Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has paid tribute to longtime staff member Loto Meletupe Lufetoa Lagitupu on her retirement.
After more than three decades playing a quiet but important role at the University, Ms Lagitupu has set down her cleaning supplies, with her sights now set on family life and spending time in the garden.
Ms Lagitupu (Avatele/Niue) was a familiar face at the University's Kate Edgar building, she has been part of the cleaning team devoting 33 and a half years to keeping spaces orderly, clean and welcoming, before retiring last month.
She was honoured for her long service on 1 December by Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, along with former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations and Registrar Adrienne Cleland.
The impact of her work helped create an environment that enhances connection and belonging for students, academics, and professional staff.
"I worked for 33 and a half years at the University; it's hard sometimes, but I'm so grateful and happy," Ms Lagitupu said.
"Thank you so much for this, sharing breakfast with all of you. It's time for me now to retire with a happy heart."
Over the decades, she forged many enduring friendships with teams housed in the Kate Edgar building.
When Ms Lagitupu first stepped onto campus in 1992, Aotearoa/New Zealand was debating its future. Voters overwhelmingly signalled a desire for change, paving the way for MMP.
In Niue, 1992 was also a year of transformation: a constitutional referendum saw the creation of a local High Court and Court of Appeal, strengthening judicial autonomy and requiring New Zealand citizenship for political candidates. The year closed with the passing of Sir Robert Rex, Niue's first Premier and a towering figure in its self-government journey.
Ms Lagitupu's story also reflects the wider Pacific journey. From the 1950s through to the 1970s, Aotearoa recruited labour from the Pacific to meet post-war industrial shortages.
Many new arrivals—although rich in skills of service, resilience, and community—lacked the formal qualifications to gain skilled or professional roles. Instead, they filled jobs in factories, warehouses, hospitals, and took on roles frequently shunned by locals at the time.
Professor Tiatia-Siau acknowledged Ms Lagitupu's dedication throughout the years.
"We want to honour you for your service, for keeping our places hygienic and clean. Like many of our Pasifika families, we turn up and give everything to our jobs; so it was only right to acknowledge and recognise you and your family for the service you've given to the University," she said.
"Thank you for everything you've done, making our lives comfortable; it speaks to your heart, what you have done for us."
Adrienne Cleland, now retired after two decades as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations and Registrar, spoke of the wider context of Ms Lagitupu's role.
"For the past 20 years, I've been Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations, and we call our teams the 'enabling environment', because they enable academics, teachers, researchers, and students to do what they do best," she said.
"Loto, you've been part of that enabling environment, working in a high-traffic area and sharing experiences with students and staff."
Ms Cleland also reflected on the University's growing Pacific presence.
"One of the things I've been pleased to see over the years is an increasing number of Pacific students coming to the University of Auckland; we're now about 12 per cent, which is among the highest for a top 100 university globally. That's a real milestone, and it's built on the sacrifices of many of your generation, Loto," she said.
As Ms Lagitupu steps into retirement, she looks forward to gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
The University said her decades-long contribution is a reminder that the institution's excellence rests not only on academics and leadership but also on the "quiet, consistent care of staff who show up day after day to create an environment where the University community can thrive".
