Pacific Tertiary Education Forum | 2018
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?
The Programme for the 2018 Pacific Tertiary Education Forum.
- 6 September 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
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
Welcome address from Helen Lomax, Director, Ako Aotearoa at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.
- 6 September 2018
Keynote address by Hon Jenny Salesa, Associate Minister of Education at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.
- 6 September 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
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
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
Presentation by Dr Martyn Reynolds on "Success and Transitions in Pasifika Education" at the Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.
- 7 September 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
Keynote address by Dr Margaret Southwick, Emeritus Dean, Whitireia Community Polytechnic at Ako Aotearoa's Pacific Tertiary Education Forum, 2018.
- 7 September 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
The Handbook for the 2018 Pacific Tertiary Education Forum.
- 6 September 2018
Schedule of Abstracts from Ako Aotearoa's 2018 Pacific Tertiary Education Forum.
- 6 September 2018
Explore our many research projects, teacher support resources, and other tools developed to support Pacific learner success.
Gain greater understanding of Pacific perspectives and explore a research-informed tool designed to assist you to engage more meaningfully with your Pacific learners. This course will unpack a range of strategies and resources from the 'Pasifika Resource kit'.