Pacific medium

Supporting teachers and kaiako in effective pedagogical practice with a Pacific focus

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 Kāiga māopoopo (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 Kāiga māopoopo advise Pacific staff and Tātai Aho Rau leadership on anything arising in relation to its Pacific Strategy and work within Pacific communities.
  • Reverend Fitifiti Luatua

    Reverend Fitifiti Luatua 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.

     

  • Siale Pasa Faitotonu

    Siale Pasa Faitotonu 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.

  • Sāla Saili Aukuso

    Sāla Saili Aukuso Sāla Saili Aukuso

     

    My name is Sāla Saili Aukuso a matai ali’i from my village of Leauva’a in Samoa. The bestowment of this title was a collective decision of my extended family (‘āiga potopoto) on my father’s side, as this title was held by my father before he passed away. I was born and educated in Samoa then migrated to join my family in Christchurch, New Zealand in the late nineties. 

    Currently, I am a research assistant of the Better Start E Tipu e Rea, National Science Challenges Research Programme in New Zealand. Prior to that I have worked in the teaching profession for 30 years experiences as a primary and secondary teacher. I was a Senior Leader in two Samoan bilingual inits in Auckland, and also a bilingual coordinator/facilitator for the Auckland Samoan Bilingual Education Cluster (ASBEC). Recently, I have completed a PhD programme at the University of Canterbury in Teacher Education successfully. My topic is Nofoilo i Leo Samoa, Samoan phonological awareness, a study in Samoan phonology and early literacy development.

    I am a strong advocate of bilingual education and bilingualism in Aotearoa, having taught, researched and facilitated on its behalf for most of my teaching career.

  • Leali’ie’e Tufulasi Taleni

    Leali’ie’e Tufulasi Taleni 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.

  • Ali’imuamua Asiasiga Batcheler

    Ali’imuamua Asiasiga Batcheler 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.

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