Tomasi Connor, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geography and Development Studies this December, has had a deep interest and passion for geographic studies from a young age—a passion for which he credits his family.
“My dad is a geography and economics teacher, most of my cousins who attended university studied geology and geography, and growing up my family did a lot of travel, which sparked my interest in people, places, and environmental processes,” says Tomasi.
“I guess it was kind of a family ordeal!” Tomasi, who has Samoan, Lebanese, and Irish ancestry, grew up in Whanganui and spent part of his childhood living in the Netherlands. He chose Te Herenga Waka for its proximity to home, and its rugby team. “The level of rugby is a cut above. I knew if I’d attend university down South or up North, I’d get homesick.”
An avid rugby player, Tomasi thoroughly enjoys any kind of physical activity, “Whether that’s running or busting out some dance moves at Lulus at 3 am,” he laughs. He received the Old Boys University Academy Rugby Football Club Rugby Scholarship in 2023 and says, “I enjoy playing rugby as a first-five-eight and was fortunate enough to be a member of the Old Boys University Rugby Academy led by the legendary Tomasi Palu.”
A highlight of Tomasi’s university experience was his final year Geography courses GEOG324 and GEOG325, which both involved year-long projects and fieldwork. Tomasi and his classmates extracted soil samples from Pounui Lagoon in South Wairarapa, using them to calculate soil organic matter to investigate the carbon sequestration levels of the wetlands.
“In simple terms, our research investigated how much carbon is stored in Pounui Lagoon. The beauty of those courses is that you get the opportunity to carry out research from start to finish, work as a team, forge great bonds, and contribute to geographic research.”
Currently working as Coordinator, People & Capability (Human Resources) with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Tomasi hopes to eventually expand on the knowledge he gained in Development Studies to address the environmental and social challenges facing the Pacific Islands.
Looking ahead, Tomasi plans to apply his geographic skills in the environmental sector, specifically in environmental restoration. “My dream job would be a DOC ranger or working for another environmental agency or organisation,” he says.
Tomasi is looking forward to his graduation event, where he will address his fellow graduands as the graduation speaker in the Science and Engineering ceremony.
“University exposed me to unparalleled ways of thinking and approaching the world,” he says. “Through different theories, approaches, and ways of teaching, I feel equipped to take on life's next adventures.”