Samoan academic Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett has been appointed Victoria University of Wellington’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika).

Dr Dunlop-Bennett, of Samoan (Sā Petāia, Sā Te’o, Sā Atoā) and Māori (Ngāti Maniapoto) descent, is a former New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa and other African countries.

Before becoming the AVC (Pasifika), she worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where she held leadership roles in strategic policy and climate change. She joined Te Herenga Waka on Monday, 1 September, after 25 years working in foreign policy, diplomacy, and community development. A pōhiri and ‘ava ceremony will be held in the coming weeks to formally welcome Emma into her new role.

Dr Dunlop-Bennett’s PhD research was on Samoan perspectives on child wellbeing. It was the first research in New Zealand that positioned Pasifika children as experts on their wellbeing and created a space—grounded in Pacific research methods—for them and their parents to share their knowledge. She also holds a Master of Philosophy majoring in International Development and a Bachelor of Science in Geography.

“My vision for Tangata Moana is simply this: that they recognise the brilliance within them and harness this to succeed,” she says. “I joined Te Herenga Waka because I firmly believe that this is the place where Tangata Moana can soar.”

With several family members as alumni or current students, Dr Dunlop-Bennett has strong connections to the University, and to tertiary education in Aotearoa. Her mother, Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, was the inaugural director of Te Herenga Waka’s Va’aomanu Pasifika in 2006 and received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. All four of her sisters graduated from the University, as well as her eldest daughter, Elena Bennett. Her second daughter, Grace Bennett, is currently completing her undergraduate degree, and her niece, Emele-Moa Makisi Setefano, works at the University.

"Success is not only possible—it is inevitable when Tangata Moana are empowered and supported. I’ve spent much of my career working alongside Pacific communities—both here and across the region—where I’ve seen the power of education to transform lives and open up new futures.”

She has extensive experience leading projects and policy work throughout the Pacific and is looking forward to bringing her connections and wealth of experience to support and promote Pasifika education and research at the University. Dr Dunlop-Bennett was raised in Samoa, in the village of Tanugamanono, and has worked in Fiji and Vanuatu.

The AVC Pasifika is part of the Provost’s team and our Provost, Professor Bryony James, is delighted to welcome Emma to the ‘aiga.  She says, “Fabiefara Filo has done a fantastic job holding the fort as Acting AVCP, and now we are all looking forward to working with Emma and are excited to have such an accomplished Pacific woman joining the team.

“With Emma’s leadership, we will be able to build on the remarkable legacy of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban as we ensure Te Herenga Waka is a welcoming and aspirational home for Pacific staff and students.”