MEADIA RELEASE : The 99th meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council took place in Auckland, New Zealand, from 19 to 21 May 2025.
Described by the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu, as a moment of reset, the meeting brought together leaders from all twelve member countries to reflect on USP’s future and recommit to its regional mission.
“This was not just a meeting to govern,” said the Pro-Chancellor in his opening address.
“It was a chance to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves hard questions.
Do we still believe in this regional university? And if we do, what are we prepared to do to ensure it thrives in the years ahead?”
The Council meeting was held with the generous support of the Government of Aotearoa New Zealand and was officially opened by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand.
Senior leaders from the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), including their Vice Chancellors and Council members, also participated in events around the meeting.
Council received and endorsed the University’s audited financial statements for 2024, approved salary adjustments for staff at the Tonga, Samoa, and Solomon Islands campuses and considered a range of academic, student and staff matters.
These included approval of a new Bachelor of Arts in Language Technology.
In a confidential session, Council agreed to initiate the process to appoint the University’s next Vice-Chancellor and President.
A Joint Committee of Council and Senate has been established to oversee the search.
This marks a key step in ensuring a leadership transition that aligns with the University’s long-term interests.
As the meeting concluded, the Pro-Chancellor reflected on the tone and substance of the discussions.
“Council has reaffirmed its belief in USP. But belief alone is not enough.
The future we face is not ahead of us. It is already here. We must respond with courage, clarity, and unity.
This is our opportunity to lead with purpose and to reshape USP so it continues to serve the region for generations to come.”
