Project Details

About the forum

APSTE and Ako Aotearoa were proud to present the 2018 Pacific Tertiary Education Forum (PTEF), a fono for tertiary practitioners and stakeholders to talanoa (discuss) and create solutions to increase the successful outcomes of Pasifika in Aotearoa.

The PTEF provided a platform for the voices of Pacific learners, teachers, support staff and tertiary leaders to be heard in one place - working together with agency stakeholders and others towards a collective approach for Pacific learner success. Participants engaged in discussion and debate around what it means to be part of today’s rapidly changing tertiary education environment.

Overarching themes

The theme 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' was examined through a uniquely Pacific perspective, drawing on the experiences of a broad cross-section of Pacific Peoples working in and supporting our tertiary education sector.

The rapidly changing tertiary education sector of today presents a unique challenge in that Pacific learners, now more than ever, must stay connected to their Pacific values and identities in being equipped to inclusively meet the challenges presented by increasing change, both to the tertiary landscape and the wider environment. Government agencies, tertiary organisations and others must work together with Pacific communities to forge a thriving, empathetic and equitable future of success for all people in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Key Points to Note:

Sub-themes

Change through research

Research can help us understand tertiary education and spotlight good practice. What is the current research and findings that supports and grows Pacific achievement in tertiary education. What are the research projects that focus on positive change, inclusivity and equity for Pacific learners? How can we harness this work in practical ways to grow Pacific success into the future?

Learner support and collobaration

This year we showcase inspiring stories on models of good practice in the collaboration space and their proven success. Presenters will share what good support looks and feels like for Pacific learners, and how to develop and maintain positive levels of thriving Pacific learner participation, engagement and achievement in education. Can we collaborate more across the sector and with our learners to evolve work programmes that will bring real benefits to Pacific learners, thereby benefitting all?

Student and community voice

The Pacific learner, their families and communities should be at the centre of an education system that works better for Pacific people. Family, community and church bring valued knowledge and practice that can define cultural identity and provide support and motivation for success as Pacific people in New Zealand. This theme explores and celebrates initiatives that are inclusive of these groups. We want parents and community leaders to share their stories of support and success for learners transitioning through the education system, and what success looks like for them. What are the conditions and values needed to create strong, vibrant and successful Pacific individuals, families and communities?

Leadership and career progression

How can tertiary providers plan and respond to ensure Pasifika school leavers are academically and socially equipped to achieve their career goals and thrive as we face increasingly uncertain futures? What change is needed to occur in this space to ensure parity and beyond for Pacific learners, teachers and staff? How should our education system support greater parity, equity and empathy?

Conference Programme – PTEF 2018

The Programme for the 2018 Pacific Tertiary Education Forum.

  • 6 September 2018
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Video

Performance by Te Namo: Conference opening – PTEF 2018

Performance by Te Namo (Tokelauan Students’ Association), Victoria University of Wellington at the opening of the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 6 September 2018
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Video

Tui Taulapapa, Co-Chair, APSTE: Welcome address – PTEF 2018

Welcome address from Tui Taulapapa, Co-Chair, Association of Pasifika Staff in Tertiary Education (APSTE) at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 6 September 2018
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Video

Helen Lomax, Director, Ako Aotearoa: Welcome address – PTEF 2018

Welcome address from Helen Lomax, Director, Ako Aotearoa at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 6 September 2018
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Video

Hon Jenny Salesa, Associate Minister of Education: Keynote address – PTEF 2018

Keynote address by Hon Jenny Salesa, Associate Minister of Education at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 6 September 2018
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Video

What can Government agencies do better for people of the Pacific? Panel Discussion – PTEF 2018

A panel discussion on the topic of "What can Government agencies do better for people of the Pacific?" at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 6 September 2018
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Video

Kele'a | The Conch: Student panel – PTEF 2018

Hear the voices of our Pacific tertiary student leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand in what they believe is needed to create strong, vibrant and successful Pacific individuals, families and communities.

  • 6 September 2018
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Video

Dr Jo Cribb: Keynote address – PTEF 2018

Keynote address by Dr Jo Cribb on "The future of work: Skills for the 21st century" at Ako Aotearoa's Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 7 September 2018
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Video

Dr Martyn Reynolds: Presentation – PTEF 2018

Presentation by Dr Martyn Reynolds on "Success and Transitions in Pasifika Education" at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 7 September 2018
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Video

Greg Durkin: Presentation – PTEF 2018

Presentation by Greg Durkin (BCITO) on "Tagata Pasifika: how does building diversity equate to diversity in building?" at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 7 September 2018
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Video

Dr Margaret Southwick: Keynote address – PTEF 2018

Keynote address by Dr Margaret Southwick, Emeritus Dean, Whitireia Community Polytechnic at Ako Aotearoa's Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.

  • 7 September 2018
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Video

Associate Professor Kabini Sanga: Insights and closing remarks – PTEF 2018

Associate Professor Kabini Sanga offers his insights and closing remarks to wrap-up the two-day Pacific Tertiary Education Forum 2018.

  • 7 September 2018
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Handbook and presentation slides – PTEF 2018

The Handbook for the 2018 Pacific Tertiary Education Forum.

  • 6 September 2018
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Schedule of abstracts – PTEF 2018

Schedule of Abstracts from Ako Aotearoa's 2018 Pacific Tertiary Education Forum.

  • 6 September 2018
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COURSE

Introduction to the Pacific Cultural Centredness Pathway

Gain an understanding of the key values from the seven major Pacific nations in Aotearoa and an appreciation of the unique values that define each one.

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Pacific projects, resources and publications

Explore our many research projects, teacher support resources, and other tools developed to support Pacific learner success.

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COURSE

Enhancing Pacific Cultural Capability

Build on your learning from the 'Introduction to the Pacific Cultural Centredness Pathway'. This course helps you align your approach to each of the major Pacific nation groups.

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COURSE

Lalaga le fala Pasefika: Weaving cultural responsiveness to Pacific learners

Gain greater understanding of Pacific perspectives and explore a research-informed tool designed to assist you to engage more meaningfully with your Pacific learners.

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