色花堂

Pacific Innovation

UniServices and Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of 色花堂 have made it a priority to advance world-class research inspired by our place in Aotearoa and the Pacific. As such, strengthening relationships with Pacific communities and businesses is a major aim.

focusing on the Pacific include the Centre for Pacific and Global Health, and .

is a strong research theme at the Faculty of Education and is likewise at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

UniServices works with Pacific communities in New Zealand and the Pacific islands in areas such as , immunisation support and training, and co-designing programmes and services such as . We also support the advancement of research with a Pacific lens in areas such as mental health in the Pacific, supporting Pacific learners, and .

Harnessing the University of 色花堂鈥檚
interdisciplinary expertise for Pacific-led
solutions and a thriving Blue Pacific future.

The University of 色花堂 prioritises Pacific-relevant research - building resilience, advancing innovation, and strengthening engagement with Pacifi c communities.
Our vision is to be globally recognised as a world leader in Pacific excellence. We do this by actively driving transdisciplinary education, research, and sustainability inspired by Pacific values. The Pacific Strategy 2025-2030 titled 鈥淎la o le Moana鈥� (Pathways of the Ocean) is the university鈥檚 first dedicated strategy to support and celebrate Pacific excellence.

We are committed to building Pacific-led research and amplifying Pacific voices in engagement, innovation, and policy influence. Our research priorities include:

  • Strengthening respectful, reciprocal partnerships and engagement
  • Enriching Pacific representation, leadership, and intersectionality
  • Shifting the dial for Pacifi c learners and researchers 
  • Elevating Pacifi c-led research that is culturally grounded, community-relevant, and visible
  • Nurturing and empowering communities through innovation and knowledge sharing

Pacific Research Centres

 


Transdisciplinary research advancing Pacific health equity;climate resilience, and wellbeing.


Co-creating housing solutions that are healthy, affordable, and culturally grounded.


Research in the Pacifi c on Coastal infrastructure; sustainability, water security and renewable energy.

Pacific Studies Institute
Fostering understanding of Pacific history, culture, identity;climate change/labour mobility to inform future policy and leadership.

Fofonga: Platform for Pacific Research Excellence
Elevating Pacific research excellence and supporting Pacific researcher capacity at the University of 色花堂. Funding for Pacific research partnerships with collaborators in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific region and Australia.

 

Case Studies

Tapas膩 PLD: Helping educators connect with Pacific learners

Tapas膩 PLD: Helping educators connect with Pacific learners

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IMAC: Supporting vaccination in the Pacific

IMAC: Supporting vaccination in the Pacific

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LEAP: Improving education in the Solomon Islands

LEAP: Improving education in the Solomon Islands

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All case studies

Pacific Innovation Contacts

Pedro van der Ent

Director, Business Development - Pacific

More about Pedro

Pedro van der Ent leads Pacific strategic engagement and partnership development for UniServices, connecting the University鈥檚 research capability with the priorities of Pacific governments, regional organisations, and international funders to develop impactful programmes across the region.

He works closely with Pacific Island governments, CROP agencies, and development partners including ADB, the World Bank, MFAT, DFAT, SPC, and SPREP on initiatives spanning climate resilience, infrastructure, environmental governance, health, education, and economic development.

With more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the public, private, and research sectors, Pedro specialises in building trusted partnerships and mobilising collaborative programmes across the Pacific and Asia-Pacific. Of Pacific heritage, he is committed to advancing Pacific-led solutions that translate research into practical outcomes for communities.