Originally from Fiji, Jade (Paternal links to England, Maternal - vasu Naroi, Moala Lau) moved to Aotearoa New Zealand with her family to begin a new chapter, her first time living away from the islands she calls home. As the eldest of three sisters, the transition brought both responsibility and challenge. Arriving in Christchurch, she found herself navigating unfamiliar systems and social norms, from lecture theatres filled with laptops to the independence of self-directed study.
Reflecting on her experience, Jade describes her time studying towards a Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) as one of growth and gratitude. “Looking back, I’m really thankful. I learned so much, not just academically, but through the people, and communities I became part of. It was a lot of fun, and it helped shape who I am today.”
A defining part of that journey was her leadership in reviving UCFiji, a student-led club on campus that had been inactive for 10 years. Encouraged to attend the inaugural General Meeting in her first year, Jade stepped into a room where she knew only a handful of people. Inspired by the vision of creating a space that felt like home, she put her hand up to become president.
“For me, it was about building something together,” she says. “None of us had done this before, but we all cared deeply. We wanted to create a home away from home, not just for Fijian students, but for anyone wanting to connect with our culture.”
Under Jade’s leadership, the club flourished as a place of belonging, connection and cultural pride. Working closely with the University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) and the Pacific Development Team, the group also played a key role in organising a celebration to welcome the University’s first Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, a milestone moment that brought the Pacific community together on campus.
Beyond her leadership in UCFiji, Jade was actively involved in wider Pacific initiatives, including supporting first-year students through academic transition programmes as a Pacific Academic Solutions and Success (PASS) Navigator. She also embraced opportunities to grow academically, including tutoring MAOR219: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, supporting other students to gain valuable insight into New Zealand’s cultural and legal foundations.
“Being involved in both Pacific and academic spaces was really important to me,” Jade says. “It gave me confidence and showed me the impact of supporting others.”
For Jade, her UC experience has been shaped by connection to people, culture, service and purpose. “The opportunities at UC opened my eyes to what’s possible. Whether it was through clubs, volunteering, study or UC Pacific events, I felt encouraged to get involved and give things a go.”
As she looks ahead to celebrating her graduation, Jade reflects on the community that supported her along the way, and recalls a Fijian saying, “kua ni soro”, which means never give up. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of being bold in a new environment, embracing community, and creating spaces where others can belong.
Wrapping up her time studying as an undergraduate, Jade is delighted to be marking the successful end of her first chapter in New Zealand. “Vinaka vakalevu UC, thank you very much UC! Malo.”
Jade is celebrating her graduation at this year’s Autumn Graduation Celebration held in April.
