
Hon. Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, DNZM, remembers her first day on the job as the inaugural Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika). In true Pacific fashion, she was inducted into the role with a kava ceremony hosted by her uncle, an orator and high chief, and a welcome from then-Vice-Chancellor, Pat Walsh. This was in 2010, and the role of AVC Pasifika at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington was new—the first such position for any New Zealand university.
Fourteen years later, Dame Winnie is farewelling the University. “In our culture, we don't believe in retirement or resignation. I'm departing and I'm moving on, but I'll always have a lifelong commitment to Victoria University,” she says.
Her departure is sad news for those who have worked with her over the years or benefited from her advocacy. She has had a profound impact on the Pasifika community, and the University as a whole. “Despite her extremely busy schedule, she would make time to ensure that everyone, including myself, could ask for help—a quality of a true leader. Although her departure is extremely sad, we will make it our collective goal to continue her legacy,” says Ryan Simpson, Pasifika engagement adviser.
After a busy and successful tenure as the first AVC Pasifika, Winnie says the time is right to make space for someone else. “I'm not leaving because I'm unhappy,” she says. “It’s time for me to move on, and time to bring in a new Pacific leader. There are other people out there who can be leaders, and it's beautifully set up in a way that somebody new and fresh can come in and do what needs to be done.”
First AVC Pasifika is not the only first Winnie holds. In 1999 she became the first-ever Pacific Island woman MP in New Zealand. She remained the Labour MP for the Mana electorate until 2010, when she joined Victoria University.
“Education has always been a passion of mine because it's very consistent with my commitment to social justice,” Winnie says. “Because I feel if you have an education, you have more choice, and more doors open to you. But secondly, you research, you read—you're an informed citizen.
“I'm incredibly grateful that I was given the opportunity to come to a role where I could build it up from virtually next-to-nothing. The vision was that I want Pacific young people—and the majority are young, and they're born here—to participate as equals, including being successful in education.”
Winnie is a passionate believer in making education accessible for all, especially—but not exclusively—Pacific peoples. She has spearheaded initiatives such as the annual Pasifika Roadshow, which introduces the university experience to people within their own communities. It’s not only ‘bright lights’ who belong at university, she says.
“Her tireless work ethic and deep commitment to advancing opportunities for Pasifika students and staff have created pathways for countless individuals to succeed,” says Fabie Filo, senior Pasifika engagement adviser. “Through her leadership and unwavering dedication, she has amplified our voices, celebrated our cultures, and empowered our communities to thrive. Her vision and tautua alofa have inspired and enabled me, and many others, to be here today.”
Scholarships manager Claire Williams, says, “Apart from her determination and persuasiveness, Winnie has a fabulous sense of humour and unbridled honesty. She believes in collective action for her cause, often telling me, ‘C’mon we need more palagi!’ She has set the strongest example of leadership: she is absolutely everywhere connecting the Pacific with the University. I don’t know anyone who works harder.”
Winnie has been involved with, or responsible for, many initiatives at the University, all working towards the goal of increasing opportunities for more students. There is a scholarship funded by and named after her, and she has helped coordinate a number of MOUs (memorandum of understanding) with various groups and other tertiary institutions in the Pacific.
Winnie likes to quote historian Mary Boyd, who said ‘It’s time New Zealand embraces her Pacific identity. She's a Pacific nation. She is not an outpost of Europe.’
“I like the fact that we're celebrating that we're part of the Pacific,” Winnie says. “We are of the Pacific, not in the Pacific. And I think when people know who we are—part of an incredibly unique region which has a diversity that many people in New Zealand still don't understand—we’re peoples of the Pacific. We're just not any other group.”
She has worked closely with presidents of VUWSA and the Pacific Students Council, and says they are the leaders of the future. “My heart is very much with the students,” she says.
“Winnie Laban has been a steadfast advocate for students and Pasifika communities throughout her remarkable career, especially during her time at Te Herenga Waka,” says Marcail Parkinson, VUWSA president. “Her unwavering support and care for successive VUWSA presidents have had an immeasurable impact on our organization. Winnie embodies grace and manaaki, consistently living her values and uplifting those around her.”
Porita Fruean, president of the Pasifika Students Council, agrees. “She has unwavering commitment to our success and well-being. She has been more than just a leader—she has been a mentor, a guide, and a true champion for Pasifika students.”
The numbers reflect this—the number of Pasifika students enrolled at the University, as a percentage of the student population, has increased from 4.70% in 2010 to 6.64% in 2024.
Porita worked with Winnie to create Toloa Lapita, a new room on Kelburn campus where Pasifika students can gather, connect, and feel empowered. “It is a space that truly reflects Pasifika culture,” Porita says. “It is a tangible example of Luamanuvao Winnie’s dedication to ensuring that Pasifika students not only have a presence at the university, but also a space where they can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.
“Luamanuvao Winnie’s leadership was always rooted in the values of care, respect, and community, and most especially her heart for the students. Her work has left a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of Pasifika students to succeed, knowing that they have a space where they belong.”
Being part of the extended family at the University is something Winnie has loved and is grateful for. It’s not about being individuals, she says, it’s about the sense of family, of community, of connection, and the respect for different views, even when there is disagreement. If you work with Winnie you can expect to have her pop into your office, or have a conversation in the hallway. Building relationships in person is important to her—‘walking the floor’ as she describes it.
“Her work is a masterpiece of weaving—binding people, ideas, and cultures into something stronger, more meaningful, and more enduring than any individual strand. Each connection she forges is deliberate, thoughtful, and essential to the strength of the whole.” says Dr Mele Tupou Vaitohi, from the Faculty of Law.
“Luamanuvao’s life is a testament to lifting others, especially Pacific women. She doesn’t just open doors—she creates pathways, clears obstacles, and makes space on the mat for others to find their place. Her support is unwavering and transformative, empowering others to thrive and succeed.”
Winnie has been an active part of the Provost’s team, ensuring deep connection between the Faculties and Pasifika student success. Professor Bryony James says, “It has been my great pleasure to work with Winnie since I started as Provost here just over a year ago. She has been the wise head of the Pasifika team, and the warm heart of the Provost team, and I know I speak for all the Deans when I say she will be sorely missed at our weekly hui.”
Although she is wrapping up her official role at the beginning of January 2025, Winnie says she will continue to have a lifelong commitment to Victoria University. She is looking forward to having a break, but will continue her work on the board of the Fale Malae trust, creating a visionary Pasifika building on the Wellington waterfront. She is also a patron of the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, a cause which is dear to her heart as a breast cancer survivor.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nic Smith, says it is hard to overstate Winnie’s contribution. “During her long service to the University Winnie has raised the profile and aspiration of Pasifika students. She leaves behind an incredible foundation and we will honour her legacy by continuing to build student success on it, knowing Winnie will still be close by and cheering us on.”