THE University of Auckland and The Pacific Community (SPC) have formalised a partnership to expand Pacific-led research, strengthen community engagement and create new pathways for students and academics.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed at the University by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Engagement, Dr Erik Lithander, and SPC Director-General, Dr Paula Vivili, will support collaboration across research, education and innovation.
The partnership is expected to support work in climate resilience, ocean governance, public health, education and sustainable development, while helping build a pipeline of future Pacific researchers, professionals and leaders.
“One of the things that excites me about this partnership is that it embodies what is best about collaboration,” Lithander said.
“We have always known collaboration is the way through the world’s problems, but that is more true now than ever. If we look at the challenges facing our region and the wider world, if we don’t do it together, we’re not going to do it at all.”
The agreement is based on shared values, including equity, partnership, and a commitment to making a lasting impact on Pacific communities.
SPC, established in 1947, provides scientific, technical and development support to 22 Pacific Island countries and territories across fisheries, climate change, health, agriculture, education, geoscience and maritime development. It has nearly 1,000 staff working across the Pacific.
Vivili said the agreement would be “more than a document”.
“It’s about creating a genuine partnership between the Pacific’s premier scientific and technical organisation and one of the leading universities in the Pacific region,” he said.
Auckland is often referred to as the Pacific capital outside the region, Vivili said.
“We can’t talk about Auckland being the Pacific capital outside of the Pacific and not have a strong relationship between the University of Auckland and SPC,” he said.
“The issues facing our communities are too significant for any one organisation to tackle alone.”
University of Auckland Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Fonoi’a Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau said the agreement reflected a shared commitment to advancing Pacific priorities through authentic partnership.
“When Pacific institutions work together, we strengthen our collective ability to respond to the challenges facing our people,” she said.
“By combining scientific expertise, community knowledge and Pacific ways of knowing, we can support research and innovation that is grounded in Pacific realities and delivers meaningful outcomes for Pacific communities.”
Tiatia-Siau said the agreement aligned with the University’s commitment to supporting Pacific success and creating pathways for future generations of Pacific scholars and leaders.
“Partnerships like this help ensure Pacific voices, values and aspirations remain at the centre of the work we do,” she said.
“It is through collaboration that we can grow Pacific leadership, strengthen knowledge exchange and create lasting impact for our region.”
Both organisations said the agreement marked the beginning of a deeper relationship that connects research excellence with community aspirations and helps deliver solutions for the Pacific.
