A Cook Islander living in Japan, a Tongan fangirling over Korea and a Samoan researching China.

​

Our collective journey started at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand – over 15 years ago - where our individual interests in Asia flourished through research of Asian culture, history, art, and politics.​

​

Our paths serendipitously reunited as we joined the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network consecutively from 2016 - 2018 to strengthen our connections with Asia.

​

Despite our leadership journeys diverging – and being in three different locations – one key desire has remained constant for each of us. That is, our passion for enhancing understanding, contributing to knowledge and amplifying stories on the Pacific’s connections with Asia.

​

The 03: Talanoa on Asia has been set up as a platform dedicated to this work. 

 

Our mission is to:

1. Weave Pacific New Zealanders' stories into the narrative of New Zealand - Asia relations, and

2. Draw cross-cultural shared connections between the Pacific and Asia.

​

Our strong Pacific identities and shared passion for Asia provide the foundation to amplify this mission through talanoa and research.

​

The 03: Kaleb, Fine and Ashalyna.