DoctorAshalyna Noa

Pesetā Dr Ashalyna Noa is a Samoan New Zealander born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. She proudly comes from Safotu, Lepa, Vaoala, and Savalalo Apia. Her aiga (family) plays a pivotal role in who she is and the motivation behind her work.

Ashalyna has worked at UC for over 17 years in various roles supporting Pacific learner success. In 2023, she completed a PhD which explored, The Pua (Frangipani), Taniwha, and Dragon: New Zealand and China’s foreign aid in the Pacific and Samoan stakeholder perceptions. Following her studies, she co-founded, The 03: Talanoa on Asia, to amplify stories of Pacific peoples’ and their connections with Asia. In September 2025, Ashalyna was appointed as a lecturer with the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies.

Outside of research and her work at UC, Ashalyna enjoys giving back to community. She currently has the privilege of serving as the Southern Vice-President on the P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc National Executive, which is a national NGO supporting Pacific women in Aotearoa New Zealand.