Te Kete Aronui Division of Humanities attendees at Otago Polyfest pictured from left are Mary Jane Kivalu (Teaching Fellow), Dr Michelle Schaaf (Associate Dean Pacific), Professor Hugh Campbell (interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor), Sia Lei-Mataafa (Pasifika Student Support), Vika Piukala (Pasifika Student Support).
Attendees of Otago Polyfest 2024 packed out the Edgar Centre in Ōtepoti from 9-13 September as the community gathered in support of our rangatahi.
The vibrant festival involves Māori and Pasifika cultural performances from children, young people, whānau and kaiako across the region.
Te Kete Aronui - Division of Humanities interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hugh Campbell, his wife Marion and the Division’s Pasifika team joined the festivities on the Thursday evening.
They enjoyed an evening of performances and Pasifika cuisines in The Village which hosted multiple stalls from different businesses and organisations in the region.
“We had a great time, and the performances were amazing. I was very proud as PVC to be formally invited to Otago Polyfest and to reinforce the strong support of the University for our Pacific communities. I really hope that this becomes an annual tradition for the University’s leadership team.” says Professor Campbell.
Associate Dean Pacific - Humanities, Dr Michelle Schaaf says “We were absolutely honoured to host Hugh and Marion, and to have the opportunity to share our language and culture.”
The engagement with Polyfest is a lead up to some great opportunities coming up in the Division. Newly appointed Teaching Fellow Mary Jane Kivalu has joined the Pasifika team to assist in guiding the Division in developing Pasifika Cultural Intelligence.
“I think it’s amazing that the Division is making it a priority to provide these development opportunities for its staff members. At the end of the day, we want to see everyone succeed, including our Pasifika people,” Mary Jane says.
The Humanities Pacific team is made up of Associate Dean Pacific, Dr Michelle Schaaf, Pacific student support staff Sia Lei-Mataafa and Vika Piukala, and Teaching Fellow Mary Jane Kivalu.