From OHS Head Boy to a distinguished career in Pacific history.
Professor Morgan Tuimalealiifano attended Onehunga High School from 1968 to 1972, serving as Head Boy in his final year. The 1972 OHS Magazine described him as an outstanding leader who led the prefect team, represented the school in the 1st XV and excelled in public speaking. In 1972, he placed second out of 30 speakers from 15 schools at the Polynesian Oratory Contest.
Morgan has fond memories of his years at OHS and particularly of the staff who influenced him. “For me, it was the teachers who made the difference between learning and making something of one’s self.” His interests at school included Music, Commercial Practice and Bookkeeping. In his final year, he chose to study History, and his interest in Pacific history was strengthened by books about Samoa he discovered at the newly opened Māngere Town Centre.
After leaving OHS, Morgan moved to Suva in 1974 to study at the University of the South Pacific. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1977 and later a Master of Arts, before completing his PhD at the Australian National University in Canberra. He also gained tertiary teaching qualifications and went on to establish a significant academic career at the University of the South Pacific.
Morgan became an Associate Professor in Pacific History and Coordinator of the History Division within the School of Social Sciences at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. His teaching and research focused on Pacific history, particularly indigenous and introduced systems of governance, the loss of political autonomy during the 19th century and the continuing challenges facing Pacific societies. Through his academic work, he has made a significant contribution to the study and understanding of Pacific history and governance.
Morgan also remembers the significant influence of Mr Con McCarthy (Mac) on the school and wider community. In 1996, he located Mr McCarthy in Hamilton and visited him to pay his respects. The two maintained a lively correspondence until Mr McCarthy passed away.
From Head Boy and 1st XV player at OHS to Professor and respected Pacific historian, Morgan’s achievements form an important part of Onehunga High School’s history.
With thanks to OHS Archivist John Pipe for sharing Morgan’s story.
