An enthusiastic group of Pasifika teachers have formed a new Pasifika group in the Bay of Plenty to support and acknowledge Pasifika learners.

In partnership with 10 primary schools and two pre-schools in Tauranga, the group is holding its first Pasifika Festival in the Bay at Te Akau Ki Papamoa School today.

'These exciting times enables the fellowship of our local primary schools to celebrate their Pasifika cultures and provides opportunities for whanau, educational groups, key individuals as well as businesses to build school community learning partnerships,” says event organiser Annette Laban.

Saint Mary's Catholic School pupils Khalia and Mariah Gardiner-Hano, Ella Aaifou-Olive, and Riley and Harlem Gardiner-Hano.

Annette says their intentions are to strengthen relationships and build cultural awareness with our family/whanau and the wider community.

'We believe the outcomes will provide a platform that will support the Pasifika Education Plan's vision to see five out of five Pasifika learners participating, engaging and achieving in education through building identity, languages and culture.”

Katikati Primary School pupil Atalia Kumar, 8.

Research shows that schools need to pay more attention to the specific needs of Pasifika students including their language, literacy and culture, and identifying ways to help students build on these resources.

This knowledge builds on effective learning partnerships and encourages Pasifika learners to make learning connections between the educational cultures of their families and communities, and the educational culture of the school.

Te Akau Ki Papamoa School pupils Amylee Reeves, 10, Cheree Gray, 10, and Ellyx Whelan, 10.


Gate Pa Primary School Pacifica group.