Proud daughter of Samoa joins her mother as leading Professors at Victoria University

“For our families who migrated from Te Moana nui a Kiwa, the dream was simple but profound — to create a better future. To see Pacific people in these positions affirms our place in Aotearoa and sends a clear message to our children: that leadership at the highest levels is not out of reach,” Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett told The Coconet.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has announced Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett as its new Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika), a role she steps into with a wealth of experience and strong connections to Pacific communities.

A proud daughter of Samoa (Sā Petāia, Sā Te’o, Sā Atoā) Emma follows in her legendary mother Tagaloatele Peggy Fairburn-Dunlop’s footsteps at Victoria, who is now semi retired.

Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop is a trailblazing Pasifika academic and an expert in a range of Pacific development issues who was the inaugural director of the Pacific Studies department Va‘aomanu Pasifika at Victoria University, where Emma will now take up residency.

Emma Dunlop-Bennett has served as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to South Africa and other African nations and brings 25 years of leadership across foreign policy, diplomacy, climate change, and community development. A pōhiri and ‘ava ceremony will soon be held to formally welcome her into this position.

Her academic and professional journey reflects a strong dedication to Pacific voices and perspectives.

Her PhD research on Samoan child wellbeing was the first in Aotearoa to position Pasifika children as experts in their own wellbeing, grounded in Pacific methodologies. Speaking on her vision, she says:

“My vision for Tangata Moana is simply this: that they recognise the brilliance within them and harness this to succeed. I joined Te Herenga Waka because I firmly believe that this is the place where Tangata Moana can soar.”

That same commitment to Pacific voices continues to shape how she leads.

“If strategy, policy and services designed for Tangata Moana are to be successful, they need to reflect the priorities as identified by Tangata Moana and be framed by their knowledge,” she told The Coconet.

“This premise was central to my research, where I worked alongside 10-year-old Samoan children to understand child wellbeing from their perspective. It has also guided my work in international development, diplomacy, and foreign policy; which I bring to Te Herenga Waka. That is, ensuring that the voices of Tangata Moana are not only heard but actively shape the systems that define our success.”

She added: “I — like so many others — firmly believe that as Tangata Moana, we cannot afford to be passive in spaces of influence. We have an important role to play. We must lead with purpose: grounded in our own narratives, informed by our people, and guided by our collective values.”

In Aotearoa New Zealand, universities are increasingly creating Pacific-focused leadership roles to better support Pacific staff and students, and to ensure Pasifika voices are heard at the highest levels. Key figures include Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa, New Zealand’s first Pasifika Vice-Chancellor, who leads the Auckland University of Technology (AUT);

Jemaima Tiatia, Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland; and Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu, the inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor Pacific at the University of Otago. Dr Dunlop-Bennett now joins this esteemed group of leaders, collectively strengthening Pacific representation and influence in higher education across the country.