Prioritising Pacific voices

New York-based alumna Dr Anne-Marie Tupuola-Plunkett discusses her career as a United Nations consultant and a proud advocate of Pacific scholarship.

What was your student experience at Victoria University of Wellington like?

My MA critically analysed Margaret Mead’s book Coming of Age in Samoa through the lens of young Samoan women and caused a stir among academics and Samoans alike. During this testing time, key professors in my department supported and guided me and the encouragement of my Pacific colleagues and students meant the world. This same level of support continued into my PhD research about Pacific diasporic identities at a time when the term ‘diaspora’ was not popular in Pacific and human development discourse. The assistance of my professors and Victoria University of Wellington funding awards enabled me to make international connections with key diaspora and adolescent identity experts.

What was the most useful thing you learnt at Victoria University of Wellington?

I learnt to be fearless, to stand my ground and to speak out.

What have you been doing since graduating?

Not long after completing my PhD, I was awarded the Fulbright Senior Scholar Award and moved to New York in 2000 to pursue postdoctoral studies at NYU, Columbia and Harvard universities. I also lectured and supervised postgraduate students as Visiting Professor at Columbia University and received the Outstanding Teacher Award. An invitation to take part in several United Nations (UN) expert meetings developed into research and publication opportunities as a UN consultant. I’ve continued consulting and have advised community-based projects and collaborated with cultural institutions and world organisations on projects across the Pacific and North, Central and South American regions.

What’s been a highlight of your career so far?

In 2002, during my time at Columbia University, I convened the ‘Pasifika Ways of Knowing’ Conference to introduce my students and colleagues to Pacific scholarship and epistemologies. This ground-breaking event prioritised the voices of young Pacific artists, scholars and researchers and flipped ethnocentric portrayals of Pacific cultures on their head. The accompanying ‘Pacific Notion’ art exhibition, curated by Deborah White, who is co-director of Whitespace Contemporary Art gallery in Auckland and director of the city’s art week, showcased Pacific artworks that captured the nuances of Pacific identities. Many friendships and collaborations were made at this event and continue to this day.

What do you love about your current role?

My current role has allowed me to return to New York, where I love being my own boss and working with diverse communities, institutions and students across various academic disciplines.

Have you kept up any connections with Victoria University of Wellington?

I am a proud alumna so it’s been wonderful partaking in alumni events in New York and maintaining communication with the University.

What are your future plans?

My plan is to continue the work that I do, to keep learning and to remain humble, grounded and grateful.