13 August 2013
Immediate Release
Hundreds of Pasifika educators drawn to Education Fono this weekend
Hundreds of Pasifika educators and community leaders will meet this weekend to discuss key educational issues facing the
Pacific Island community.
Entitled 'Lalaga – Weaving of Success', the fono will focus on strategies for advancing quality public education for the
Pasifika community. The fono occurs amidst community debate about the impact of the Government’s freeze on funding for
Pasifika bi-lingual education resources and the introduction of charter schools.
Komiti Pasifika president and fono organiser Etelagi Leilua says that while the media persists in presenting a largely
negative image of Pasifika education, the fono will focus on the positive.
“The fono is about celebrating the successes of our people in education and building on the things Pasifika educators,
students and their families are doing that work well. We will share the skills and information needed to support
improved learning outcomes for all our children and talk about the strategies that need to be developed in the years
ahead.”
NZEI Te Riu Roa President Judith Nowotarski will open the fono and outline NZEI commitment to Pasifika education,
including its “Educating for Pasifika Success” framework.
Presenters at the fono include researchers, academics, and teachers from throughout the education sector as well as
community leaders. Their presentations will share best practise and encourage greater community involvement in all
aspects of education.
Noted researcher and educator Dr. Diane Mara is the keynote speaker and will survey the current educational landscape
and challenge her audience to address barriers to success in their own communities as well as in the wider society.
Originally planned as an Auckland event, the fono has attracted participants from throughout the country and is booked
out. It has been organised by NZEI Te Riu Roa.
When: Saturday 17 August 2013 8.15am (registration) to 3.30pm
Where: Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Road Mt. Wellington.
ENDS