Pasifika Education Strategy - Ko e Ako a e Kakai

Ko e Ako 'a e Kakai Pasifika Pacific Islands People's Education in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Foreword

 
Pacific Islands peoples in New Zealand represent an important group in our community. It is vital that these peoples have the opportunity to fully participate in education and to achieve their full potential. Creating success for Pacific Islands peoples in New Zealand education still poses immense challenges for all involved. The Ministry of Education is committed to developing strong and effective policies and networks that will help Pacific Islands students fully participate and succeed in their education in New Zealand.

Ko e Ako 'a e Kakai Pasifika is a first step in developing Pacific Islands education within the Ministry. The plan aims to lift the achievement levels of Pacific Islands students and provides a framework through which Pacific Islands education becomes a core function of the Ministry. This report provides progress on the plan's implementation as well as an update of participation and achievement since the plan was published in December 1996. The most significant growth is in Pacific islands early childhood education, expected to have positive flow on effects to other education sectors in the years ahead.

Various groups have been set up to support and implement the plan and network with the community. These groups include the external Advisory Group, internal Overview Group, the Pacific Islands Team and the Pacific Islands Caucus. These groups are vital to raising the profile of Pacific Islands education throughout New Zealand, enhancing feedback from Pacific Islands communities and assist in raising the Pacific Islands capability of the Ministry.

Monitoring the plan's implementation will continue to ensure the plan's goals are achieved, that pressure points are identified and resolved, and that Pacific Islands education outcomes continue to be a priority.

In 1998/99, the Ministry's focus is on lifting the educational achievement of all students and closing the gap between the educational achievement of diverse groups. The Ministry will continue to discuss Ko e Ako 'a e Kakai Pasifika with Pacific Islands education stakeholders and ensure that its goals continue to be relevant to Pacific Islands peoples' education needs. During 1998/99, the plan will be developed further and its goals refined to reflect ongoing policy development.

Howard Fancy

Secretary for Education