Sixty Pacific students from New Zealand tertiary institutions gathered at Victoria University from 29 August to 2 September for their annual fono.

Run in conjunction with NZUSA, the fono (conference) was hosted by Pasifika Students Council (VUW) and VUWSA’s Welfare Officer Ta’ase Vaoga.

The fono aims to discuss the issues and barriers that are faced by Pasifika students in Tertiary Education. It is also an opportunity to network with other Pasifika representative groups from other institutions.

This year’s fono was a huge success and resulted in some positive discussions, says PSC President Grace Hutton.

“The discussions had at the fono meant we were able to put an action plan in place for all of us to work on in our respective institutions, this will help strengthen pathways into tertiary education for younger generations.”

The next fono is planned to be held in April next year.