The University of Auckland opened a new digital repository of Pacific research on 8 October. The platform, named Measina o le Pasefika (Treasures of the Pacific), was launched in the Fa’anana Efeso Collins Space of the university’s General Library. Pro Vice‑Chancellor Pacific, Professor Fonoia Jemaima Tiatia‑Siau officially opened the site. She described the repository as “more than a digital archive” and called it “a living vessel of Pacific scholarship that connects past, present and future generations while keeping Pacific voices, identities and ways of knowing preserved and accessible.” The repository was created through a partnership between Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence and Te Kahu Tauira, Student Scholarly Services. The university said the initiative responds to a growing need for Pacific research to be visible and accessible beyond academic circles. Fofonga director Dr Charmaine “Ilaiu” Talei opened the launch and said Pacific knowledge must reach the communities it is meant to serve. “Research should not remain confined to the ivory tower. Measina o le Pasefika is about ensuring Pacific knowledge reaches those who need it the most, namely our communities we serve, the government policymakers, our funders, and our potential collaborators,” she said. Talei credited the partnership between Fofonga and Rachel Chidlow and Dr Jo Simons of Te Kahu Tauira with bringing the repository into being, and thanked researchers for entrusting their work to it. She also recognised Fofonga research assistants Arielle Carke and Vaiola Tauti, who worked with researchers across the university and invited them to add their scholarship to the platform. The repository features original artwork by Tongan artist Benjamin Work, based on the concept of measina and the kupesi Humu (triggerfish). The university said the artwork reflects the relationship between seascape and skyscape and stands for navigation, connection and the passing of knowledge between generations. University officials said the platform is expected to strengthen the visibility and reach of Pacific research by giving it a permanent home, ensuring it remains available to inform research, policy, teaching and community development.
Article source: Solomon Times Online | Image credit: Solomon Times Online