AUT School of Sport and Rec

A huge congratulations to Dr Amy Kaukau for submitting her PhD a year early and successfully defending her thesis.

Amy’s work examined how mātauranga Māori could lead the design, purpose, and pedagogy of bicultural Physical Education, using a braided (He Awa Whiria) approach. Using Participatory Action Research, she learned from knowledge leaders to design a relational approach and tool that teachers then trialled in their practice. The thesis was theoretically challenging, bringing together Kaupapa Māori Theory and Critical Theory.

The research demonstrated that authentic bicultural PE is an ongoing, relational journey. Scaffolded tools offered low-risk entry points that surfaced assumptions and supported shifts in sequencing and authority of knowledge, but they could not replace the relational and ontological work needed for sustainable practice. The research contributes a practice-tested model of He Awa Whiria in action, a braided analytical framework, and practical guidance for Tiriti-honouring curriculum design, professional learning, and system policy.

To achieve this while balancing life as a full-time lecturer, researcher, and mum makes this accomplishment even more remarkable 🫶🏼🫶🏼

We are incredibly proud of you, Amy. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement and a significant contribution to educational research and practice 👏🏼

When finished high school, she had her heart set on studying music. But a conversation with her mum changed the direction of her journey.

“My heart was set on music after high school, but my mum sat me down and gave me a realistic perspective on future career paths and opportunities…at the time, it was a difficult conversation to have, but looking back, I’m so grateful for it.”

Today, Moli is studying a Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health at majoring in Health and Physical Education.

Growing up, she developed a passion for understanding how physical activity can positively impact both physical and mental wellbeing. More importantly, she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly within Pasifika communities.

Coming from the villages of Fasito’otai, Satapuala, Afega, Sa’anapu and Malie, Moli says education has always held deep meaning within her family.

“Coming from Samoa and starting from scratch, I have had the privilege of witnessing the hard work, resilience, and sacrifices behind my parents’ journey.”

Following her mum’s passing in 2034, Moili moved back to New Zealand. The following year, she made the decision to pursue the degree her mum had encouraged her towards 🕊️🤍

“If it wasn’t for her guidance, I probably wouldn’t be studying Health and Physical Education today… in many ways, completing this degree is part of honouring her and the sacrifices she made for me.”

For Moli, success isn’t measured by titles or achievements.

“Success looks like being true to yourself and doing what you love.”

Maybe her mum saw something she couldn’t see at the time.

Today, Moli is following a path she never originally planned, but one that allows her to make a difference in the lives of others while honouring the woman who helped guide her there. 🇼🇸

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That concludes our Samoa Language Week series. Fa’afetai lava to everyone who trusted us with their stories this week 💙

In 2024, .luana became just the second female swimmer in Samoa’s history to compete at the

Currently completing a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation at and finishing her co-operative internship with , Kaiya is proving that high-performance sport, study, and industry experience can go hand in hand.

Her grandfather was a Fijian athlete who competed across volleyball, hockey, football, and basketball, representing Fiji at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th South Pacific Games. Decades later, Kaiya would create her own chapter, representing Samoa on the international stage.

After joining Samoa’s national swimming team in 2019, Kaiya progressed from Pacific competition to the world’s biggest sporting stage. Along the way, she represented Samoa at international competitions across the Pacific, Japan, Qatar, and the United States, before earning selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Reflecting on the people who have shaped her journey, Kaiya says family has always been at the centre.

“My biggest influence on my journey has definitely been my family and support system… mum and dad have been so supportive of everything I do. Without my parents nothing would be possible. All of my achievements are theirs too.”

For other Pasifika students, Kaiya offers this advice:

“It’s never too late to connect with your culture and the communities around you. I only got to the position where I am today by saying yes to opportunities and working hard to make the most of them. It led me to a life that began as a dream and is now a reality.”

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As Samoa Language Week draws to a close, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year’s series.

Fa’afetai tele lava to our students, alumni, and community members for sharing their journeys. It has been a privilege to help tell these stories and celebrate the people, cultures, and communities that continue to shape them. 🇼🇸

For much of her childhood, thought her parents were simply doing what parents do.

Working long hours. Driving their children to trainings and competitions. Supporting every opportunity they could. Putting family first.

It wasn’t until she got older that she began to understand what those sacrifices really meant.

“At times, I felt down that I couldn’t financially help my family, especially seeing how hard my parents worked for us.”

A final year Sport and Exercise Science student at , Morticia says that feeling has stayed with her.

Growing up as the youngest sibling, she was often quiet, reserved, and observant. She watched her parents work tirelessly to create opportunities for their family and rarely ask for anything in return.

“They never complained and always put our family first, and that is something I will always be grateful for.”

Sport played a major role in her upbringing, particularly kickboxing.

Supported by her parents and encouraged by her older brother, the sport taught her resilience, discipline, and mental strength.

“Kickboxing came with many highs and lows and really challenged me mentally…It taught me a lot about myself and helped shape the person I am today.”

But the lessons that have stayed with her most did not come from training or competition. They came from watching her parents.

Now balancing work alongside her studies, Morticia says their example continues to drive her every day.

