Prof Palatasa Havea

Professor Palatasa Havea is a respected Pacific leader, academic, and scientist with over 30 years of experience in research, governance, and community development. He is currently Dean Pacific Student Success at Massey University, leading initiatives to improve outcomes for Pacific learners. Previously, he was Principal Research Scientist at Fonterra, where he commercialised several patents. Prof Havea has held governance roles with Food Standards Australia New Zealand, HHANZ, and the Pacific Education Foundation, influencing policy in education, health, and wellbeing. He holds a PhD in Food Technology from Massey and is a Fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences. In 2018, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to the dairy industry and Pacific communities.