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Pacific-i
initiate -innovate- inspire

Catalysing excellence in Pacific STEM, Industry and Innovation

Pacific-i is championing a future where Pacific brilliance is visible, valued, and shaping the direction of Aotearoa’s innovation economy. We empower Pacific students, communities, and emerging leaders through culturally grounded STEM experiences that ignite curiosity, build capability, and open pathways to meaningful, future-focused careers.

Pacific-i Ecosystem

Operating at the intersection of community, academia, and industry, Pacific-i is the creative and operational engine behind a growing Pacific STEM ecosystem. We bring ideas to life by providing the expertise, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships needed to design and deliver transformative initiatives. Every programme is high-quality, culturally aligned, evidence-led, and anchored in Pacific aspirations.

We believe our collective strength is our greatest asset. When Pacific communities and partners move together with purpose, we accelerate opportunity, unlock potential, and build a more innovative and inclusive Aotearoa.

"E vave taunu’u le malaga pe a tatou alo va’a fa’atasi" – Our destiny is within sight when we paddle our canoe together.

Pacific-i is the backbone organisation and serves as the operational and innovation backbone for the Pacific-i STEM ecosystem. It provides the expertise, infrastructure, delivery capability, and sector connections needed to bring initiatives to life. As the central connector, Pacific-i ensures that programmes are high quality, culturally aligned, evidence based, and strategically relevant
Pacific-iBackbone Organisation

Pacific-i serves as the operational and innovation backbone for the Pacific-i STEM ecosystem. It provides the expertise, infrastructure, delivery capability, and sector connections needed to bring initiatives to life. As the central connector, Pacific-i ensures that programmes are high quality, culturally aligned, evidence-based, and strategically relevant.

Pacific STEM Leadership AllianceNetwork & Governance

The Pacific STEM Leadership Alliance is the collective voice for the region's STEM leaders. It provides governance, strategic guidance, and collaborative framework that connects individuals, institutions, and communities across the Aotearoa, NZ. 

Pacific STEM RISINGFlagship Pipeline Initiative

Pacific STEM RISING is the flagship developmental pathway for Pacific youth and early-career professionals. It strengthens the Pacific STEM pipeline through mentorship, training and hands-on research, internships, and leadership development. 





Purpose
To grow a confident, skilled Pacific STEM workforce that strengthens families, transforms industries, enriches research, and drives Aotearoa's prosperity. 

Programmes & Advocacy

From Schools to Research Excellence—We Bridge the Pacific STEM Ecosystem

The KuDoS Science Excellence Awards
Creative LabYr 9-10 Highschool students
STEM HubYr 11-13 Highschool students
Waikato MuseumChildrens Day
Amanaki STEM Pacific STEM Advocacy
Pūtahi Manawa CoREPacific community engagement
Malamaatu STEAM Academy
Code Hub with Code Avengers
Pasifika in the BayCommunity
MedtechIQMedtech Explorer
Awards & ScholarshipsYr 9 - 13 to tertiary & industry placement
Early Career Research Pacific Advocacy & mentorship

Network: Strategic Alliances Strengthening Pacific Prosperity

Pacific-i is powered by a trusted network of partners across community, education, research, and industry. Our strategic alliances strengthen pathways for Pacific learners, open doors into high-value STEM fields, and drive long-term economic prosperity for our communities.

By working alongside Crown Research Institutes, universities, STEM academies, innovation agencies, and community leaders, we create a connected ecosystem that enables Pacific brilliance to grow, thrive, and lead Aotearoa’s future.

Services

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Matthew Turner

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Sarah Evans

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

STEM Engagement programmes

Hands-on, culturally grounded STEM workshops that ignite curiosity and build foundational skills for Pacific learners across primary, secondary, and tertiary pathways.

Education & Global pathways  navigation

Support for Pacific learners to access tertiary study, scholarships, mentoring, industry opportunities, and emerging pathways into international colleges and global STEM programmes.

Pacific Motivational STEM Speaking

Inspiring speaking engagements designed to motivate schools, educators, and Pacific learners through storytelling, identity, and STEM opportunity.

How we can help
COMMUNITY

Community Outreach & Events

STEM events, talanoa, and activations that bring families, educators, industry, and Pacific role models together to celebrate and elevate Pacific excellence in STEM.

School & Community Partnerships

Co-designed STEM initiatives with schools, churches, youth groups, and regional communities to meet local needs and strengthen Pacific participation in STEM.

How we can help
INDUSTRY

STEM Workforce Development

Long-term workforce development initiatives through Pacific STEM Rising and ecosystem partnerships that prepare Pacific learners for high-value STEM careers.

Industry STEM Programmes

Structured programmes connecting industry with Pacific STEM learners through mentoring, guest speakers, workplace visits, and career exposure that build the future Pacific STEM workforce.

Testimonials

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Matthew Turner

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Sarah Evans

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

"The impact of these leadership roles is profound and long-lasting. It is not only transforming individual lives but also creating systemic change. By building strong educational pipelines, fostering industry partnerships, and embedding cultural responsiveness into STEM education, these initiatives ensure that Pacific communities will benefit for generations to come".

Dr A Bhargava, Dept Physiology, University of Auckland

"Pacific-i has played a pivotal role in advancing Pacific participation in science, including leadership of the KUDOS Science Spinners, where they have delivered high-quality STEM outreach that engaged and inspired Pacific young people. Soteria's advocacy is strategic, culturally grounded, and consistently focused on lifting Pacific representation and excellence in STEM".

Dr A Matenga-Ikihele, General Manager, Moana Connect

"These initiatives, including the Science Spinners program, have consistently demonstrated high quality and meaningful impact, highlighting not only the value of STEM education but also the importance of building strong connections within the community. This work effectively links science, education, and community engagement, ensuring her programs make a lasting difference"

Professor Ross Lawrenson, Kudos Science Trust, Former Chair, University of Waikato

"We have had the privilege of partnering with Pacific-i initiatives, and we have seen firsthand the positive impact their STEAM outreach programmes have had on our students.".

"The programme not only broadened their understanding of STEAM opportunities but also helped build confidence, aspiration, and a sense of belonging within these fields".

Kamal Nair, Leader of Science Learning - Te Puke High School

"Soteria is an outstanding communicator and passionate about education. She works hard to provide young people with opportunities".

Dr Paul Lowe, Prime Ministers Science Communicator 2009

“Pacific-i has been pivotal in building and nurturing relationships with research leaders, industry partners, science organisations, and tertiary education providers. These collaborations have opened new pathways for Pacific youth to explore scientific research via showcase events, and to access resources, mentorship, and career opportunities, empowering them to pursue studies and careers in STEM disciplines."

Natalie Solomona, Research Operations & Projects

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