After more than three decades playing a quiet but key role at the University of Auckland, Loto Meletupe Lufetoa Lagitupu has set down her cleaning supplies—her sights now set on family life and spending time in the garden.

Loto (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—often unseen but felt by thousands—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,” Loto 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,” she said of a role that was more than just cleaning.

Loto Meletupe Lufetoa Lagitupu pictured with a senior University of Auckland leader during her retirement acknowledgement, marking more than three decades of dedicated service. Photo: Supplied

Over the decades, she forged many enduring friendships with teams housed in the Kate Edgar building.

When Loto first stepped onto campus in 1992, Aotearoa was debating its future. New Zealand 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.

A wider Pacific story

Loto’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.

Acknowledging her contribution

Professor Tiatia-Siau acknowledged Loto’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.

“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 Loto’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.

Loto, you’ve been part of that enabling environment, working in a high-traffic area and sharing experiences with students and staff.”

Adrienne 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%, 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.”

As Loto steps into retirement, she looks forward to gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is a reminder that the University’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.