Pacific Student Clubs on Campus
UC offers a lively cultural and social environment for Pacific students who are encouraged to retain and promote their cultural heritage and identity.
Information on the following groups is on this page:
- Samoan Students Association
- Fijian Students Association
- Tongan Students Association
- Cook Island Students Association
Samoan Students' Association (CUSSA)
The Samoan Students' Association has been around since the 1960s and is run mainly by Canterbury Students. Membership is open to all students at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and Lincoln University.
The Association organises a number of events and functions during the year, such as a welcoming function for first-year students, sports events, health workshops, study support groups, and much more.
The highlight of the year is the So‘otaga, when the Samoan Students' Associations from all seven universities around New Zealand come together in a week-long social gathering of cultural performances, speech and debating competitions, sports competitions and much more.
For more information contact
The Association Co-ordinator
Memea E Maaleopa, JP
Phone: +64 3 374 9602,
Mobile: 025 223 5955 or
Email:eleitino@hotmail.com
Fijian Students' Association
The Fijian Students' Association was founded in the 1980s, initially for International students from Fiji. The main idea behind its establishment was to create a home away from home for students who wanted to socialise with other Fijian students.
The club welcomes students from Lincoln University and the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.
Last year the club had a roll of 65 and membership is increasing every year. It holds regular social activities throughout the year, including frequent barbecues, sports days and dance nights. An important part of student life at Canterbury is getting involved in social events with people you share a common interest with.
If you would like to find out more or would like to join you can contact the club president.
Mesake Rawaikela
Phone: +64 3 942 6310
Email: mra42@student.canterbury.ac.nz
Tongan Students' Association
The Tongan Students' Association meet regularly every Friday evening for a Tongan meal at the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies.
This group provides a supportive environment for our Tongan students. Siale Faitotonu, who is the Association Co-ordinator, is a member of the Civil Engineering department and is also a Justice of the Peace.
For more information contact Siale on +64 3 364 2987, extension 6440.
Cook Island Students' Association (CISA)
This group is yet to be affiliated with UCSA but is keen to bring together all Cook Island students at UC.
In 2007, the group attended TAOKOTAIANGA which is a 3 day gathering of Cook Island University Student Associations nationwide, for cultural performances, speech, debating and sporting competitions, and plenty of fun.
All students interested in being a part of the CISA should contact the President Moana Mauauri on mnn14@student.canterbury.ac.nz or the Secretary Katrina on kem72@student.canterbury.ac.nz