Pacific research at Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland) is now available through a new digital repository designed to share scholarship with communities across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.

Measina o le Pasefika | Treasures of the Pacific brings together research in a searchable online platform for students, academics, communities and future generations.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Professor Fonoiā Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, launched the repository at the Fa'anānā Efeso Collins Space in the university's General Library on October 8.

Ms Tiatia-Siau, who named the repository, described its role in preserving Pacific knowledge.

"It's more than a digital repository," she said.

"It is a living vessel of Pacific scholarship, connecting past, present and future generations while ensuring Pacific voices, identities, and ways of knowing, being and doing are preserved, celebrated and accessible for generations to come."

The repository was developed through a partnership between Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence and Te Kahu Tauira, Student Scholarly Services.

It responds to a growing need to make Pacific research easier to find and access beyond academic circles.

It also features original artwork by Tongan artist Benjamin Work, inspired by the concept of measina and the kupesi Humu, or triggerfish.

The artwork reflects the ancient relationship between seascape and skyscape, symbolising navigation, connection and the transmission of knowledge across generations.

Fofonga Director, Dr Charmaine 'Ilaiū Talei, highlighted the need for research to reach the communities it serves.

"Research should not remain confined to the ivory tower," Ms 'Ilaiū Talei said.

"Measina o le Pasefika is about ensuring Pacific knowledge reaches those who need it the most, namely our communities we serve, the government policymakers, our funders, and our potential collaborators."

Ms 'Ilaiū Talei acknowledged the partnership between Fofonga and Rachel Chidlow and Dr Jo Simons from Te Kahu Tauira in developing the repository.

Fofonga research assistants Arielle Carke and Vaiola Tauti worked with researchers involved in Pacific research across the university, inviting them to contribute their scholarship.

Ms 'Ilaiū Talei also recognised the researchers who contributed their work.

"Thank you to all our researchers for entrusting us with your work," she said.

"This repository celebrates your amazing research.

"It reflects the power of partnership and our collective commitment to ensuring Pacific knowledge is accessible to all."

The platform provides a dedicated space to help Pacific scholarship reach more people and support its use in research, policy, teaching and community development.

The repository is intended to provide a permanent home for Pacific scholarship, keeping research, innovation and storytelling available for future generations.