Rate My Professor Viena Faiva

Viena Faiva serves as the Pacific Student Support Facilitator on a part-time basis within the Dean's Office of the University of Otago Business School, part of the Division of Commerce. She is of Tongan descent, originating from the villages of Afo e Teau - Malapo and Lolo a Halaevalu - Neiafu Tahi in Vava'u, Tonga. As the fourth of six children, Faiva contributes to her family's small year-round business venture in Tonga. Her academic journey at the University of Otago began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2018, featuring double majors in Communication Studies and Pacific Studies. Originally aiming for a career in reporting, her interests evolved through practical experiences toward business and international commerce.

Building on her undergraduate foundation, Faiva earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom) specialising in International Business in 2022. This was followed by her Master of Business (MBus) in the same specialisation, conferred in August 2025. A transformative internship served as the catalyst for this direction: as Marketing and Communication Coordinator at the Bunnings Warehouse head office in Auckland, arranged via the TupuToa Internship Programme. In her support role, Faiva aids first-year Pacific students and also acts as Pacific Communications Adviser. She has actively participated in Pacific-focused initiatives, such as the 2022 Pacific community business workshop, which drew over 20 young attendees each day for skill-building activities that started with breakfast and group workshops, fostering team dynamics and challenging participants to think collaboratively and confidently. Faiva has contributed talanoa and kōrero to university news on iTaukei voices in workplace safety, strengthening Pacific pathways in biomedical sciences, and other Pacific student matters. Mentored by Associate Dean Pacific Esmay Lemalu-Eteuati, she enhances inclusive support for Pacific students in the Otago Business School.