Abstract
Our ancestors were navigators. They learnt how to successfully navigate the largest and deepest ocean in the world—the Pacific Ocean—populating its many islands.
We have since travelled farther and found our place in New Zealand’s first and finest university, the University of Otago. This book shares with you an overview of our journey, with a particular focus on the past two decades, with our staff and students in Health Sciences. The journey links us to Pacific communities throughout New Zealand and to our Pacific Islands. Te Folauga means 'the journey'. Te Folauga begins with the vision and reflections from our senior University leaders. Their support has enabled and encouraged us to explore and seek new horizons. Their commitment is articulated in the University’s Pacific Strategic Framework. The five sections in this book (Leadership, Capacity Building, Centre for Pacific Health, Our Communities and Regional Engagement) share what has been achieved aligned with the goals in the Pacific Strategic Framework (PSF).
Te Folauga marks the 10th year since the first Associate Dean (Pacific) position was established in Health Sciences on 1 October 2009. This year, 2019, also celebrates the 150th year of the University of Otago.