The MOU will help foster collaboration across a wide range of academic disciplines, from nursing, psychology and public health policy to agribusiness and disaster recovery management. 

The tsunami that struck Samoa and Tonga in 2009 prompted Massey to establish special scholarships for Pasifika people to train in disaster management at the master’s and postgraduate diploma levels. 

Pasifika@Massey’s National Project Manager Ben Taufua says he hopes the scholarships “will assist Pasifika peoples to identify gaps and develop knowledge and expertise in so they can prepare for and manage disasters in ways that reflect their societies’ communal social structure, values and lifestyles”.

A highlight of the visit was the launch of the Massey University Alumni Samoa. Wide media coverage ensured a large turnout at the breakfast event, with special guests including the Samoan Prime Minister Prime Minister Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesolai Sailele Malielegaoi and the New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, Nick Hurley.

“We are planning for an Alumni that can make a real contribution to the improvement of food and health for the Samoan people. With the appointment of a Chapter President we hope this will begin immediately,” Professor Day says.