Partnership to grow Pacific research pipelines and accelerate Pacific led solutions

Thursday, 5 March 2026

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University of Newcastle and the University of Auckland sign MoU

group of leaders smiling to camera, sitting and standing around a table with University of Newcastle blue tablecloth
Seated L-R: University of Auckland Vice‑Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater and University of Newcastle Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM Back row L-R: University of Auckland Pro Vice‑Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia‑Siau, University of Newcastle Pro-Vice Chancellor, College of Human and Social Futures Professor Robert Greenberg and Dr Alek Voninski, Pro-Vice Chancellor Global

The University of Newcastle and Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland (New Zealand) today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build Pacific research capacity and expand opportunities for Pacific scholars, students and communities across and Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The signing was attended by the University of Newcastle Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM and University of Auckland Vice‑Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater and Pro Vice‑Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia‑Siau.

At the heart of the agreement is a commitment to co‑design and co‑deliver initiatives that centre Pacific knowledge and leadership - including researcher exchanges, Pacific‑focused Masters and PhD pathways, co‑supervision, collaborative grants, and impact partnerships with Pacific communities.

The MoU will establish a practical pipeline from undergraduate through to HDR (Masters by Research/PhD) and early‑ to mid‑career researchers, ensuring Pacific scholars are supported from research design through to delivery.

“This agreement is about capability, continuity and community. By building Pacific research capacity together, we can scale Pacific‑led solutions on the issues that matter most - from climate resilience to health equity," said Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice‑Chancellor, University of Auckland.

Working together on pipelines and joint research

Under the MoU, both universities will:

  • Co‑create HDR pathways (shared supervision, jointly developed research programmes) for Pacific scholars;
  • Support staff and student mobility and leadership development for emerging Pacific academics;
  • Collaborate on research that responds to Pacific priorities - health and social equity, sustainability, freshwater and coastal resilience, housing well-being, education and skills, and cultural heritage and languages, upholding Indigenous data sovereignty;
  • Translate evidence to impact via a shared Pacific Research Impact Hub (policy briefs, open data, practice guidance) and community‑based partnerships.

Professor Jemaima Tiatia Siau, Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland said building research capacity ensures Pacific‑led innovation and strategies are shaped, driven and implemented by Pacific peoples, through co‑designed research, shared pathways for emerging scholars and collaborative trans‑Tasman partnerships like this MoU

“Pacific communities have the solutions; our role is to back them with research capacity, resources and respect. This MoU helps ensure Pacific scholars lead- from research questions and methods to outcomes that matter on the ground.”

University of Newcastle’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Belinda Tynan said it was a proud moment to formalise the trans-Tasman relationship between the two universities.

“The University of Newcastle is proud to formalise our partnership with Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. This agreement deepens our shared commitment to equitable, culturally-grounded collaboration across our region,” Professor Tynan said.

“Together, we will co‑design pathways that grow Pacific research leadership, expand joint research programs, and create new staff and student exchange opportunities across the Tasman.”

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