Dancers of the Ura Tabu group treated guests with a performance of “Yellow Bird” at the launch of the NZ Institute of Pacific Research at Auckland University’s Fale Pasifika last night.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully launched the think-tank, saying it was aimed at supporting sustainable development in the region. Photographs by Del Abcede of the Pacific Media Centre.
Launching the NZIPR
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Dancers of the Ura Tabu group perform "Yellow Bird" at the launch of the NZ Institute of Pacific Research at Auckland University's Fale Pasifika last night. Image: Del Abcede/PMC

NZ Institute of Pacific Research director Associate Professor Damon Salesa (right) and AUT's Head of Pacific Advancement Walter Fraser at the launch. Image: Del Abcede/PMC

NZIPR director Associate Professor Damon Salesa (centre) with AUT's Pacific Media Centre director Professor David Robie (from left); Dr Jane Leggett, Auckland War Memorial Museum's head of research; Associate Professor Jenny Bryant-Tokalau of Otago University's Te Tumu; and Dr Tarisi Vunidolo, lecturer in Pacific studies at Auckland University.: Del Abcede/PMC

AUT's Pacific Media Centre director Professor David Robie with NZIPR director Associate Professor Damon Salesa last night. Image: Del Abcede/PMC

AUT's Isabella Rasch, former chair of the Pacific Media Centre (from left); Kate Scott, of the Office of Pacific Advancement; and TJ Aumua, Pacific Media Watch contributing editor. Image: Del Abcede/PMC

AUT's Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, Professor of Pacific Studies (left) and NZIPR supporters last night. Image: Del Abcede/PMC

AUT's Head of Pacific Advancement Walter Fraser (left) at the launch last night. Image: Del Abcede/PMC

AUT's Te Ara Poutama dean Professor Pare Keiha (from left), Head of Pacific Advancement Walter Fraser and Vice-Chancellor Derek McCormack. Image: Del Abcede/PMC