Pasifika people and culture represent nearly 9% of New Zealand’s population, and at MDS, we’re proud to reflect that diversity in our creative community.

We’re committed to supporting Pasifika students by developing meaningful initiatives that help them thrive in the world of creative technology. Through this ongoing work, we’re not only making this exciting, non-traditional career pathway more accessible - but also more widely recognised and embraced.

Fale Māpura – Your Space

Our Fale Māpura is a dedicated space on our campus designed specifically with Māori and Pacific cultural practices in mind and was blessed by Dr Haare Williams (Ngāi Tūhoe and Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki). All students and their families are welcome to use this special space to talanoa (discuss), interact and learn in a cultural affirming and safe environment.

Adding to the room’s special character is a beautiful Tongan Tapa which proudly hangs on the wall and was gifted to MDS by student Lita Vatuvei and her family.

Fale Māpura – Your Space

Tāngata Māori + Pacific Peoples Matawhānui / Vision

Our Tāngata Māori + Pacific Peoples Matawhānui vision, established in 2020, set clear goals for our institution to reach an ideal future state. These goals are set out as three pillars focusing on the cultural connectedness of our institution, its learners, and its staff. It is the guiding document in our journey to an ideal cultural and inclusive state