UC Delegation Visit Strengthens Pacific Connections to Tonga | University of Canterbury
A delegation from the University of Canterbury (UC), led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey, recently conducted a visit to the Kingdom of Tonga aimed at enhancing connections within the Pacific region. The primary objectives of the visit included reconnecting with alumni and exploring potential collaboration opportunities.
Engagement with Tongan Sectors
During the trip, the delegation interacted with senior leaders from Tongan sectors such as education, finance, and health to discuss existing partnerships and identify areas for future collaboration. A significant outcome of the visit was the establishment of the UC/Lincoln University Tonga Alumni Association, which highlights the longstanding relationship between the University and Tonga, along with the increasing presence of alumni in the region.
Community Impact Initiatives
The delegation also recognized various community impact initiatives. For instance, Associate Professor Deborah Munro and a group of UC engineering students traveled to Tonga to work on sustainable biomedical solutions tailored for local hospitals.
Publication Honoring Dr. ‘Epeli Hau’ofa
This visit coincided with the publication of a work from the Macmillan Brown Centre at UC, which honors the contributions of Tongan scholar Dr. ‘Epeli Hau’ofa. The publication aims to promote scholarship in Tonga and inspire future generations of scholars.
Commitment to Pacific Strategy
The visit reaffirmed UC’s commitment to its Pacific Strategy, which emphasizes building strong connections and enhancing engagement at local, national, and international levels. Overall, the trip served to strengthen UC’s dedication to supporting Pacific partners through shared understanding and meaningful collaboration.
(Source: University of Canterbury)
