A son of Samoa is at the heart of the University of Otago’s Pacific Islands Centre (PIC). He is a quiet but determined presence.

Tagiilima Feleti, whose journey from early childhood education to Pacific leadership speaks volumes about family, purpose, and service.

Born in Samoa and the fifth of seven siblings, Tagiilima was the last of his family to be born in the islands before migrating to New Zealand. Though he now calls Dunedin home, his story is deeply rooted in the traditions of Fa’a Samoa, where English was only spoken at school and Samoan at home.

“I have always tried to carry those values with me, whether at work or with my own family,” he said.

Tagiilima and his wife Rosalie – who is proudly Tongan, Samoan, and Chinese and the Pacific Projects Lead in the Pacific Development Office - are raising four children of their own, grounded in the same values of cultural pride and service. Their aiga remains at the heart of everything they do.

Tagiilima’s professional path began in early childhood education. It was a family matriarch, Rosalie’s aunt, the late Eti Ivala Laufiso, who first called him into the field.

“She asked me why I was working in a factory,” he recalled.

“She was the push I needed to start studying.”

A staunch advocate for Pacific education, Eti’s influence planted the seed for what would become a lifelong commitment to Pacific learners.

From teaching to the Education Review Office, Tagiilima’s career spanned the country, often taking him away from his family.

But it was the prospect of returning home to Dunedin that finally led him to the PIC.

“My son was turning 16. It was a crucial time. I wanted to be home, to be present. She told me, ‘You’ve got to be in it to win’, so I did.”

Now in his fifth year as Manager of the Pacific Islands Centre, Tagiilima oversees a dynamic team dedicated to serving Pacific students.

From mentoring and community outreach to cultural events and family engagement, no two days are ever the same.

The PIC offers a warm and welcoming space and vital support for Pacific students, including study areas, supplementary tutorials, and pastoral care. Drop-in clinics assist with StudyLink and course advice, a foodbank, and a Hauora Connector, while dedicated transition officers guide first-year students towards the right support services.

“We’ve grown alongside the students, and collaboration is everything,” he said.

That collaboration stretches across campus. From the Māori Centre to the Pacific Development Office, Tagiilima says it’s the shared commitment to students that fuels the work.

“Many of our students aren’t just Pacific or just Māori, they’re both and many times more. That’s why working together makes all the difference.”

The PIC has expanded its reach, relocating to a larger space on Castle Street and developing stronger relationships with schools and families across Aotearoa.

“We have been out there meeting students where they are,” he said, noting upcoming visits to Nelson and Marlborough.

“My staff are proactively reaching out to the community, and it is important because they are the Pacific face of the University.”

While the growing number of Pacific students is cause for celebration, Tagiilima stresses the importance of strategic planning.

“We don’t want the quality of what we offer to be diluted. It’s about balance, having enough mentors, enough resources, and a team that can hold that space for our students.”

He also acknowledges the invisible efforts behind the scenes from his team. At its core, Tagiilima believes the success of the Centre lies in its people.

“We’re fortunate to have a team that goes above and beyond. The growth of the Centre is a reflection of their work out in schools, with communities, and within the University.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to further develop staff capability and continue aligning the Centre’s work with the University’s Pacific Strategic Framework.

“We want to be part of the next 10 years, to be part of making Otago a University of the Pacific.”

His final remarks to students just beginning their journey: “Bring all of you. Don’t leave your culture at the door, you will be embraced here.”

With roots firmly planted in family, community, and culture, Tagiilima’s steady leadership is helping Pacific students succeed while thriving.