Pasifika Communities University

Meet Setela Rasiga, Project Assistant at the Regional Institute for Leadership Development (RILED).

Setela has been a member of the PCU Vuvale since 2021, when she joined the first cohort of the Young Academic’s Program, a programme that empowers youth leaders through learning and through the completion of a Diploma in Applied Mission Studies. Her learnings have been a positive one, both for Setela and for her community members in Nalase. Part of Setela’s experience in the Young Academics programme required that she return to the elders in Nalase and learn from them and with them. During her studies, she learned about the indigenous way of preventing soil erosion, the ‘nana,’ planting tiriwai along the riverbank. Through Setela’s learnings and with the help of the youth and community members, the practice of ‘nana’ has started up again and it has built up the soil in Nalase.

Since the completion of the Young Academics Program, Setela has completed a Certificate in Ecological Accounting and a Diploma in Pasifika Leadership and Resilience. She now raises awareness on the value of natural resources, educating community members on how the ecosystem contributes to the daily living. Setela is heavily involved in communities-based projects and volunteer work with the Community Learning Centres. She is also a big part of the PCU communications team, whether it be through photography, filming interviews, or through capturing community stories.

Tereua Kaintoka has a passion for her Kiribati language. It began when she was hired as an Adjunct Faculty at Brigham Young University–Provo to teach Kiribati Language and Culture. The lack of resources in her field pushed her to rethink her approach, leading her to focus on language documentation. Recognizing the importance of preserving Kiribati for future generations, she has embarked on a journey to contribute to its linguistic foundation. Tereua is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Linguistics with the goal of giving back to her heritage and ensuring the language thrives for years to come.

Tereua’s experience working as the Kiribati Language and Culture Ambassador includes language advocacy in media, language documentation, cultural sensitivity information, resource development and community engagement in the Kiribati language. As the Kiribati adjunct faculty at Brigham Young University, she is heavily involved in curriculum development, teaching and instruction of the Kiribati language, assessment and evaluation of programmes, professional development, cultural enrichment and student support.

Mauri, Tereua. We look forward to having you join us at Pasifika Communities University.

Apply now to do your Master of Theology focusing on Ecological justice. Scan the QR code for more information.

Sainimere Balenacagi is joining the 2026 Toloa cohort from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she is currently working on her Masters in Biological Science Education, in the department of Biology. Her thesis work is particularly focused on how Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) impacts Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in junior high STEM classrooms: A pilot study using authentic drone and robotic images.

Some of Sainimere’s work in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) includes presentations titled “Fostering Science Community Inclusion through Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Impact on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Students’ Self-efficacy, Science Identity and Values" and "Investigating how Traditional Ecological Knowledge impacts Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in junior high STEM classrooms."

Sainimere also comes with a range of teaching experience. She is currently a BIO 100: Principles of Biology teaching assistant, leading weekly recitation sessions to reinforce lecture material and facilitate student understanding, grading assignments and quizzes, providing timely and constructive feedback to students, and assisting students in applying biological concepts to problem-solving scenarios.

Before pursuing her master’s degree, Sainimere was the Science Teacher and Athletics Manager at Fiji LDS Church College for five years. She designed and delivered curriculum and comprehensive lesson plans for secondary science courses tailored to the needs of diverse learners; developed instructional materials and assessments aligned with curriculum objectives to enhance student understanding and engagement; and provided direct classroom instruction, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. In her teaching capacity, she also prepared and administered laboratory sessions, ensuring safety protocols and effective use of resources, graded laboratory reports and assignments, providing constructive feedback to support student growth, and maintained accurate records of student performance and submitted assessments to the Course Coordinator.

We welcome Sainimere to the Pasifika Philosophies Course and we look forward to having her join us this year.

Joining our 2026 toloa cohort this year is John Beckinsale, a PhD Candidate from the University of Queensland, the School of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS). John also holds a Masters of International Relations from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Business-International Marketing degree from Queensland University of Technology.

John’s professional experience includes working as a sessional academic at the Queensland University of Technology for three years, where he tutored and marked students’ Undergraduate business capstone units. His work ethic and passion for learning are reflected in his selection as the recipient of the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence (VCAE), Teaching Excellence Team Category.

He was also a QUT HIQ Advisor, where he provided guidance and responding to the enquiries of students’ prospective students, staff and members of the public; a Programs, Policy and Risk Officer at Edmund Rice Foundation, where he led a three-person team to prepare a DFAT’s NGO Cooperation Program; and a marketing intern with the Japanese Professional Football League, where he completed research, produced reports and delivered pitches for how the league can engage Thai and Indonesian fans.

John speaks Japanese. In his free time, he likes to read, rock climb, and play the drums.

The School of Theology and Ecumenism (SOTE) at Pasifika Communities University invites applications for the Master of Theology (MTh) programme, offered online with both full-time and part-time study options.

Rooted in the Pacific and open to the world, this programme explores Whole of Life theology and ecumenism, drawing on Indigenous wisdom, faith, culture, and community. It is designed for those who seek to deepen their understanding, strengthen their leadership, and serve with purpose in their communities and ministries.

