Talanoa Ako guided resources 

This resource supports Pacific practices, teaching, and learning by helping schools and teachers to: 

• reflect on their own practices and walk alongside Pacific families and communities  
• understand what "culturally safe spaces" look and feel like  
• understand what is culturally important to Pacific learners and families 
• understand how powerful parent and learner voice is, in the development of "fit-for-purpose" programmes that contribute to Pacific success 
• explains the "As and By Pacific" model. 

Talanoa Ako: Learnings from PISA Mathematics for Pacific parents and schools – ‘O faiva ‘aulelei

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako – Learnings from PISA Mathemematics for Pacific parents and schools (.pdf)

This resource builds on the many resources designed to cater for the educational needs of Pacific learners, parents, families and communities. It highlights the necessary actions to foster a partnership between home and school aimed at supporting the mathematical performance of Pacific learners.

The resource consists of two sections:

• Section A is about Pacific learners’ achievement and attitude towards mathematics.
• Section B is about Pacific learners’ health and wellbeing in relation to mathematics.

The resource is framed using the key themes and findings from PISA Mathematics 2022. For each theme, there is a graphic presentation of data, as well as ideas and activities for parents, families, schools, and teachers to use to empower Pacific learners in mathematics.

The Tu‘u Mālohi Wellbeing Workbook

• Tu'u Mālohi Wellbeing Worbook (.pdf)

The Tu‘u Mālohi programme supports Pacific learners’ in years 9 to 13, and their parents, to examine their well-being and to develop their ability to confront racism.  

This wellbeing workbook has been put together as a resource for the programme but can also be used by secondary schools and communities. 

Talanoa Ako: Pacific talk about education and learning 

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako – Pacific talk about education and learning (.pdf)

The three reports that make up the Talanoa Ako: Talking about education and learning  resource are below. Each acknowledges the contributing authors and includes a short summary of the report. 

Talanoa Ako: Pacific parents, families, learners, and communities talk education together

• Synthesis report of Pacific PowerUP Evaluations 2016–2019
• Authored by Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop 

The report records the journey to understand what culturally safe spaces look like for Pacific learners, PowerUP Pacific parents and learners, community coordinators, leaders, and teachers. 

Four focus questions guided the study, and those carrying out the study applied a Pacific lens to defining what is of value and determining how to achieve what is of value.

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako: Pacific parents, families, learners, and communities talk education together: Synthesis report of Pacific PowerUP evaluations (2016-19) (.pdf)

Talanoa Ako: From Pacific PowerUP to Talanoa Ako, case studies  

• PowerUp Evaluations 2016-2019 Key Learnings
• Authored by Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop 

Case studies contribute to the evidence-based discussion of Pacific education by the Pacific community and education researchers, policymakers, programmers, teachers, and schools. 

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako from Pacific PowerUP to Talanoa Ako (.pdf)

Talanoa Ako: Talking about education and learning – Pacific education literature review 

• A literature review of the 5 Key Findings of the Pacific PowerUP Longitudinal Evaluation 2016–2018   
• Authored by Dr Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga, Dr Ivy Abella, Dr Martyn Reynolds, and Dr Fuapepe Rimoni  (Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington) 

The Longitudinal PowerUP to Talanoa Ako Evaluations (2016-2019) identified areas needed to support Pacific educational achievement. 

This resource provides a literature review on these 5 finding themes: Pacific visible, identity language and culture, Pacific wellbeing, ‘Auala in access, and cultural bias and racism.

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako - Talking about education and learning – Pacific education literature review on key findings of the Pacific PowerUP Longitudinal Evaluation (2016-2018) hearing the voice of Pacific parents (.pdf)

Talanoa Ako: Ngāue Fakataha ki he Ako ʻa e Fānau   

Authored by Dr Lesieli Tongati’o, this resource co-constructs solutions and different ways of working that lead to Pacific educational success.  

The research project set out to gain an understanding between schools and their Pacific parents, families, and communities. The work draws from the voices of schools, parents, and learners. 

