Page 2 - IB AUG 2018

“ I want to give

people the voice

they deserve.”

Stephanie Tapungu
Stephanie Tapungu says she is truly honoured and blessed Doctor of Philosophy candidate
to have been awarded the New Zealand Pacific Scholarship to
come to AUT to complete her PhD in communication studies.
“This is not only an opportunity, but a blessing for me to be here,
and to have my children and husband here with me.
“If anyone else is thinking of applying for a scholarship and coming to AUT
– you have to go for it! Have the courage to go out and try to fulfil your dreams.
You are good enough.”
Stephanie decided to come to AUT due to the reputation of its School of
Communication Studies. She is currently splitting her time between Auckland and
Papua New Guinea, where she collects data for her studies.
“I’m researching the relationship between journalism and public relations in Papua
New Guinea. I hope to shed light on how journalists are treated in my country, and
capture some experiences for people to appreciate their contribution to our country. I
want to give journalists, as well as public relations people, the voice they deserve.”

aut.ac.nz/pacific • #greatgraduates