Auckland-raised graduate James Heimuli has celebrated a major academic milestone, earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Otago.
With strong Tongan roots, Heimuli moved to Dunedin three years ago with his partner and their four children, seeking a quieter lifestyle in Brighton.
Despite the change of pace, life remained busy as he balanced full-time work, family responsibilities, and postgraduate study.
Already holding a Master of Public Health (Hons), Heimuli said the MBA was driven by a desire to better understand how strategic thinking can address complex health and social challenges.
He credited his success to careful planning and strong support from family, colleagues, and classmates.
“A big part of getting through it was having the right support network,” he said.
Heimuli also shared a friendly academic rivalry with his sibling, who recently completed a business master’s degree.
During his studies, he became involved with Startup Dunedin, contributing to projects exploring the experiences of families navigating disability support services.
This work involved engaging directly with families and practitioners to identify practical ways to improve systems.
Heimuli said the programme encouraged critical thinking while maintaining a strong focus on real-world impact.
For him, the journey has been about breaking down complex challenges and creating meaningful change for Pacific communities.
He hopes his achievement will inspire other Pacific and mature students to pursue higher education.
Heimuli plans to continue building on his work, focusing on community-based solutions and innovation in Ōtepoti.
He also acknowledged the support of The Cause Collective and his wider community.
“Thanks, village,” he said, reflecting on the collective effort behind his success.
