Dr. Sereana Naepi

Dr. Sereana Naepi

Pacific Academic

Dr. Sereana Naepi

Pacific Academic

Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife, Friend and Pacific Academic. These roles not only describe me but also my philosophy in life. As the saying goes ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and as a child of the Pacific I owe my success not only to my hard work and dedication but also the community of people whom have helped and supported me along the way.

About me

I am a Pacific researcher located in Aotearoa New Zealand who enjoys the challenge of taking on complex problems from multiple angles. My work uses multiple approaches to explore how universities and our wider research sectors can become places that embrace all learners, esteem all knowledges and serve all communities. As this is a complex problem, I draw on qualitative and quantitative methods and work across various different research teams and collectives both nationally and internationally.

I grew up in Mount Wellington with my two brothers and my Mum (Indigenous Fijian) and Dad (Pakeha). I attended Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland until going to University of British Columbia to complete my PhD. I have two daughters and I am hopeful that the work I do now will build a better future for them and my family.

The values of relationship and service ace foundational to my research approach. I believe in research that contributes to change and I pursue projects that will have a positive impact for my communities and family.

About me

I am a Pacific researcher located in Aotearoa New Zealand who enjoys the challenge of taking on complex problems from multiple angles. My work uses multiple approaches to explore how universities and our wider research sectors can become places that embrace all learners, esteem all knowledges and serve all communities. As this is a complex problem, I draw on qualitative and quantitative methods and work across various different research teams and collectives both nationally and internationally.

I grew up in Mount Wellington with my two brothers and my Mum (Fijian) and Dad (Pakeha). I attended Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland until going to University of British Columbia to complete my PhD. I have two daughters and I am hopeful that the work I do now will build a better future for them and my family.

The values of relationship and service ace foundational to my research approach. I believe in research that contributes to change and I pursue projects that will have a positive impact for my communities and family.

My work philosophy

I engage in research as a service to my community, guided by the belief that all people deserve to reach their potential, currently focusing on how higher education institutions can better serve those within them. My approach centers on three principles: Collaborate through community engagement to enable holistic research practices; Understand people, communities, practices, systems, and information deeply to improve outcomes for Pacific peoples; and Implement findings rather than letting research disappear, bringing current knowledge forward to effect meaningful change—the challenging but essential purpose that drives my work.

My Research

My academic journey encompasses collaborative Publications with outstanding domestic and international scholars on work meaningful to me and my communities; career-building Presentations including keynotes that have fostered strong global networks; accessible Public Scholarship through media engagement, social platforms, public lectures, open-access publications, and blogging; and Consultation services leveraging my systems-level bias expertise to help organizations become more inclusive, collaborating with entities like Matada Research, government agencies, and private sector companies.

Media

Tagata Pasifika
A look into the Pacific pay gap
Read more
News Hub
Cost of rent higher than student income - research
Click Here
E-Tangata
Facing up to inequity in our universities
Read more
One News
Māori and Pasifika lecturers vastly underrepresented in New Zealand universities – research
Read more
The Spinoff
As universities restructure, Māori and Pacific researchers are being put at risk
Read more
Radio New Zealand
University glass ceiling: Māori and Pacific promotions and pay
Read more

Articles

See my CV for more information

I engage in research as a way to be of service to my community. I fundamentally believe that all people have a right to reach theis potential and for now I am focussed on how higher education institutions can better serve the people who work and learn within their institution.

If you are interested in working with me feel free to check out my CV at the link below, or contact me if you have any queries.