Otago's Cook Islands community creates ‘home away from home’ for overseas students

The Cook Islands community in Otago is dedicated to making overseas students feel welcome and at home.

On Sunday, Te Vaka Cook Islands of Dunedin organised a warm and heartfelt church service for young Cook Islanders and other Pacific students who are starting at the University of Otago.

The gathering wasn’t just an event. It was a way for the community to show their support for students who face the challenges of studying far from their homes and families.

Papa Ioaba Dean sharing message of encouragment to students present. Photo/Supplied

Coming together to support

The Sunday service was held at the local First Church of Otago just before the university’s official welcome.

With only 6.6 per cent of students at the university identifying as Pacific Islanders, Ioaba Dean, the chairman of Te Vaka, recognises the unique struggles that many of these students experience as they adjust to life away from home.

For Dean and the community, continuing this tradition over the past 20 years has been a meaningful way to create a welcoming environment for those who may feel isolated in a new place.

“It is great to come together as one community to welcome our students to the university and to create a welcoming and encouraging space they can call home,’’ Dean says.

Te Vaka Cook Islands of Dunedin Incorporated community members prepare for church service. Photo/Supplied

Family: A big part of Pacific culture

Paearonga Puna, a Health Science student from the islands of Aitutaki, Rakahanga, and Manihiki in the Cook Islands, spoke about the emotional challenge of being away from his family.

He described the culture shock of moving to a new place and how important family is in Pacific life.

‘’It’s really good to be around other Cook Islanders. They are basically family now. It’s nice because the homesickness hits hard.’’

The sense of community makes him and others feel like it's their home away from home.

Cook Islands students (Left to Right) Pae Puna, Jade Tierney, Eleanor Wichman, Toru Mateariki, Trina Karaponga. Photo/Supplied

The absence of language and culture

Trina Karaponga, a Health Sciences student and chairman of the Otago Cook Islands Student Association, grew up in Manihiki.

She emphasised how gatherings like these help her connect with her culture and keep her language alive.

‘’It’s been a big change for me. I’m not surrounded by culture every day, so opportunities like this to perform for Moana Nui or with a cultural group, I am very proud to do,” reflects Karaponga about her performance at Moana Nui.

She expresses gratitude for the community's support and hopes to be a pillar of strength for other students in the association.

Trina Karaponga (left) pictured in Rarotonga's high school graduation. Photo/Supplied

Encouraging environment

The supportive atmosphere created by Te Vaka is evident in the experiences of Toru Mateariki, a Civil Engineering student from Mauke.

He shares how being around others who understand the struggles of leaving home for university is comforting and motivates him to keep going.

“Surrounding yourself with like-minded people makes you feel safe, especially when it is far away from what you have known your whole life.”

Toru Mateariki (Left) pictured backstage after a cultural performance. Photo/Supplied

Here, if you need help

Chloe Benedicto, a cultural leader from Auckland, highlights the crucial role of faith within Pacific communities.

The Sunday service, conducted in Cook Islands Māori, reinforces the idea that faith and cultural values help build resilience, no matter where one is.

“This community makes me feel like I'm not alone, and I want these students to feel that. We want to look after them, and if they have anything they need, we are all here to support them.’’

Students sharing a meal after the church service. Photo/Supplied

To wrap up the service in true Pacific style, the community shared a meal featuring traditional dishes like Mainese, poke, and taro, along with some Chinese takeaways, as a gesture of love and support for the students.