Informed by the findings, you will be better able to grow reciprocal relationships and support learners’ progress and achievement. 

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako - Ngāue Fakataha ki he Ako ʻa e Fānau (.pdf)

Talanoa Ako: Building Pacific-Capable Boards – Seu le manu ae taga’I I le galu  

A refresh of a Ministry of Education resource that focused on supporting boards of trustees to build their Pacific capability and engagement.  

This resource will help your board’s journey to be responsive and capable of meeting the educational achievement, progress, and expectations of your Pacific learners and their parents, families, and communities 

Building Pacific-Capable School Boards aligns with the Ministry of Education’s action plan for Pacific education (2020–2030). It will support boards in developing school processes, policies, and strategies that embed Pacific success in governance, management, curriculum, and the school environment. 

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako - Building Pacific-Capable Boards (.pdf)

Talanoa Ako Fakataha - Talatalanoaga Faalea‘oa‘oga Cycle (the Talanoa Ako cycle) 

This table combines information about the principles of Pasifika success, assessment for learning, relationships, governance and leadership, roles and responsibilities, and student learning theory.  

The Talanoa Ako cycle is a tool you can embed in the work your school uses to engage with Pacific  learners, their parents, and their families. 

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako cycle (.pdf)

Talanoa Ako: Make it HAPPEN (Have an Action Plan for Pacific Education Now)

A look at key documents like the Action Plan for Pacific Education and Tapasā to help you construct your school’s own Pacific Education Action Plan. 

The word "HAPPEN" is used as an acronym to convey urgency and a call to action to

• H - Have
• A - Action
• P - Plan
• P- Pacific
• E- Education
• N - Now

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako - Make it HAPPEN (.pdf)

Talanoa Ako: PISA for Pacific parents and schools – Tama a le 'ele 'ele, sa'ili malō 

This resource contains the key findings about the reading performance of Pacific 15-year-olds from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and highlights the urgent action required for a partnership between home and school to support Pacific learners’ reading literacy achievement. This report is framed by key themes taken from the PISA learners’ questionnaire.

For each theme, there is a graphic presentation of data as well as ideas and activities for parents, families, schools, and teachers to use to empower Pacific learners to keep doing their best at school.

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Talanoa Ako - PISA for Pacific parents and schools (.pdf)

Ordering hard copies of resources 

Order additional hard copies:

• Schools:  Down the Back of the Chair 
• Communities: Email your request to:  Talanoa.Ako@education.govt.nz 

You can also order a Talanoa Ako Guided Resources storage box to keep all your resources together. 

Talanoa Ako Pacific Talk about Education and Learning Vignettes 

Watch and listen to the organic voices of Pacific learners, faith leaders, academic leaders, public servants and community leaders.

The vignettes are dedicated to a champion of Pacific Education, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, who exemplified leadership in advancing the lives of Pacific in the diaspora and in supporting the work of Talanoa Ako.

These are unscripted Talanoa. Authentic Pacific voices share – from their own hearts and minds – dreams, hopes, and aspirations for Pacific educational success.  

Saili Malo career resources

Saili Malo is a Samoan concept focused on attaining a prosperous life, and often the journey to get there is supported by a plan that informs a pathway. 

The Saili Malo career resource, Level Up! Prepare for Your Future is a set of activity workbooks developed exclusively for Talanoa Ako partners and provides resources focused on career activities that learners of different ages and their parents can both do, reflect on, and discuss. This resource is available (in electronic form) to schools and educators alike, who will be able to utilise it in many different ways to embed careers into their teaching.

Resources

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Saili Malo facilitators guide (.pdf)
• Saili Malo workbook 1 intermediate (.pdf)  
• Saili Malo workbook 2 junior high school (.pdf)  
• Saili Malo workbook 3 senior high school​​​​​​​ (.pdf)  
• Saili Malo workbook 4 parents​​​​​​​ (.pdf) 

At the Table series

We are thrilled to share an exciting development from the Pacific Team of Ākonga and Community Delivery: the launch of our insightful programme, 'At The Table.'

