Jessica Vandermeer | University Society Kupe Leadership Scholar

Master of Disaster Management

As climate change becomes more widely felt in New Zealand, the effects across our Pacific Island nations have already been catastrophically felt over past decades. This disproportionate impact leaves many of our Pacific Island nations vulnerable to extreme climate induced disaster events. My Island of Kiribati is particularly at risk, as a low-lying atoll nation in the middle of the Pacific. With many key players and influences dominant in the Pacific, a western lens is often the first to be used within Disaster Management and climate change approaches. 

My studies will look to bridge the gap between western approaches and indigenous Pacific and Kiribati practices. Continuing to engage local communities to utilise their traditional knowledge and ways of thinking within global frameworks, leading their own forwarding thinking and innovative strategies to ensure their right to stay on their Island homeland is possible through the challenges of climate change. 

Sponsor: University Society

Mentor: Lisa Tai

Lisa, originally from Rotuma and Fiji, is a seasoned leader with over 18 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. She was a Partner at Deloitte NZ, becoming only the second Pacific woman to hold this position. Lisa also established Deloitte's Pasifika Services Team, 'Pås Peau'. Currently, she serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Pasifika Medical Association Group, aiming to create a workplace where young Pacific professionals aspire to thrive.