Talofa lava, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa atu, Ni sa bula, Taloha ni, Kia ora, Aloha, hello and warm Pasifika greetings. This page is for issues of interest to Pasifika members and any members involved in Pasifika students' learning.
Download the Pasifika Poster
Please note our new email addresses:
- Wellington Komiti Pasifika - Komiti_Wellington@nzei.org.nz
- Auckland Komiti Pasifika - Komiti_Auckland@nzei.org.nz
- National Executive Leo Pasifika - Leo_Pasifika@nzei.org.nz
Leo Pasifika
NZEI Leo Pasifika is the NZEI National Executive Pasifika Caucus. As part of the NZEI Pasifika Strategic Plan, NZEI Leo Pasifika encourages Komiti Pasifika members and members interested in educational issues for Pasifika learners to contribute their thoughts on articles, programmes or conferences of professional interest. Please send any reviews, articles or notices to Leo_Pasifika@nzei.org.nz.
Latest News
Pasifika Training and Development
Leading Pasifika - An insight into Leadership for Pacific Educators
This leadership course has been facilitated by the TRCC for Pasifika Primary & Secondary teachers: AP/DPs, Deans, HODs, TICs, Senior Teachers & Syndicate Leaders. The course aims to develop understanding of successful Pasifika Leadership models, the concept of ‘Tautua’, resilient leadership, roles & relationships, managing change, and practical skills for leadership in Primary & Secondary settings. It will be held in Porirua 6 to 8 October 2008.
Read more (0.1mb pdf)
Komiti Pasifika Calendars
2008 Komiti Pasifika Auckland Branch Calendar
Komiti Pasifika Auckland - Term 2 2008 Events
Member Support Personnel Renominations
Click here for the latest branch, Aronui Tomua and Komiti Pasifika circulars
Read a summary of Continuing the Pasifika Journey: A Progress Report to Annual Meeting 2005
Resources
Article Review
Set: Research Information for Teachers is a New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER) publication on current research in education across all sectors.
Influences on Pasifika Student’s Achievement in Literacy is a very interesting article about the needs of students from minority groups in accessing assistance to develop literacy skills to allow them to cope effectively with a range of curriculum areas.
The article looks at a range of literacies – including listening, speaking, writing and reading, as well as critical literacy, understanding of media and ICT. The authors highlight the importance of creating learning environments that respect all learners is critical to learners’ success including preventing bullying. Research indicates that approximately 70% of students report experiences of bullying related to their literacy or culture in schools.
The authors conclude that an affirming and culturally inclusive and relevant environment is an important pedagogical resource. The findings of the article indicate that Pasifika learners feel more secure and confident in their literacy learning in a school environment that values and acknowledges their culture and where there are strong home-school linkages. It is vital that all teachers value, respect, and encourage learners and realise that cultural beliefs are central to learning.
Fletcher, J., Parkhill. F., Fa’afoi, A., & Taleni, L. F. (2008). Influences on Pasifika Student’s Achievement in Literacy. Set: Research information for Teachers. No. 1, p. 4-9. Wellington: NZCER Press.
Pasifika Protocols
An important feature of this site will be the Pasifika Protocols Project. The project will explore aspects of Pasifika culture and protocol. Each term we will introduce a new topic. We hope that members contribute to this project by sending us information or ideas. Please include English translations of all submissions. We hope that this project will ultimately become a valuable resource for all NZEI Te Riu Roa members.
The Context of Protocol
The contexts of practising various cultural protocols are many and varied. These can include the settings of: home visits, school functions, concerts and assemblies, board of trustee meetings, staff meetings, pupil interview, parent interview, employer/employee interview, etc.
Within NZEI Te Riu Roa structures and activity there can be some meaningful accommodation and understanding of pasifika protocol. This could well be practised in situations of komiti pasifika meetings, in counselling and advocacy situations, within fono pasifika and when visiting pasifika workers and pasifika worksites.
Future protocol discussion topics will include preferred learning styles, names, conversation, decision making, hospitality, pronunciation, and custom and practice. The following is the first “discussion starter” in a developing resource for members.
Members can participate in the development of this resource through discussion at Komiti Pasifika, Branch and Aronui Tomo and District Council meetings and by email to using the contact information above.
Pasifika Protocols Discussion Starter - Meeting and Greeting
Meeting
As teachers or school staff there are many situations whereby we meet (and greet) people. Meeting people is the first point of contact and communication, and therefore it is very important.
Make time for an effective visit when visiting homes.
The visit by a teacher to home of a pupil will be accorded very high status. The householder may well appreciate some advance warning of the visit.
Usually it is respectful to take off ones shoes before entering the house. Leave your shoes outside the door.
Don’t rush into the business of discussion on the doorstep. Usually everybody will be seated and pleasantries exchanged before getting down business.
The best chairs are given to the persons of highest status. Chairs are for sitting on so always avoid sitting on tables. Feet belong on the floor, not on chairs or tables.
Greeting
Handshakes and contact are important. At times of importance, handshakes are prevalent.
Greetings can also include hugs and kisses (on the cheek). Greeting protocols apply between all gender, young and old.
The health and well being of a person’s family are always enquired upon.