Our Pacific services
Pacific learners are a priority group we serve through our work in educational settings and beyond. Beyond the early years sector, the vast majority of Pacific learners are in mainstream education. We work in any setting to have an impact on Pacific communities, either directly with Pacific learners, or indirectly via teachers and leaders.
We support teachers in effective pedagogical practice that is culturally inclusive and supports the Pacific learner.
Our Pacific team at Tātai Aho Rau Core Education offer a range of professional development in:
- Governance and management
- Te Whariki 2017 | Local curriculum
- Internal evaluation
- Coaching and mentoring
- Tapasā | Cultural competencies for teachers of Pacific learners
- Transition to school for Pacific children/families and communities
- Pacific leadership
- Professional growth cycle
- He Mapuna o te Tamaiti
Our Pacific advisory group
- A key objective of the Kāinga Maopopo, our Tātai Aho Rau Pacific Advisory Group, is to support the Pacific Tātai Aho Rau team to be responsive to emerging and current themes, and to ensure a focus is maintained on systems level change and the visionary outcomes of Pacific peoples.
- The Kāinga Maopopo advise Pacific staff and Tātai Aho Rau leadership on anything arising in relation to its Pacific Strategy and work within Pacific communities.
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Reverend Fitifiti Luatua
Expertise and experience
- Church Minister - CCCS (New Zealand)
- EFKS - Hornby Christchurch
- Secretary CCCS - South Island Matagaluega
- Pacific Advisor (Fautua) Relationship Builder (So’oupu) - Ara Institute of Canterbury
- Member of the Pacific advisory group - Tātai Aho Rau Core Education
- Member of the Pacific advisory group - Pacific Trades Training - Ara Institute of Canterbury
- Member of the Pacific advisory group - Police (Christchurch)
- Member of the Pacific advisory group - College of Education, University of Canterbury
- Member of the advisory group - Kahu AuRahi, Christchurch
- Manager for Talanoa Ako West - Ministry of Education Community Program
Country of origin, languages spoken, connections
- Samoa: Fluent in Samoan English, Te Reo / wider knowledge of tikana Māori and Māori protocols
- Wider knowledge of many Pacific languages and cultures
Your why, what you love about the mahi you do, and what makes it special
- I believe this is my calling from God to help people change lives.
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Siale Pasa Faitotonu
Expertise and experience
Technical and running laboratory classes for geotechnical students in the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering at the University of Canterbury. Experience in teaching Tongan language after work for NCEA Level 1 to Level 3, governance experiences in education board of trustees and also health. Currently running charitable organisation providing after school study support centre for Tongan students Years 3-8 including Tongan language.
Country of origin, languages spoken, connections
Born in Tonga and recipient of Tonga-New Zealand scholarship to study in New Zealand. Returned to Tonga to work and taught at high school. Return to Tonga last few years on research with the Humantarian Engineering projects using my Tongan language and insight of Tongans connections through people and villages.
Your why, what you love about the mahi you do, and what makes it special
I value this opportunity to share my experiences as a Tongan to make education is not preparation for life education is life itself.
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Leali’ie’e Tufulasi Taleni
Expertise and experience
Expertise and experience in Pasifika education and research. My main research activity is in the area of education leadership.
Place of work
I work for the University of Canterbury as a Senior Lecturer.
I have been on an educational malaga (journey) - started as a classroom teacher for few years then moved into a role as Pasifika Education Adviser. In the last 4 years I served as Kaiarahi Pasifika for the University of Canterbury, before I moved to my current role as Senior Lecturer.
Country of origin, languages spoken, connections
Samoa.
Samoan language and English.
Connections: Pasifika/Samoa community, research community, Pasifika education family, local school BOT, church and extended family around the world.
Your why, what you love about the mahi you do, and what makes it special
My education philosophy was nurtured and deeply rooted from my humble upbringing in Samoa where I learned about the importance of the value of service and love for people. I am motivated by educators who implement these same values to make a real difference for Pasifika learners.
My role as senior academic at UC is special to me in my role as a Pasifika education leader. I enjoy the opportunity to be involved in leading own research to contribute to ways to improve Pasifika education outcomes. This role is more exciting when my Pasifika families and community are involved in voicing their ideas and experiences, contributing to creating the solutions to improve Pasifika engagement and achievement.
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Ali’imuamua Asiasiga Batcheler
Expertise and experience
- Kaiako matua (Senior teacher) learning advisor - Correspondence School (online teaching Samoan NCEA Levels 1, 2, 3).
- Member of F.A.G.A.S.A.inc (association teaching and enhancing Samoan Language in Aotearoa).
- Tagata Atumotu Trust Board (Healthy, Thriving and Connected Pasifika People)
- Justice of the Peace (JP)
Country of origin, languages spoken, connections
Migrated to New Zealand from Samoa. I speak Samoan, English and Te Reo.
Your why, what you love about the mahi you do, and what makes it special
I love online teaching. Students and teachers learn from each other. Learning is not a one-time activity but a journey where students are encouraged to take risks, offer different opportunities to learn and reflect upon. Students with much support will improve their own learning.