Addressing racial equity & justice in the tech sector for Pasifika learners in Aotearoa New Zealand
Status
Key Research Questions
How effective are IT programmes delivered by Pasifika for Pasifika at: bridging the gap of equality, fairness and inclusion for the marginalised in the tech sector; and addressing systemic racism to identify the potential for inclusive policies for STEM educators?
Sub questions
- To what extent do IT programs delivered by Pasifika for Pasifika contribute to reducing disparities in the tech sector for marginalized individuals?
- How successful are IT programs in fostering greater inclusion for marginalized groups in the technology sector, with a focus on the Pasifika community?
- What is the role of Pasifika-led IT programs in promoting equity within STEM fields and addressing historical and structural biases?
- In what ways do industry-sponsored partnerships contribute to sparking interest in postgraduate studies among educators?
- What factors differentiate capability uplift from improved user outcomes and how do they impact broader educational pathways, especially postgraduate studies?
- How do industry partnerships impact postgraduate pathways, enhancing capabilities, and improving outcomes for users?
Pacific peoples in NZ engaged in tech education, pathways, and careers represent an underwhelming minority of less than 3% (Chiang, 2022). Although Pacific participation in tertiary education is increasing, success rates and those participating in the IT field continue to be a focus for improvement.
Multiple initiatives involving various agencies including government, education, community, and the private sector have been developed and aimed at improving Pacific participation and success in tertiary, and the Information Communication Technologies (ICT) sector to improve the livelihood of Pacific families, communities, and NZ society. Though some successes have been achieved, much more needs to be done to ensure more Pacific peoples engage and are successful in education and in the ICT space (Bentley-Gray 2022).
This Pasifika centric project demonstrates its intention to do “much more” in the ICT space for Pasifika by employing Pasifika researchers who, despite proximity to, or experiences of exclusivity, were able to traverse the social and economic barriers to higher education. Their lived experiences, shaped by cultural pride and knowledge, brings context to how Pasifika ideologies and methods are relevant in academia providing insights and solutions for Pasifika and by Pasifika.
The recommendations in the final report address systemic inequities, enhancing representation, and fostering culturally grounded educational and professional opportunities. Centered on culturally relevant learning, mentorship, inclusive industry practices, and robust community engagement, these recommendations focus on aligning educational pathways and career development with Pasifika values and lived experiences. By investing in these targeted actions, we can cultivate a tech ecosystem that not only includes Pasifika voices but is enriched and led by them.
Methodologies
For the analysis of data on Pacific learners and Pacific staff, the research team employed a combination of five Pacific Research Methodologies (PRMs)s (Kakala, Talanoa, Teu le va/ Va, Vanua, and Tivaevae methodologies) to best reflect and represent the diverse Pacific ethnic groups and the team itself. It was ideal for this project to employ methodologies that reflected the participants’ and possibly the Pacific researchers’ ethnic backgrounds.
Team
Daisy Bently-Gray
Project Leader | General
Unitec | Te Pūkenga
Dr Marion Muliaumaseali’i
Project Leader | Technology
Unitec | Te PūkengaDr Evangelia Papoutsaki
Research Support
Status
Funding
$102,531.00 (excl GST)
Key Findings
This research has provided valuable insights into the experiences of Pasifika people in the technology sector and education, highlighting the complex interplay between cultural values, systemic barriers, and innovative solutions.
The study reveals that Pasifika individuals are adept at navigating challenging environments while maintaining their cultural identity, often employing cumulative advantage and polycultural capital to bridge gaps in equity and racial justice.
Key findings demonstrate that:
- Industry-sponsored micro-credentials provide flexible opportunities for upskilling but often lack clear pathways to postgraduate education.
- Pasifika-led IT programs effectively address cultural barriers and provide accessible learning platforms through innovative approaches like the 'Whanau Connect' initiative.
- Systemic racism in the tech sector persists, but Pasifika professionals are finding ways to overcome these challenges through cultural intelligence and alternative pathways.
Key Recommendations
To create a more inclusive and equitable digital education and technology sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is essential to recognise and uplift the unique strengths, cultural knowledge, and aspirations of Pasifika communities.
Centered on culturally relevant learning, mentorship, inclusive industry practices, and robust community engagement, these recommendations focus on aligning educational pathways and career development with Pasifika values and lived experiences. By investing in these targeted actions, we can cultivate a tech ecosystem that not only includes Pasifika voices but is enriched and led by them.
Culturally Relevant Education and Learning Pathways
- Develop culturally relevant micro-credential programs specifically tailored for Pasifika educators and students, incorporating Pasifika cultural values and contexts.
- Create more flexible and accessible postgraduate study options that align with Pasifika cultural values and accommodate work-life balance.
- Establish robust Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) frameworks to empower Pasifika individuals by formally valuing and translating their unique cultural and technical expertise into recognized qualifications.
- Increase funding and support for Pasifika-led IT programs that address community needs and provide holistic learning experiences for both students and families.
Mentorship, Apprenticeships, and Career Development
- Implement mentorship programs that connect Pasifika professionals in the tech industry with aspiring Pasifika students and early-career professionals.
- Invest in targeted industry apprenticeships and mentorship programs for Pasifika youth to build a diverse tech pipeline and provide equitable career opportunities.
Representation, and Inclusion
- Advocate for the inclusion of Pasifika providers on the NZ Ministry of Education's accredited list for digital professional learning and development (PLD).
- Develop inclusive recruitment policies and job advertisements that recognize and value Pasifika cultural intelligence and experiences.
- Increase visibility and representation of Pasifika professionals in the tech sector through initiatives like tech Talanoa and other community-focused events.
- Incorporate cultural intelligence training for non-Pasifika professionals working in the tech sector to foster more inclusive work environments.
Community Engagement and Pathways
- Cultivate dynamic pathways from vocational training and entrepreneurship to inspire Pasifika learners to engage creatively with technology, fostering innovation and economic self-sufficiency beyond traditional employment models.
- Engage with wider Pasifika communities, including influencers such as parents, church leaders, and extended family members, to promote technology education and careers.
Engagement with Policy and Industry
- Formulate a comprehensive strategy to ensure government digital transformation policies are co-designed with and reflect Pasifika perspectives, fostering inclusive digital futures.
- Invest in and expand initiatives that cultivate Pasifika talent pipelines for tech leadership and governance roles, ensuring diverse voices shape the sector.
- Transition to equity-focused, long-term funding mechanisms to empower and sustain Pasifika-led IT programs, recognizing their vital contribution and ensuring their continuity.
Future Projects
- Address and dismantle systemic barriers preventing Pasifika educators from achieving recognition as accredited providers in digital education.
- Develop and implement clear strategies enabling Pasifika IT experts to gain accreditation and actively contribute to curriculum development, in collaboration with organizations like Fibre Fale.
- Champion and advocate for inclusive certification pathways that formally validate Pasifika expertise in digital education, working with institutions such as Fibre Fale and Techtorium
This research report focuses on the significant underrepresentation of Pasifika people in the Technology sector through the lens of Pasifika educators and professionals in Aotearoa. The recommendations focus on aligning educational pathways and career development with Pasifika values and lived experiences.
- 19 December 2025