Family of five making a splash at Victoria

National water polo representative Eamon Lui-Fakaotimanava completed a full family circle of Victoria University graduates when his Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree was conferred yesterday.

Eamon’s sister Ciara graduated from Victoria in 2007, his brother Conor graduated in 2010, and parents Holona and Trish met while studying at Victoria University in the 1970s.

Eamon deferred graduation twice to represent New Zealand in the national men's water polo team, which included playing at the World FINA Water Polo League in China and Japan.

“Throughout my studies, sport played a huge role in my life. Balancing both sport and study helped me build the skills necessary to succeed.

“I am very lucky to have a great crew around me—my family and friends have always supported me in my studies and sporting aspirations,” says Eamon.

Currently working as an Analyst in consulting at Deloitte, Eamon hopes to establish a career in management consulting while maintaining an interest in the public sector and education, to help improve the lives of Pacific people in New Zealand.

“The driving force behind my education has always been my family, especially my parents,” says Eamon. “They have always encouraged us to strive for excellence and I can’t thank them enough for their support over the years.”

In 2007 Eamon and Conor, who also plays for the New Zealand Men's water polo team, won Victoria University Blues Awards—the highest recognition for sportspeople, who by their sporting achievements or contribution to sport, brought credit to Victoria.

Eamon received a Prime Minister's Athlete Award in 2005 to help him to achieve in both study and sport, and in 2011 he received a Pasifika Award for excellence in academic achievement.

Details of degrees
Eamon Lui-Fakaotimanava: BA majoring in Pacific Studies, 2008, and BCA awarded yesterday.
Conor Lui-Fakaotimanava: BA majoring in Film, English and Pacific Studies, 2010.
Ciara Lui-Fakaotimanava: BA majoring in Psychology and a Bachelor of Law, 2007.
Trish Lui-Fakaotimanava: BA majoring in English Literature and Education, 1999.
Holona Lui-Fakaotimanava: BA majoring in English Literature,1977.