Pacific learning advocate draws on life experiences

Dr Meleana Koloto shares her excitement of stepping into her new role as the Pacific Education Advisor within the Digital Learning Environment Programme.

For Meleana Koloto, the road to the University of Otago began far from Dunedin - across oceans, cultures and chapters of a personal journey.

Born in the United States of America to Tongan and Samoan parents, Meleana's early life was as a traveler from a very young age - from the US to Australia, on to Tonga, and eventually Aotearoa New Zealand. Raised primarily by her Tongan aunties and grandparents, she credits this close-knit upbringing for grounding her cultural identity and fuelling her academic pursuits.

Now based in Dunedin with her husband, Rev. Sioeli Vaipulu, a postgraduate student at Otago, Meleana recently stepped into a newly established role as Education Advisor (Pacific) within the Digital Learning Environment Programme. While the title may sound tech-heavy, Meleana's work is all about the Pacific and the people her mahi is serving.

"I quickly learned that my job is about making sure our digital platforms and systems - specifically the Learning Management System and Student Portal - work for Pacific students, especially those coming from the islands."

Much of her current focus involves ensuring platforms like the University's new Learning Management System, Brightspace, are user-friendly and culturally appropriate for our Pacific students.

Dr Meleana pictured with her husband Rev. Sioeli Vaipulu-a who is studying his Masters at the University of Otago.

Meleana and Māori Education Advisor Marama Pohatu work closely together across all aspects of their roles, offering advice on how digital systems can better reflect Māori and Pacific perspectives on campus.

A Māori proverb they carry in this role is "He tangata, he tangata, he tangata! - It is the people, it is the people, it is the people!".

Meleana says the proverb serves as a reminder that this work is for people - that their voices are heard and empowered, to ensure success at Otākou Whakaihu Waka, both for current students and generations to follow.

"What's exciting about this role is the potential," she says.

"I think of how we can help our international students, especially those who have come from the Pacific - who come here not knowing anything about university life. I think of my husband, as an international student himself from Tonga and his journey here. If he didn't have personal connections, how would he know where to go, who to ask?"

It is that sense of responsibility to create a more intuitive, inclusive support system that drives Meleana's vision for the role.

"My hope is that we can establish something lasting, a digital and cultural roadmap for Pacific students arriving at Otago. We want them to feel seen, heard, and supported from the moment they click into our systems."

In Meleana's role, her values guide how she advocates for the students and staff at Otago.

"Faka'apa'apa (respect), tauhi vā (nurturing relationships), anga fakatō ki lalo (humility), and 'ofa (love and compassion) really shape the way I work and connect with others.

"Being able to build relationships across the university, and create spaces where our Pacific students feel seen, heard, and valued through Tauhi vā is something I hold closely as it reminds me that relationships are central to the work, and that when we nurture those connections, everything else flows from there," she says.

Outside the digital realm, Meleana is still passionate about inclusive education. Her academic and lived experiences continue to inform her approach.

Pictured with her and aunty and women from her Aunty's island of Pukotala where Meleana conducted her research.

Meleana completed her undergrad and postgraduate studies at the University of the South Pacific in Tonga, before going on to earn a master's degree from the University of Auckland. However, it was her decision to pursue a PhD at Victoria University in Wellington that marked a significant turning point.

Her doctoral research examined inclusive education in Tonga - not just the policies and practices in place, but the lived experiences of Tongan families supporting loved ones with disabilities. The work reflected both academic integrity and heartfelt commitment.

"I finished my PhD at 29 years' old because, when you have a Tongan family behind you, there is no such thing as lateness," she laughs. "There is a strong sense of support, encouragement and loving push from them to keep going and finish strong."

Central to that determination was one of Meleana's aunties, Dr Ana Koloto, also an academic whose footsteps she consciously followed.

"In my PhD research, I expected to encounter stigma, but I found strength. Tongan families that were hopeful, it was often the system that fell short."

Whether in policy, pastoral care or platforms, Meleana's work is underpinned by values she holds dear, particularly tauhi vā, one of the core Tongan pillars of nurturing relationships.

"It's about maintaining good relationships with people, building connections that last," she says. "That's how I carry my culture into every space I work in."

It's those very relationships, with students, colleagues, and her community, that Meleana believes will shape the next chapter of her story at Otago.

~ Kōrero by Pacific Communications Adviser Viena Faiva