"There is something about design and systems in IT that I can connect with. People think it's all about statistics and data analysis but it's not. It’s about removing barriers for people and that’s something that resonates with me as a Samoan living in New Zealand."
Mother of two, Fili Kurene graduated from UCOL Te Pūkenga with a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies (BICT) in 2023. Majoring in Business & Systems Analysis, as well as Project Management, Fili hopes her journey will inspire other Pasifika people to continue their education and take up an interest in the IT industry.
"When I was growing up, there were only a handful of Pasifika families in Palmerston North. I was the first of my eleven siblings to finish 7th form at high school. Even though I wanted to go to university, it was an unknown path and out of reach for me. It just seemed easier to get a job to help support my family."
"I didn't plan for a career in IT. I saw my older sister, who worked for a Government Agency, work in management. As a young Pasifika woman, she showed me how to use our cultural values of working hard and persevering to aspire into a senior role. I'm really lucky to have had such a great role-model. She got me my first job, which then led to me applying for a job in IT, and it was then the pathway for me to go to Australia to learn more."
Fili attributes her self-determination and success to watching her mother's resilience during challenging times - and the life her parents built in New Zealand following their migration.
"My parents migrated from Samoa for a better life. They had to learn how to live in a new country, learn to speak English. Things were very different for my mum and sometimes difficult but she never complained about how hard it must have been. She just got on with it.
While Fili was studying, her mother was receiving palliative care and sadly passed away at the beginning of Fili’s first year of study.
"There were moments where I wanted to give up, but I refused to let that get the better of me. I knew I wasn't just doing this for me, but for my mum and to show my children that juggling life, motherhood and study - it can be tough for women, but as long as you're dedicated and committed to doing this for yourself, anything is possible."
Fili made the decision in 2018 to
study at UCOL Te Pūkenga.
“I worked in Australia for 10 years and when I came home, I realised I needed to fine tune my IT skills and get my degree.
“I'm really glad I decided to do it. The skills I've gained are needed for today's IT world. Studying gave me the exposure and the tools needed to be in those high-level conversations with the system architects and solution designers."
During her time at UCOL Te Pūkenga, Fili also set up a support group for other Pasifika students, to help connect them with emotional, social, and spiritual support services.
"I felt it was important to set up the group so other Pasifika people could feel more comfortable and part of a community during their studies. They could feel supported.”
Following her degree, Fili has found a position as a Technical Business Analyst for the Ministry of Social Development, designing systems that positively impact communities.
"A few years ago, I needed support from MSD and I didn’t feel their systems were helpful. That's why I wanted to work for them - to make the process easier for families and the community.
"I don't want to build systems that get rid of human beings, but systems that help people.”
Reflecting on her journey, Fili is thankful for the support she received from UCOL Te Pūkenga.
“The tutors were great and very knowledgeable. I liked the structure of classes, the routine and felt the skills I was learning would help me in my career.
“I really appreciated the support from library staff, IT lecturers and especially the support from the
Raukura – Maori & Pastoral care team, they really were amazing. They helped me through the tougher times and were always happy to help me find the resources needed for my studies.”
A firm believer that study is for everyone, Fili's advises others who want to get qualified to
enrol at UCOL Te Pūkenga.
"Don't let your age, your ethnicity, your gender or what people say make you feel like you can't go and get further education."