A Landmark Trans-Tasman Partnership Takes Shape

On March 5, 2026, leaders from the University of Newcastle in Australia and Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland in New Zealand, gathered in Sydney to sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a significant step in fostering Pacific research partnerships between the two institutions, aiming to amplify Pacific-led solutions to pressing regional challenges. The signing ceremony, attended by key figures including University of Newcastle Chancellor the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, symbolizes a deepened commitment to trans-Tasman collaboration. Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Belinda Tynan, highlighted how this MoU formalizes a shared dedication to equitable, culturally grounded work across the region.

This partnership comes at a pivotal time, as both universities recognize the vital role of Pacific knowledge in addressing global issues like climate change and social equity. By pooling resources and expertise, they intend to create sustainable pathways for Pacific scholars, ensuring research is not only conducted but also driven by Pacific communities themselves.

Foundations in Pacific Strategies

The University of Auckland's Ala o le Moana Pacific Strategy (2025-2030) sets the stage for this collaboration. Named after the vast ocean connecting Pacific peoples, the strategy envisions the university as a world leader in Pacific excellence across research, innovation, teaching, and leadership. It outlines five key priorities: advancing Pacific student success, honoring relationships with iwi Māori and Tangata Tiriti, enriching Pacific representation, elevating Pacific-led research, and nurturing community networks. This framework emphasizes relational pedagogies, Pacific methodologies, and capacity building, with goals like achieving parity in student outcomes and boosting Pacific staff in leadership by 2030.

Meanwhile, the University of Newcastle is developing its inaugural Pacific strategy, led by Professor Robert Greenberg, who previously served as Dean of Arts at the University of Auckland. UON's current Pacific engagement focuses on environment, human and social development, and people-to-people linkages, partnering with organizations like the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). These aligned visions make the MoU a natural evolution, building on existing strengths in health, engineering, environment, and Indigenous engagement.

Core Objectives: Centering Pacific Leadership

At its heart, the MoU seeks to build Pacific research capacity by establishing pipelines from undergraduate studies through to higher degree by research (HDR) programs like Masters by Research and PhDs, extending to early- and mid-career researchers. This involves supporting Pacific scholars from research design to delivery, ensuring continuity and community involvement. The agreement promotes co-design and co-delivery of initiatives that prioritize Pacific knowledge systems and leadership, fostering innovation shaped by Pacific peoples.

Trans-Tasman opportunities will expand through staff and student exchanges, joint programs, and leadership development. This responds to the growing Pacific diaspora—442,632 people identifying with Pacific ethnicities in New Zealand's 2023 Census and at least 337,000 in Australia's 2021 Census—demanding place-based, culturally relevant research.

Priority Areas Tackling Urgent Pacific Challenges

The partnership targets research aligned with critical Pacific needs, including:

• Health and social equity: Addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 70-80% of deaths in many Pacific Island countries, exacerbated by climate-driven outbreaks like dengue.
• Sustainability and climate resilience: Pacific nations face rising sea levels threatening 50% of low-lying atolls by 2100, intense cyclones, and biodiversity loss.
• Freshwater and coastal resilience: Protecting vital resources amid saltwater intrusion and erosion.
• Housing well-being: Improving resilient, culturally appropriate housing.
• Education and skills: Building capacity for Pacific youth.
• Cultural heritage and languages: Preserving identities while upholding Indigenous data sovereignty.

These areas align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly 3 (Good Health), 13 (Climate Action), and 14 (Life Below Water).

Key Initiatives for Capacity Building

Concrete actions include researcher exchanges to facilitate knowledge sharing, Pacific-focused Masters and PhD pathways with co-supervision, and collaborative grant applications. Impact partnerships with Pacific communities will translate findings into policy briefs, open data, and practical guidance via a shared Pacific Research Impact Hub.

For example, UON's ongoing projects like microplastics research in Samoa with SPREP and WWF Pacific demonstrate practical application, studying pollution's effects on marine food webs and human health. UOA supports Pacific research through platforms like Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence, promoting ethical practices and visibility. Together, these will create leadership opportunities for emerging Pacific academics.

Insights from University Leaders

Professor Dawn Freshwater emphasized, “This agreement is about capability, continuity and community. By building Pacific research capacity together, we can scale Pacific-led solutions on the issues that matter most—from climate resilience to health equity.” Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau added, “Pacific communities have the solutions; our role is to back them with research capacity, resources and respect.” Professor Belinda Tynan noted the deepening of equitable collaboration across the Tasman.

These perspectives underscore a shift toward Pacific agency, moving beyond consultation to co-leadership in research agendas.

The Pacific Context: Diaspora and Pressing Needs

Pacific peoples in Australia and New Zealand form vibrant communities facing unique challenges. Climate change amplifies health risks, with vector-borne diseases rising due to warmer temperatures and the Pacific Community Health and Climate Change Strategy 2025-2031 highlighting system vulnerabilities. Biodiversity loss threatens ecosystems, while social inequities persist in education and housing.

This MoU positions the universities to leverage diaspora expertise, drawing on lived experiences for authentic solutions. For instance, UOA's Pacific research spans history, languages, and contemporary issues, while UON tackles plastics pollution and environmental sustainability.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Higher Education Ties

This MoU fits into a broader pattern of Australia-New Zealand university collaborations, such as UON's partnership with University of Waikato and joint open access negotiations. Events like the upcoming Trans-Tasman Higher Education Summit hosted by University of Canterbury further signal momentum. By focusing on Pacific priorities, it enhances regional higher education's global relevance.

Aspiring researchers can find opportunities in research jobs and postdoc positions through AcademicJobs.com, particularly in interdisciplinary Pacific studies.

Career Pathways and Opportunities for Scholars

The MoU opens doors for Pacific students and early-career researchers via exchanges, co-supervised PhDs, and grants. Those pursuing HDR programs will benefit from tailored pathways, mentorship, and mobility across the Tasman Sea.

In Australia, platforms like how to excel as a research assistant offer practical advice. Rate professors and courses at Rate My Professor to inform choices. Explore higher ed jobs and university jobs for roles in health, environment, and social sciences.

Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Scaling Pacific-Led Impact

Looking ahead, the partnership promises a Pacific Research Impact Hub to bridge research and policy, alongside community partnerships. Aligned with SDGs and regional forums like the Pacific Islands Forum, it could influence funding and international collaborations.

Challenges like funding sustainability and data sovereignty remain, but with committed leadership, this MoU exemplifies how higher education can drive equitable change. For those passionate about Pacific research, now is the time to engage—check postdoctoral success tips and post a job at /recruitment.

In summary, the University of Newcastle and University of Auckland's strategic MoU heralds a new era of Pacific research partnerships, promising transformative outcomes for communities across the region. Stay informed on higher ed careers via higher-ed-jobs, rate-my-professor, and higher-ed-career-advice.