Building a more sustainable Pacific, one partnership at a time
A passion for protecting natural resources has shaped Maria Elder’s journey from the very beginning. That passion led her to Massey University, where she studied Natural Resource Management and developed the knowledge and practical skills that continue to guide her work across Fiji and the Pacific today.
Growing up in Fiji, Maria was passionate about protecting the environment and wanted to help communities respond to the growing challenges of climate change and sustainable resource management. Massey’s strong reputation in agriculture, environmental science and applied learning made it the perfect fit.
“I wanted to learn how to address environmental challenges and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Massey’s practical approach gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to contribute to sustainable development across the Pacific,” she says.
While her studies provided a solid academic foundation, some of her fondest memories happened outside the classroom.
She looks back warmly on life at the Palmerston North campus, where friendships with students from around the world became one of the highlights of her university experience.
“Spending time on campus, taking part in student events and meeting people from so many different countries created friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation.”
Today, Maria’s career has taken her across Fiji and the wider Pacific, where she’s helping tackle some of the region’s biggest environmental challenges.
She is currently an Environment, Science, Technology and Health (ESTH) Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji. Before that, she worked as a Land Use Officer with Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture and later as a Sustainable Land Management Adviser with the Pacific Community (SPC), building expertise in environmental policy, land management and regional development.
Each role has reinforced her belief that meaningful change comes through collaboration.
One project she is particularly proud of was her work with the Pacific Community, where she partnered with governments, development organisations and local communities across the Pacific to promote sustainable land management.
“Working with people from different cultures and professional backgrounds showed me how much we can achieve by sharing knowledge and working together. It reinforced the importance of partnership, respect and collaboration in creating sustainable outcomes,” she shares.
Although she graduated several years ago, Maria says the lessons she learned at Massey continue to shape her work today.
“The practical, applied approach to learning has stayed with me throughout my career,” she says.
“I even found myself referring back to my Massey textbooks and study materials while working with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Pacific community. The knowledge has remained relevant and continues to help me solve real-world environmental challenges.”
Alongside her professional achievements, Maria says building a family has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Balancing family life with a growing career has strengthened her leadership, resilience and time management skills while reminding her of the importance of lifelong learning.
Looking back, she is proud not only of the work she has done, but also of the relationships she has built along the way.
Through roles with government agencies, regional organisations and international partners, she has developed a professional network that stretches across the Pacific and beyond. These connections continue to inspire collaboration and the sharing of ideas.
For recent graduates, her advice is simple: invest in your relationships.
“Stay connected with your classmates, lecturers and mentors. Those relationships often become valuable personal and professional networks throughout your career.”
She also encourages alumni to remain involved with the Massey community by attending alumni events and making the most of opportunities to reconnect.
As a proud Massey graduate from Fiji, Maria believes the university experience is about much more than gaining a qualification.
“Being a Massey graduate means being part of a global community committed to knowledge, innovation and making a positive impact. It also comes with a responsibility to give back, to support future generations and use what we’ve learned to contribute to our communities.”
And for anyone visiting her hometown of Suva, she has a few recommendations: wander through the bustling Suva Market, experience the city’s unique mix of culture and history, enjoy authentic Fijian hospitality, and, of course, connect with fellow Massey alumni along the way.
Inspired by Maria’s journey? Explore science study options at Massey and discover how you can turn your interest in the natural world into a career that makes a difference in communities and environments around the world.
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