Opening AUT University's new Pacific Media Centre officially last week, NZ Associate Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Luamanuvao Winnie Laban was full of praise for the university's diversity media initiatives. She says AUT has "stepped up to the plate" to take the lead in the sector. She acknowledged the efforts being made in media research and curriculum development and challenged other j-schools, media and universities to follow a similar path. AUT has:- supported local industry group Pacific Islands Media Association (PIMA) since it was established in 2001;
- published the research journal Pacific Journalism Review - NZ's only such journal;
- sponsored scholarships for Pasifika undergraduate and postgraduate media students (nine so far - half of them already working in the media industry);
- established a new postgraduate Asia-Pacific journalism paper this year - the country's first;
- initiated international scholarships in Beijing, Jakarta and the Pacific; and
- provided impetus for Maori, Pasifika and other NZ media research.
Says Laban: "This centre demonstrates commitment to our cultural diversity, but also to critical thinking and the pursuit of excellence." Pictured: Luamanuvao and PMC director David Robie at the unveiling of the PMC plaque. Photo: Alan Koon.
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