The category is part of Te Whatu Kairangi Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards and recognises phenomenal Pacific educators and trainers in their contributions to develop and support the next generation of students and leaders.

“This is the pinnacle of my teaching,” he says. “I’ve been with Unitec for 16 years. We, Pasifika don’t boast. Some of the things we do are normal for us. But when people look at it, they realise the impact and how important it is.

“When I got the nomination I thought, ‘yes, I’ve done something good, but I am humbled.’”

Jone runs weekly ‘bite-sized’ talanoa for Pasifika learners in his courses sharing kai and kōrero allowing them to develop a sense of belonging at Unitec. Academic support is also available at these sessions from Learning Advisor Janet Tawaketini (Jone’s wife), pastoral care through Pacific Success Navigator Pava Saufoloi and Electrical lecturer Glen Nicholson provides technical advice.

Pacific learners in Bachelor of Applied Technology who regularly attended talanoa achieved a completion rate of 90% in 2022 and 2023.  

“For Pasifika, building relationships is important,” Mr Tawaketini says. 

“From day one, we connect with them. I greet students in their languages and introduce myself in my cultural way, speaking in Fijian. Then allow all my students to introduce themselves reminding them to be proud of where they come from and who they are.”

Jone’s own story began in the village of Keteira in Moala Island, Fiji. He also has Tongan heritage (Ha’apai) on his father’s side of the family. 

The 64-year-old says his ambition when he was at secondary school was to become a teacher. 

Though this needed to take a backseat for a while to fulfil his father’s plan of having a mechanic in the family. 

Eventually, Jone would combine the two by becoming an automotive lecturer at Fiji Institute of Technology. He has worked at Unitec since 2008. 

Unitec nominates winners of its own Excellence Awards to receive support from our Te Puna Ako academic advisors in entering Te Whatu Kairangi.  

This year, we made four nominations spread across different categories.

“I must thank Daisy Bentley-Gray, Venusi Taumoepeau, Sharnell Aumua, Janet Tawaketini and Sana Saleem who actually nominated me for the 2023 Pacific Teacher of the Year for Unitec. It was from this award that set the ball rolling and James Oldfield put in my nomination. Thank you, James. I am still overwhelmed,” says Mr Tawaketini.

Dr Joseph Aziz who lectures in medical imaging at School of Health and Social Practice was also acknowledged at Te Whatu Kairangi awards this year for innovation in learning, teaching and curriculum.

“These awards recognise the powerful life changing learning experiences Joseph and Jone have led at Unitec which have inspired both their colleagues and learners alike,” says Professor Martin Carroll Deputy Chief Executive – Academic, Unitec & MIT. “Congratulations on behalf of everyone!”

“Vinaka to Jone for your massive contribution to Unitec,” says Te Pūkenga Region 1 Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga. “You have taught our learners a lot but your most important gift to them is how much we value their culture at Unitec.”

Te Whatu Kairangi award winners will be recognised with a ceremony at Parliament in early November where Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year will also be announced at the event.

For more information on Jone’s award profile, see here.