Meet Ezra Samy: Our 2024 Pasifika Representative

Ezra Samy in his new role hopes to provide more opportunities to “Pasifika students who may not have [had certain] opportunities available for them coming out of high school.”

Ezra Samy, our Pasifika student representative for 2024, stands as the second person ever elected to this role, as this position was established by the UCSA this year.

Samy is thrilled about taking on this role, aiming to bring vibrancy to the Pacific environment around UC while also fostering inclusivity and diversity across the campus.

“Here at UC, having a student voice that represents the Pacific community as a whole… is very important,” he said.

Samy was born in Aotearoa, and his roots trace back to Fiji, where both his parents were born. His father is of Fijian descent, while his mother has Fijian Indian heritage.

He said that when his mother moved in with his father's side of the family, they embraced a more "indigenous Fijian style" of living.

“[This] is why I really value being a Pasifika student here, it’s really important to me… I thought this was a great way to express my affection for [my culture],” he said.

Samy is no stranger to leadership roles, as back in his high school days at Shirley Boys' High in Ōtautahi, he rocked the title of associate head boy.

Alongside his newly appointed role for the upcoming year, Samy is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science with majors in psychology and geology and serves as the treasurer of the UC Fiji club.

When Samy is not on campus studying or working in the materials testing division of construction, you'll likely find him engaged in activities such as playing volleyball, rugby, or football, or participating in his youth group and church.

 He is also a big fan of hip-hop, R&B, indie music and afro beats.

Samy said his main goal at UC is to take every opportunity he gets to show Māori and Pasifika students that they can enter higher education and be successful in their studies.

UC's stats show that by the end of 2022, 670 Pasifika students and 2,236 Māori students were enrolled, a noticeable increase from 2019.

Ezra Samy is excited about 2024 and is working with the current Pasifika representative to align his objectives and aspirations for the upcoming year.

“I would like to be remembered as someone that was nice, someone that students could trust or gravitate to for advice or support,” he said.