Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, of Samoan (Saleaula, Asau, Auala), Tokelauan (Atafu) and Tuvaluan (Funafuti) descent, Fuatino has been reconnecting with her heritage and in doing so, encourages us all to come along on the journey too. Incredibly important to her is her faith and teamed with a clear sense of pacific identity, Fuatino is a strong yet humble person.
In her role as Academic Registrar, Fuatino is part of the Academic Quality team and collaborates closely with our programme teams to ensure accuracy of data, reporting and record-keeping of enrolments, academic records and award of qualifications. Additionally, she is responsible for organising our exciting Graduation ceremonies, held twice a year. To achieve this, Fuatino draws on her strong connections with staff as well as her extensive experience she has across the organisation.
Not part of her official role, but something Fuatino loves, is to get involved with education and awareness to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich cultures spread around the Pacific. She enjoys sharing knowledge and organising learning experiences tied to Pacific cultural celebrations, like the many language weeks held throughout the year. Fuatino makes it a priority to bring her full self as Tangata Moana into every space she’s in.
Core to academyEX is our teaching and learning strategy ‘Te Ara Kōtihi’ (the pathway to success), which puts our learners at the heart of everything we do. A huge focus is therefore to connect with all the diverse learners we welcome into learning with academyEX and this is where Fuatino’s guidance on pacific culture is invaluable.
If there was one person in history Fuatino could meet, it would be Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III - who through his non violent resistance to colonial rule laid the foundations for Samoa’s Mau movement which ultimately led to the nation’s independence in 1962. A true Samoan hero reflective of the importance of not just holding on but holding up one’s own cultural identity.
When Fuatino’s not at work she can often be found spending time with her nieces and nephews and following the NRL - supporting the Warriors of course!