16 February 2026, Apia - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland (UoA), New Zealand, have come together in Samoa to strengthen cooperation to advance the Pacific’s journey towards a more resilient Blue Pacific environment.
A critical part of the collaboration includes a commitment to foster academic excellence and research cooperation in the areas related to climate change resilience, environment, biodiversity and ocean systems, sustainable development, and waste management.
This and other commitments are highlighted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by SPREP Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, and UoA Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific, Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, on Monday.
Inked on the margins of the Inaugural Congress of the Pacific Academy of Sciences taking place in Apia this week, provides a framework of co-operation between SPREP and UOA on issues of mutual concern to strengthen systems, institutions, organisations and individuals concerned with environmental protection in the Pacific region.
SPREP is a regional, intergovernmental organisation comprising 26 members consisting of 21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories and five developed countries with direct interests in the Pacific region.
It exists to promote cooperation in the Pacific region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve its environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.
SPREP Director General, Mr Nawadra, welcomed the University of Auckland to the family of educational institutions the Secretariat has signed memorandums with, in its ongoing efforts to work with communities, to build a resilient Pacific environment.
“SPREP is extremely grateful on behalf of our Pacific members to be able to sign this most important partnership with the University of Auckland today,” he said.
“Auckland is home to our biggest Pacific community in New Zealand; this new relationship is an additional way for us to engage our Pacific diaspora to address Pacific issues.”
“We look forward to working with the University of Auckland to implement the commitments in this MOU for the benefit of our Pacific communities.”
UoA is New Zealand's leading University given its rankings in the Times Higher Education, the QS World University Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. The University has a deep history with the Pacific and is New Zealand’s largest provider of degree-level education to Pacific peoples.
University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater says by formalising a relationship with SPREP, it reinforces a commitment to working in genuine partnership, supporting Pacific innovation and strengthening the resilience of our region in the face of accelerating climate pressures.
“The challenges facing our region demand ambitious, collaborative and science based responses. SPREP brings regional expertise, and together we can accelerate research, capacity building and climate action across the Pacific. This MoU signals the University’s commitment to working alongside Pacific leaders to generate knowledge and solutions that safeguard our shared environment.”
Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland, says the MoU reflects a values-aligned partnership grounded in service to Pacific communities and the aspirations outlined in Ala o le Moana.
“This agreement recognises the importance of Pacific-led science and research that is deeply connected to our peoples, environments and knowledge systems. Partnering with SPREP strengthens our collective ability to respond to urgent regional challenges, while also nurturing the next generation of Pacific scholars and leaders.”
“Ala o le Moana calls on us to work in genuine partnership with Pacific institutions and communities. Launching this MoU at the Pacific Academy of Sciences meeting underscores our shared commitment to Pacific leadership, collaboration and sustainability.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Global and Graduate Research Professor JR Rowland travelled to Sāmoa for the historic occasion.
“This partnership with SPREP represents a significant step forward in strengthening Pacific led climate and biodiversity research across our region. At Waipapa Taumata Rau, we are deeply committed to supporting scientific excellence that is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, community priorities and real world impact.
By working alongside SPREP, we have an opportunity to co develop research, training pathways and climate resilient solutions that uplift Pacific peoples and protect the ecosystems that sustain us. I am honoured to sign this MoU alongside Professor Jemaima Tiatia Siau and look forward to the transformative work our institutions will achieve together.”
The MOU commits SPREP and UoA to collaborate and support awareness-raising efforts, the implementation of global, regional and national priorities in relation to the environment and capacity-building initiatives.
SPREP and UoA are actively engaged in the inaugural Pacific Academy of Sciences Congress guided by the theme “Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific” being held at Taumeasina Island Resort from 16-18 February.
Established in 2024 the Pacific Academy of Sciences aims ‘To advance and promote the study and application of the natural and social sciences, applied science and technology, the humanities, and indigenous knowledge, for the benefit of communities of the Pacific region and beyond.’