Va’aomanū Pasifika is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship: Lily Atu and Tatiana Wong Tung.
Lily is studying towards a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music majoring in Pacific Studies and Jazz Performance. Tatiana is completing her Honour’s degree in Pacific Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Now in its seventh year, the scholarship honours the legacy of Dr. Teresia Teaiwa by supporting passionate Pacific students in their academic journeys.
Lily says she is committed to using music and research to support her Pacific community. She’s passionate about movements like Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific, climate action, language revitalisation, and Indigenous self-determination.
She says receiving this scholarship is both an honour and a responsibility, and she’s deeply inspired by Teresia’s work and other Pacific creatives.
Tatiana’s research focuses on Pacific women in basketball media and its impact on Pacific youth. She hopes to pursue a career in sports journalism, with a focus on women athletes, and support youth through sport and wellbeing initiatives. She sees this scholarship as life-changing, providing both financial support and a deep sense of belonging in Pacific Studies.
