Samoa’s Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett has been appointed by Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington as Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika).
Dr Dunlop-Bennett is from the aiga Sā Petāia, Sā Te’o and Sā Atoā in Samoa. Her mother, afioga Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop (CNZM) is a well-recignised trailblazer in women’s empowerment.
The Dunlops lived in Samoa from 1981 to 2005 when Tagaloatele worked for aid organisations based in the Pacific such as UNDP, UNIFEM and UNESCO.
Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett and her four sisters were raised in Samoa in the village of Tanugamanono, and attended Apia Primary, Leifiifi Intermediate and Samoa College during that time. Emma has also worked in Fiji and Vanuatu.
Tagaloatele was the inaugural director of Va’aomanu Pasifika, the Pacific Studies department at Victoria University of Wellington and received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019.
All four sisters of Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett graduated from Victoria University, as well as her eldest daughter Elena Bennett. Her second daughter Grace Bennett is currently completing her undergraduate degree, and her niece, Emele-Moa Makisi Setefano works at the University.
Dr Dunlop-Bennett is also of Māori (Ngāti Maniapoto) descent, and is a former New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa and other African countries.
Her work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade included leadership roles in strategic policy and climate change.
Dr Dunlop-Bennett’s PhD research was on Samoan perspectives on child wellbeing. It was the first research in New Zealand that positioned Pasifika children as experts on their wellbeing and created a space – grounded in Pacific research methods – for them and their parents to share their knowledge.
She also holds a Master of Philosophy majoring in International Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography.
“My vision for Tangata Moana is simply this: that they recognise the brilliance within them and harness this to succeed,” she says.
“I joined Te Herenga Waka because I firmly believe that this is the place where Tangata Moana can soar.”
“Success is not only possible – it is inevitable when Tangata Moana are empowered and supported. I’ve spent much of my career working alongside Pacific communities – both here and across the region – where I’ve seen the power of education transform lives and open up new futures.”
Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett has extensive experience leading projects and policy work throughout the Pacific and is looking forward to bringing her connections and wealth of experience to support and promote Pasifika education and research at Victoria University.
The AVC Pasifika is part of the Provost’s team and Provost Professor Bryony James, is delighted to welcome Emma to the ‘aiga.
“We are all looking forward to working with Emma and excited to have such an accomplished Pacific woman joining the team..
“With Emma’s leadership we will be able to build on the remarkable legacy of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban as we ensure Te Herenga Waka is a welcoming and aspirational home for Pacific staff and students.”
The Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika is now based on the ground floor of the Old Kirk building on Kelburn campus.
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