'Bigger, better and totally revolutionary': Dr Melani Anae retires with high hopes for next generation

After 25 years, Auckland University farewelled renowned Pacific leader, scholar and revolutionary Dr Melani Anae, who leaves confident in the future of "conscientized students".

“The revolution I am talking about is conscientization of the spirit and the intellectual conviction of the need to change attitudes and values which perpetuate racism and the course of Aotearoa’s development," Anae says

She says she has strived to inspire people, especially Pacific peoples towards ideas of expanding perceptions and challenging the status quo.

“Now there is a sea of informed and conscientized students and graduates here and out there in the world. What more can I do?”

Anae joined the Polynesian Panther group at 17, protesting against the then-government’s policies that racially targeted Pacific migrants in the early 1970s, including the infamous Dawn Raids.

The NZ-born Sāmoan activist would then plunge into academia, publishing over 90 books, articles and commissioned reports. Anae's research included discerning differences between contemporary and traditional Pacific lived experiences.

She also documented the diasporic journey in Aotearoa, providing evidence that contributed to the historical Dawn Raid apology by the previous Labour government and then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The ceremony, which was held at Fale Pasifika, saw colleagues, former students and Polynesian Panthers honour the scholar for her service towards academia and most of all her communities.

"The Pandanus fruit has fallen but its fragrance lingers in its place," Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau said, a fellow academic referring to Anae's lasting legacy.

The ceremony's venue was fitting as it reflected Anae's efforts to fight racism and social injustice through the foundations of Pacific Studies.

The award-winning building was constructed two decades ago, which she emphasised as a milestone in creating a safe space and home for Pacific people.

Fale Pasifika. Photo/University of Auckland

“The dreamers, thinkers, movers, scholars, students and teachers will always be our strength," Anae says.

“I will happily retire and exhibit new milestones of success.

"Maintain the passion and zeal to achieve something bigger, better and totally revolutionary!"

Farewell. Photo/University of Auckland

As the ceremony closed with songs and congratulations, the Waipapa marae located next to the Fale Pasifika fittingly welcomed a crowd of first-year Māori and Pacific students.