Pacific Innovation

UniServices and Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland have made it a priority to advance world-class research inspired by our place in Aotearoa and the Pacific. As such, strengthening relationships with Pacific communities and businesses is a major aim.

Transdisciplinary research centres focusing on the Pacific include the Centre for Pacific and Global Health, and MĀPIHI: Māori and Pacific Housing Research Centre.

Pacific education is a strong research theme at the Faculty of Education and Pacific health is likewise at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

UniServices works with Pacific communities in New Zealand and the Pacific islands in areas such as Pacific-led education, immunisation support and training, and co-designing programmes and services such as OL@-OR@. We also support the advancement of research with a Pacific lens in areas such as mental health in the Pacific, supporting Pacific learners, combatting rheumatic fever and climate change resilience.

Harnessing the University of Auckland’s
interdisciplinary expertise for Pacific-led
solutions and a thriving Blue Pacific future.

The University of Auckland prioritises Pacific-relevant research - building resilience, advancing innovation, and strengthening engagement with Pacifi c communities.
Our vision is to be globally recognised as a world leader in Pacific excellence. We do this by actively driving transdisciplinary education, research, and sustainability inspired by Pacific values. The Pacific Strategy 2025-2030 titled “Ala o le Moana” (Pathways of the Ocean) is the university’s first dedicated strategy to support and celebrate Pacific excellence.

We are committed to building Pacific-led research and amplifying Pacific voices in engagement, innovation, and policy influence. Our research priorities include:

  • Strengthening respectful, reciprocal partnerships and engagement
  • Enriching Pacific representation, leadership, and intersectionality
  • Shifting the dial for Pacifi c learners and researchers 
  • Elevating Pacifi c-led research that is culturally grounded, community-relevant, and visible
  • Nurturing and empowering communities through innovation and knowledge sharing

Pacific Research Centres

 

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health
Transdisciplinary research advancing Pacific health equity;climate resilience, and wellbeing.

MAPIHI – Maori and Pacific Housing Research Centre
Co-creating housing solutions that are healthy, affordable, and culturally grounded.

MPERC – Maori and Pacific Engineering Research Centre
Research in the Pacifi c on Coastal infrastructure; sustainability, water security and renewable energy.

Pacific Studies Institute
Fostering understanding of Pacific history, culture, identity;climate change/labour mobility to inform future policy and leadership.

Fofonga: Platform for Pacific Research Excellence
Elevating Pacific research excellence and supporting Pacific researcher capacity at the University of Auckland. Funding for Pacific research partnerships with collaborators in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific region and Australia.

 

Case Studies

Tapasā PLD: Helping educators connect with Pacific learners

Tapasā PLD: Helping educators connect with Pacific learners

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IMAC: Supporting vaccination in the Pacific

IMAC: Supporting vaccination in the Pacific

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LEAP: Improving education in the Solomon Islands

LEAP: Improving education in the Solomon Islands

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All case studies

Pacific Innovation Contacts

Pedro van der Ent

Director, Business Development - Pacific

More about Pedro

Pedro van der Ent leads Pacific strategic engagement and partnership development for UniServices, connecting the University’s research capability with the priorities of Pacific governments, regional organisations, and international funders to develop impactful programmes across the region.

He works closely with Pacific Island governments, CROP agencies, and development partners including ADB, the World Bank, MFAT, DFAT, SPC, and SPREP on initiatives spanning climate resilience, infrastructure, environmental governance, health, education, and economic development.

With more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the public, private, and research sectors, Pedro specialises in building trusted partnerships and mobilising collaborative programmes across the Pacific and Asia-Pacific. Of Pacific heritage, he is committed to advancing Pacific-led solutions that translate research into practical outcomes for communities.