University Pacific Forum

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 6, 15 September 1977, Page 2

University Pacific Forum

The University has recently •established an organisation known as the University Pacific Forum to promote the study and discussion of Pacific affairs. It is organised by a subcommittee of the University Senate which acts in liason with representatives of Pacific Islands students’ organisations and Pacific Islanders Educational Resource Centre.

It is hoped that the Forum will provide a venue which will establish links between various groups. Auckland has a large population of immigrants from the Pacific with many organisations which represent their interests in local and national affairs;)

many of the leaders and others most deeply involved in these organisations are graduates of this university. The university has a significant minority of students from the South Pacific and there is a substantial student interest in the region. This interest is shared by many of the staff, particularly those who teach about the region in their various courses.

The Forum is particularly interested in attracting speakers from among the many Pacific politicians, scholars and administrators who pass through Auckland from time to time — generally unreported in the local press and so unnoticed by many

people at the University and in the city at large. Forum meetings may raxea variety of forms, depending on the wishes of the speakers and the nature of topic. Some meetings might 'consist of relatively small groups of mainly students and staff while others would be advertised to draw a much wider audience, including representatives of the Press. Both midday and evening meetings may be arranged. Further information about the Forum may be obtained from Dr Antony Hooper, at the University telephone number, 74-740, Extension 624, (or Secretary, Extension 9689 or 662). Dr Hooper’s home telephone is 505-835.