Message from the Secretary for Education

Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system must provide every young New Zealander with the skills, knowledge and qualifications to succeed in a rapidly changing world. This includes an education system that embraces the cultural needs of Pasifika students and enables them to reach their full potential.

The Government has outlined its priority outcomes for Pasifika education and the Ministry will concentrate its work on those areas that will make the greatest difference. Targeted action is needed if Pasifika students are to receive a high-quality education and achieve good outcomes, from early childhood through to tertiary education.

International and local evidence provides the basis for the goals and targets in the Pasifika Education Plan 2009–2012. This will guide the actions for the changes needed. Evidence shows participation in high-quality early childhood education provides the foundation skills to succeed at school and in life. By realising this vital first step, further progress can be made across the education system:

• parents being involved in their children’s education;
• effective teaching focused on achievement; 
• Pasifika students achieving school-level qualifications; and 
• Pasifika students completing their tertiary education qualifications.

Everyone involved in the education sector needs to accept responsibility for improving the education system. The Ministry of Education is working with the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, the Education Review Office, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, Tertiary Education Commission, New Zealand Teachers Council and Career Services to accelerate and sustain Pasifika education achievement. The Ministry’s Pasifika Advisory Group and regional reference groups are working with Pasifika families to support their children’s education.

By working together we can all be part of a future where Pasifika are enjoying educational success. Every young Pasifika student can be, and deserves to be, part of this achievement. Only then can we say that we are on the way to realising the vision expressed in the Pasifika Education Plan:

The education system must work for Pasifika so they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to do well for themselves, their communities, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific region and the world.

Karen Sewell
Secretary for Education