“That feeling has stayed with me and continues to motivate me to work hard and make the most of every opportunity.”

For Morticia, success isn’t measured by money, titles, or achievements.

Instead, it comes back to a much simpler goal.

“What matters most is making my parents proud, seeing them happy, and knowing that all of their sacrifices meant something.”

As we celebrate Samoa Language Week and reflect on this year’s theme, E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u (From the high mountains come the blessings of the village), Morticia’s story is a reminder that some of life’s greatest lessons are not taught through words.

Sometimes they are learned by quietly watching the people who love us most 🇼🇸💙🥹

For much of her childhood, thought her parents were simply doing what parents do.

Working long hours. Driving their children to trainings and competitions. Supporting every opportunity they could. Putting family first.

It wasn’t until she got older that she began to understand what those sacrifices really meant.

“At times, I felt down that I couldn’t financially help my family, especially seeing how hard my parents worked for us.”

A final-year Sport and Exercise Science student at AUT, Morticia says that feeling has stayed with her.

Growing up as the youngest sibling, she was often quiet, reserved, and observant. She watched her parents work tirelessly to create opportunities for their family and rarely ask for anything in return.

“They never complained and always put our family first, and that is something I will always be grateful for.”

Sport played a major role in her upbringing, particularly kickboxing.

Supported by her parents and encouraged by her older brother, the sport taught her resilience, discipline, and mental strength.

“Kickboxing came with many highs and lows and really challenged me mentally.. it taught me a lot about myself and helped shape the person I am today.”

But the lessons that have stayed with her most did not come from training or competition. They came from watching her parents.

Now balancing work alongside her studies, Morticia says their example continues to drive her every day.

“That feeling has stayed with me and continues to motivate me to work hard and make the most of every opportunity.”

For Morticia, success isn’t measured by money, titles, or achievements. Instead, it comes back to a much simpler goal.

“What matters most is making my parents proud, seeing them happy, and knowing that all of their sacrifices meant something.”

As we celebrate Samoa Language Week and reflect on this year’s theme, E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u (From the high mountains come the blessings of the village), Morticia’s story is a reminder that some of life’s greatest lessons are not taught through words.

Sometimes they are learned by quietly watching the people who love us most 🇼🇸💙

“For so long, Pasifika people have contributed immensely to sport, but often our stories have only been told through our performances on the field.” 🗣️🗣️

AUT alumna is helping change that.

Lucy is the Digital Content Manager at New Zealand Rugby League, overseeing content across the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and NZRL grassroots channels.

Passionate about storytelling, Lucy believes representation behind the scenes matters just as much as representation on the field.

“Seeing more Pasifika voices behind the camera, in media, communications, marketing, and leadership roles allows us to tell our stories with authenticity and depth.”

For Lucy, storytelling is about more than content creation.

“It’s about preserving culture, celebrating identity, and ensuring our communities feel seen, heard, and valued.”

When reflecting on this year’s Samoa Language Week theme, E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u (From the high mountains come the blessings of the village), Lucy points to her parents and family as the foundation of her journey.

“My parents have been the foundation of everything I do. Through their sacrifices, hard work, and unwavering faith, they taught me the importance of resilience, humility, and serving others.”

Today, those lessons continue to guide her work.

“As a Samoan woman in sport media and communications, I know I may be one of only a few Pasifika people in certain rooms. Rather than seeing that as pressure, I see it as an opportunity to represent my family, my culture, and my community well.”

Her message to young Pasifika people considering careers in sport is simple:

“Don’t underestimate the value of your culture, your story, and your perspective. The things that make you different are often the things that make you valuable.”

“Growing up, many of us only saw Pasifika people on the field, but there are so many ways to contribute to sport beyond being an athlete. Whether it’s media, marketing, communications, photography, videography, design, events, or leadership, there is a place for you.”

“Ia e lototele, ia e fa’atuatua, ma ia e mitamita i lou fa’asinomaga. Be brave, have faith, and be proud of who you are.” 🌺🇼🇸

For many Pasifika communities, represented something bigger than rugby.

It was a space where Pacific cultures, values, and identities were visible at the highest level of professional sport.

For AUT student .passi , a recent placement with the organisation offered a firsthand look at what that representation can mean.

Currently studying a Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health, majoring in Exercise Science and Nutrition, Sarah says the experience left a lasting impression.

“My recent placement with Moana Pasifika was very special. It was the first time I’d been in a professional setting where Pacific culture wasn’t something you had to tone down. It was genuinely a part of how they operated, including halftime performances, pre and post-match experiences, and everything in between.”

For Sarah, one of the most powerful aspects of the placement was seeing Pacific representation beyond the playing group.

“Being surrounded by Pacific leaders and staff showed me what representation looks like in practice.”

The experience also helped shape how she sees her own future.

“It gave me confidence and clarity that one day I want to use my skills to contribute to success in a way that helps create opportunities for others coming through the same pathway.”

“I am very honoured to have been part of a team that proved Pacific identity and culture belongs on the big stage.”

As conversations continue around the future of Moana Pasifika, Sarah’s experience highlights the impact these organisations can have beyond the field.