Join a learning journey that connects faith with everyday life and equips you to make a meaningful difference.

Applications are now open!!

Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusive Leadership

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Sashi Kiran, met last week with representative from Pasifika Communities University (PCU), Director of Centre for Gender and Social Justice - CGSJ Emele Duituturaga, to explore opportunities for collaboration, learning, and community development. Also present was the Ministry's Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Selina Kuruleca.

A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on Pasifika Communities University's academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Ecumenism, Bachelor of Divinity, and Master of Theology. Equally important was the exploration of how PCU can partner with the Ministry to support programmes that promote healing, restoration, and transformation for individuals and communities facing social challenges. The conversation focused on building pathways from brokenness to wholeness, strengthening resilience, restoring dignity, and empowering people to rebuild their lives through education, faith-based learning, and community-centred support. Director Emele also presented the 2025 report, ReSTORYing Gender for Transformative Leadership for Justice: A Niu Pasifika Gender Paradigm, which offers fresh Pacific perspectives on gender, leadership, and social justice.

Discussions underscored the value of education, research, and meaningful dialogue in nurturing inclusive leadership and building stronger, more resilient communities across Fiji.

Fiji Weather Update - Monday 15 June 2026

⚠️ Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji.

⚠️ Strong Wind Warning remains in force for all land areas of Fiji.

⚠️ Coastal Inundation Alert remains in force for:

Southern coastal areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca
Southern Viti Levu (Natadola, Coral Coast, Navua)
Kadavu and nearby islands
Moala and the Southern Lau Group
What to Expect
Rain and thunderstorms across most of Fiji, becoming heavier and more frequent from later today.
Localised heavy rain may cause flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Strong easterly to northeasterly winds of 40 to 55 km/h, with gusts up to 65 km/h.
Rough to very rough seas.
Coastal flooding is possible in vulnerable coastal areas, especially during high tide.
Navua, Suva and Nausori
Strong northeasterly winds of 40 to 55 km/h, with gusts up to 65 km/h.
Rain and thunderstorms becoming heavy from later today.
Temperatures between 22°C and 27°C.
Outlook for Wednesday
Weather expected to improve, with brief showers in some areas and mainly fine conditions elsewhere.
Strong winds will continue in parts of Viti Levu, Kadavu, Lomaiviti, Moala, and the Southern Lau Group.
Seas will remain moderate to rough.

Residents are advised to stay alert, avoid flooded areas, secure loose items, and monitor weather updates from the Fiji Meteorological Service.

Pasifika Communities University was privileged to host Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, and Disaster Management, during last week's State of the Ocean Convening.

While attending the State of the Ocean Convening, Hon. Regenvanu's visit to PCU was also deeply personal. Many years ago, his father studied at the institution, creating a lasting connection between the Regenvanu family and the university. During his time on campus, Hon. Regenvanu made a special visit to the home where his father and family lived while he was a student. The visit was both nostalgic and meaningful, allowing him to reconnect with an important chapter of his family's history and the legacy of Pacific education and leadership.

As part of his visit, Hon. Regenvanu also generously donated several books authored by himself and his mother to the George Knight Library on campus. The donation reflects a commitment to preserving Pacific knowledge, history, and storytelling, ensuring that future generations have access to resources that celebrate Pacific voices and experiences.

The books were received on behalf of Manu Folau by Madam Tautai Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, together with Fa'atere Brian Bird, Dr Manu Roosen Head of School of Ecology and Resilience Development and George Knight Library Librarian Nalini Premadish and Evelyn Bale. The university is grateful for this contribution, which will enrich the library's growing collection of Pacific scholarship and literature.

Hon. Regenvanu's visit was a wonderful reminder of the enduring connections that exist across the Pacific and the important role educational institutions play in shaping future leaders.

Matelita Lewanitokalau Tuimanu joins our 2026 cohort with a wide range of community experience. She is currently employed with PCU’s Regional Institute for Leadership & Development (RILED) programme as the L2 Course Coordinator Assistant.

Her responsibilities include coordinating academic programs and providing support for course delivery across RILED training initiatives; planning, organising, and assisting in workshops on course writing, academic development, and symposium activities; liasing with regional coordinators regarding courses offered, and programme schedules and implementation; coordinating student logistics, including travel arrangements, accommodation, and participation in training programs and events; monitoring academic course content and ensuring technical and accreditation requirements are met, designing and helping establish student support and administrative services; compiling student grades, preparing final results, and assisting with transcripts; maintaining accurate student records and preparing academic and administrative reports; assisting with Community Learning Centre (CLC) symposiums and related events; and presenting course information and programmes at high schools to support outreach and student recruitment.

She currently holds a Diploma in Pasifika Leadership and Resilience Training, a Diploma in Project Management, and a Certificate in Ecological Intermediate Accounting.
Matelita is a great asset to the RILED team and we are excited to have her be part of our course this year.