Strengthening Community: Lita Tu’ilalotonga Vatuvei’s Mission to Empower Māori and Pasifika Students at MDS

In this role, she is making a lasting impact by building stronger bridges between students, staff, and the wider MDS community. Her mission is clear: to empower Māori and Pasifika students to thrive academically, socially, and culturally during their time at MDS.

Understanding the Student Journey

For Lita, this role is deeply personal. Reflecting on her own student experience, she remembers a time when the support structures for Māori and Pasifika students were limited.

“There was encouragement to bring your culture into your work, but there wasn’t always someone there who could guide you culturally or provide that extra layer of assurance,” she says. “That’s something I really wanted to change for future students.”

Today, Lita draws on that experience to ensure that students feel seen, heard, and valued - both in their academic journeys and in their identities.

Her role focuses on pastoral care, helping students overcome barriers that could impact their success - whether those challenges are academic, financial, cultural, or personal.

I like to think of myself as a bridge builder,” she says. “I build connections between students and their lecturers, and between different departments across the school. It’s about making sure no one falls through the gaps.”

A Holistic Approach to Support

Lita’s approach is holistic, focusing on every aspect of a student’s well-being. She works closely with students who are flagged as at-risk - whether due to attendance, financial difficulties, mental health challenges, or other factors.

Support might involve something as practical as arranging a loan laptop for students who need a device capable of running creative software. It might mean organising transport support, connecting students with external services, or simply taking the time to check in, listen, and offer reassurance.

“Sometimes it’s just about being present,” she says. “Having someone who knows your name, asks how you’re doing, and genuinely cares makes a huge difference.”

At MDS, this personalised approach to student support reflects a broader commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all learners.

Building Confidence, One Connection at a Time

For many Māori and Pasifika students, stepping into tertiary study can feel daunting - especially when grappling with self-doubt, cultural expectations, or the fear of breaking with tradition.

Lita’s role is to help students navigate those challenges with confidence. She encourages students to embrace risk-taking, to understand that mistakes are part of growth, and to bring their full selves - including their cultural heritage - into their creative work.

“I tell students that it’s beautiful to express their culture, but there are so many ways to do it beyond just the obvious symbols,” she says. “Your identity is deeper than a flag or a flower. It's in your storytelling, your values, your way of seeing the world.”

Through one-on-one conversations, group catchups, and Māori & Pasifika lunches on campus, Lita fosters a sense of belonging that helps students stay engaged and motivated throughout their studies.

“Trust and relationship-building are everything. When students feel connected, they’re much more likely to reach out for help when they need it — and that can be the difference between struggling silently and finding a way forward.”

Making a Difference, Every Day

Whether it’s delivering a laptop to a student’s home, helping someone navigate a tough conversation with their family, or simply celebrating a small victory, Lita’s work is filled with moments of connection that leave a lasting impact.

“Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to change your whole trajectory,” she says. “I want every Māori and Pasifika student at MDS to know that they belong here, that their voices matter, and that their success is possible.”

In her role, Lita has become not just a support person, but a mentor, advocate, and living example of what’s possible when students are given the tools - and the encouragement - to thrive.

At Media Design School, the journey for Māori and Pasifika students is about more than just education. It's about empowerment, community, and building futures rooted in strength and pride - and thanks to people like Lita, that future is brighter than ever.