They create pathways, build confidence, and help young people see what is possible when culture, identity, and opportunity come together.

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This Samoa Language Week, the AUT School of Sport, Exercise & Health is sharing stories celebrating the people, values, and communities that continue to shape Pasifika pathways 💙🇼🇸

PART 2: THE BLESSINGS 🇼🇸

For Cynthia Ta’ala-Timaloa, the blessings of the village were never meant to stop with one person.

After years spent coaching athletes, developing coaches, supporting women and girls, serving communities, and creating opportunities for others, she now finds herself becoming one of the mountains she once looked up to.

“Being a mountain is not about standing above people. It’s about standing beside them, lifting them up, creating opportunities, and encouraging them to see their own potential.”

The philosophy that guides her work is simple.

“The blessings that flowed to me through others were never meant to stop with me. They were meant to be shared..the greatest blessing is not just what I have achieved, but being able to pass those blessings forward by investing in others, just as others invested in me.”

When asked what she hopes people remember, Cynthia doesn’t mention coaching roles, board positions, or titles.

“Other than my hair and my subtle voice HA!, I hope people remember how I treated them…I hope people remember that I treated everyone with genuine love, care, and respect, regardless of their race, gender, background, or status.”

“If there is one thing I hope people take away from knowing me, it is that they felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.”

“If my younger self could see the woman I am today, she would be most proud that I didn’t give up on us.”

Despite the setbacks, disappointments, and obstacles, Cynthia never stopped growing. She remained true to who she is, continued to serve others, and now has the opportunity to support those coming behind her.

“Most of all, she would be proud that I honoured the dreams she carried in her heart and turned them into a life built on faith, purpose, service, and love for others.”
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This week, as part of Samoa Language Week (31 May–6 June), the AUT School of Sport, Exercise & Health is celebrating the people, cultures, and communities that continue to shape and inspire our students and alumni 💙

PART 1: THE MOUNTAINS 🇼🇸

Talofa lava o lou igoa ō Ta’ala. O lo’u Tamāa e sau i le nu’u lea o Lelepa ile tuātutanē. A’o lo’u Tinā e sau mai le nu’u lea o Pū’apu’ā ile fa’asaleleaga.

Currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise at AUT, Cynthia Ta’ala-Timaloa has spent much of her career creating opportunities for others.

Her journey has included coaching on its Rugby World Cup pathway, supporting women and girls in sport, educating coaches across Aotearoa, serving on governance boards, and helping strengthen opportunities for Pasifika communities through sport.

Yet when she reflects on her own journey, she doesn’t start with the roles she has held. She starts with the people who invested in her.

This year’s Samoa Language Week theme, E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u (From the high mountains come the blessings of the village), recognises the people and communities who help shape our journeys.

For Cynthia, those mountains have looked different throughout her life.

“As a young athlete, my mountains were my coaches, mentors and friends. They challenged me, believed in me, and helped me see opportunities beyond what I could see for myself…as I grew older, my family became my mountains. Their sacrifices, support, love, and belief in me provided the foundation that allowed me to pursue my goals and continue moving forward.”

Today, she says her mountain stands firmly on faith.

“Through every success, challenge, setback, and opportunity, my faith has become my greatest source of strength, guidance, and purpose.”

Looking back, Cynthia says the greatest blessing was never a title, role, or achievement. It was the belief others had in her before she fully had it in herself.

“My journey has not necessarily followed what people might expect a first-generation Samoan-born journey to look like. There have been twists, lessons, and experiences that have shaped me in unique ways.”

➡️ Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2: The Blessings

Talofa lava, my name is Isara Paramore, a second-year AUT student majoring in Health & Physical Education 🇼🇸

Having spent the first 18 years of her life in Samoa, Isara says home continues to influence the way she studies, leads, and connects with others.

“Samoa will always be home to me, and the values I was raised with there continue to guide me every day…my family, culture and community have played a huge role in shaping the person I am and the way I move through life.”

Growing up in Samoa, sport was never simply about competition.

“Sport was never just about winning or losing. It was about community, connection, family and representing something bigger than yourself.”

Basketball opened doors she never imagined possible, including opportunities to represent Samoa internationally and experience different parts of the world. Those experiences inspired her to pursue a career in Health and Physical Education, alongside the influence of a teacher who showed her the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

“She made a lasting impact on my life, and I hope to be that same source of support and encouragement for future generations.”

Moving to NZ brought exciting opportunities, but it also meant leaving behind everything that was familiar. While adjusting to university life wasn’t always easy, sport became an anchor.

“Sport became something that grounded me and helped me find a sense of belonging.”

Through basketball, volunteering, coaching, and her involvement with Isara has continued to build community while carrying the values that shaped her in Samoa.

Looking ahead, she hopes more Pasifika students feel confident stepping into spaces where they may not always see themselves represented.

“Don’t be afraid to take up space, use your voice and chase opportunities. We need more Pasifika representation in our schools, universities, workplaces and leadership spaces…don’t wait for someone else to be that representation for our people - be that representation.”

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This week, as part of Samoa Language, we are celebrating the people, cultures, and communities that continue to shape and inspire our students and alumni 🇼🇸🫶🏼