Warm Pacific greetings to everyone, and welcome back to Semester Two! Na yacaqu Ezra, your UCSA Pacific Representative for 2024. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Science with majors in Geology and Psychology, while also serving as the Treasurer for UCFiji. 

Special Welcome to New Students

To all those embarking on their journey this semester at UC | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, a heartfelt welcome! I am thrilled to introduce our inaugural newsletter tailored for Pasifika students. These newsletters will be issued termly, with the hope of keeping you informed about special events tailored for Pasifika students throughout the semester, ensuring you stay updated on campus happenings.

Championing Pacific Voices

For those who may be new to this role, the Pacific Representative on the UCSA executive plays a crucial role in ensuring that the unique perspectives, concerns, and interests of students from Pacific Island nations are both heard and valued in the decision-making processes of the association.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and events in the upcoming newsletters. Wishing you all a successful and enriching Semester Two!

VInaka vakalevu,

Ezra

UCSA Pacific Representative

UCSA Elections – website link here

At the beginning of 2023, it was decided to Co-Opt a Pacific Advisor to ensure representation, in anticipation of proposed constitutional changes at that year’s AGM. The changes were adopted, and the role was permanent as of 2024. Representation matters, and if you are considering running for this position, please come and talk to me (Ezra) about the UCSA, the role and the difference you can make for our Pacific student community at UC.

Nominations are now open and will close on August 1^st at 12pm.

EVENTS

PASS Study Skills

Week 3 – Thursday 1^st August – Lali Room, Te 208 Ao Marama

Week 9 – Thursday 26^th September – Fale

Week 10 – Thursday 3^rd October – Lali Room, 208 Te Ao Marama

All at the same time 11am-1pm.

Jandals 3

7^th August

TBC Venue – keep an eye on your emails!

Old School Dinner 3

Wednesday 21 August – 4 – 6pm

Te Moana Nui a Kiwa

SPACPAC Speech Competition

27^th August – Rata Engineering Core

UCFiji

Kava Night

Friday 16^th August

UCSA International Ball - 23^rd August

This year will be doing a Pacific theme. The UCSA is proud to present the International Ball. This year, it's all about celebrating your cultural heritage. Come dressed in your traditional attire and prepare for an evening filled with dancing, laughter, and delicious cuisine. Expect more dancing than in previous years, so it's time to polish those dance moves and routines. 

Tickets will be on sale shortly. You can visit this page for updates: https://ucsa.org.nz/ents/event/1529/

Te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Islands Language Week

August 4-10th

Lea Faka-Tonga - Tongan Language Week

August 18- 24^th

Keep an eye out for events for our language weeks from UCSA and Clubs here: https://ucsa.org.nz/whatson/

Pacific Development Team Support Services

Pacific Development Team - provides extensive support, opportunities, programmes, and events for our Pacific students as well as some initiatives for UC staff and the wider community. Meet our Pacific Development Team. https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/life/support-and-wellbeing/uc-support-services/pacific-development-team

Meet with a Pacific Advisor - See how to connect and feel free to make an appointment with a Pacific Advisor if you need support.

https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/life/support-and-wellbeing/uc-support-services/pacific-advisor-appointments

Māori & Pacific tutoring - This tutoring programme provides additional tutoring for Pacific and Māori students at no extra cost. It's available to supplement what you learn in lectures and tutorials.https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/study-support-info/study-support/maori-and-pacific-tutoring

Pacific Mentoring Programme - A one-to-one peer support programme is available to all first-year Pacific students at UC. A mentor will keep in touch with you regularly and provide friendship and advice. They will also connect you with services that might be helpful.

https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/life/support-and-wellbeing/uc-support-services/mentors/pacific-mentoring-programme

Need Support?

The UCSA offer a range of services that are independent of UC, and our friendly team can support you to navigate the university system or work with you if you need welfare support.

The A&W team can help with:

• Advocacy
• Class Reps
• Dental
• Financial Assistance
• Pathseekers Programme
• Student Assistance
• Wellbeing

The services are available free of charge to all currently enrolled UC students. Students who access the service have several rights and responsibilities. This year we are excited to announce, that the UCSA has expanded its dental coverage so be sure to grab a voucher, released online every Monday at 8:30 (limited quantities are released each week so get it early).