Avondale University research academic Professor Tracie Mafile’o has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Pacific and tertiary education.
Professor Mafile’o is Avondale’s associate dean for research and research training. Over more than 30 years, she has worked across universities in New Zealand and the South Pacific and has advocated for Pacific communities to lead their own research and tell their stories.
Reflecting on the recognition, Professor Mafile’o said the appointment affirmed work done in collaboration with others.
“This recognition is certainly an honour, and I thank God for His faithfulness and goodness in my life and career journey. It is an affirmation that decades of work, not only in New Zealand but in the South Pacific region, and not alone, but in collaboration with other researchers, colleagues and research students, is making a positive difference. It means a lot that we all get to have this moment of gratitude and celebration!”
For Professor Mafile’o, faith is foundational to how she approaches research, leadership and working with people. “I have always sought God in major career decisions and bear witness to God’s leading in ways I never expected or imagined. My faith also has a lot to do with values of service and justice that underpin my approach. My Christian faith is a foundation from which my vision, passion and commitment flows,” she said.
South Pacific Division president and Avondale chancellor Pastor Glenn Townend said this spiritual foundation is evident in the way Professor Mafile’o works with people. “I have seen Tracie at work with different people groups, heard her presentations and read some of her research, she is an academic worth listening to but more than that she is a dedicated follower of Jesus and Seventh-day Adventist, and her connection with people is based on her relationship with Jesus.”
With experience across several universities and leadership roles in the region, Professor Mafile’o said her faith also shapes how she understands her role within Adventist higher education.
“I worked previously at Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea and also previously served as a member of the General Conference International Board of Education. Coming back into Adventist higher education in my role at Avondale University is another turn to heed a calling. I believe that through research and research training—supporting students to do their Masters and PhD research—we can contribute important new knowledge and understanding for both the church and the broader community.”
Avondale vice-chancellor Professor Malcolm Coulson said Professor Mafile’o’s appointment reflects the values of the university’s academic community.
“As a valued member of our academic staff at Avondale University, Professor Mafile’o’s appointment as a MNZM serves as an inspiration to colleagues and students alike, highlighting the profound impact that dedicated, culturally grounded scholarship can have on individuals, communities and society as a whole,” he added.
Professor Mafile’o hopes the recognition will encourage broader support for Pacific research and emerging researchers across the region.
“We have so much untapped research potential across the Pacific—sometimes because of lack of opportunity to pursue
research-based postgraduate degrees and sometimes because there has not been due recognition of Pacific research methodologies and knowledges. I hope that my recognition encourages the adoption of broader views about research and opens up more opportunities for emerging Pacific scholars to pursue their calling as researchers.”