In this six-episode series, Pacific experts engage in dynamic discussions on vital topics including bilingual education, leadership, wellbeing, community partnerships, government responses, and youth empowerment. Each episode serves as a platform for diverse perspectives, amplifying the voices that matter most.

Episode 1a and 1b delves into identifying pivotal opportunities essential for fostering Pacific success in the future, with a special emphasis on STEM pathways. Join Ala’imalo Falefatu Enari, Serena Curtis, Ezra Schuster, and Aiolupotea Sina Aiono-Aiolupotea as they dissect these crucial themes.

Join us for Episode 2 of At The Table series as Fa’atili Iosua Esera, Dr Sala Pafitimai Tagoilelagi-Leota, Dr Lesieli Tongati’o and John McCaffery delve into the essential opportunities pertaining to Pacific language and immersion, emphasising their significant for the future of Pacific learners.

Episode 3 of At the Table focuses on a crucial opportunity for Pacific leaders to advance education and family well-being. Join the Talanoa with Filivaifale Jason Swann, Hon Luamanuvao Dame Winne Laban, Tagaloatele Professor Emeritus Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, and Rev Nove Vaila’au MNZM.

Join Karl Vasau, Dr. Cherie Fuluifaga-Chu, Ali Leota, and Melissa Lama for Episode 4 of At the Table series as they uncover crucial opportunities designed for Pacific learners. This episode aims to shed light on tailored pathways and resources, empowering Pacific learners to excel in their educational journeys. Tune in for insights that can make a difference!

Catch Episode 5 of At the Table series with Galumalemana Pelu Leaupepetele, Dr. Karlo Mila MNZM, Lemalu Silao Vaisola-Sefo, and Dr. Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop as they focus on the well-being of Pacific learners, sharing practical insights to support their overall health.

Join Episode 6 of At the Table series with Sose Annandale, Sai Lealea MNZM, Hana Halalele, and Fa’anana Efeso Collins as they discuss critical opportunities within Pacific communities. Gain insights and potential solutions for improvement and growth in these areas.

Mana of the Pacific  brings together inspirational proverbs and beautiful photographs that highlight the wisdom, resilience, and innovation of Pacific peoples.  

Created to share and celebrate the strengths of the Pacific, each pack contains nine posters from Mana of the Pacific (2021). 

These posters, which support and encourage all learners, help instil an appreciation of Pacific knowledge and strengths. 

You could use them to: 

• strengthen the cultural pride of your Pacific learners 
• inspire all learners in your classes with the wisdom contained in the proverbs 
• link directly to learning activities (such as social studies themes, oral presentation tasks, and exercises linked to geography, environment, culture, language, and leadership). 

Talanoa Ako response to COVID-19 case studies 

On 25 March 2020, Aotearoa New Zealand, went into COVID-19 lockdown. At Alert Level 4, people had to stay home; no gatherings were allowed, and all public places were closed.

Realising that community partners could not deliver the Talanoa Ako programme face-to-face as they normally would, the Strategy and Integration team, Parent Information and Community Intelligence (PICI), at the Ministry of Education quickly considered alternative delivery options. The PICI team understood Pacific parents and families wanted to know how best to support their children’s education at home.

These Talanoa Ako COVID-19 case studies show the different and innovative ways Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education responded to urgent Pacific community needs and maintained their commitment to the community.

The approaches and activities undertaken form the basis for lasting positive change for families taking part in the Talanoa Ako programme.

We want to acknowledge the Talanoa Ako partners and teachers who shared their stories with us. These people participated enthusiastically and candidly throughout the COVID-19 repurposing. Their support and willingness to provide feedback to Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education made it possible to develop these case studies.

Resources

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Mana of the Pacific poster pack (.pdf)
• Talanoa Ako response to COVID-19 case studies (.pdf)
• Talanoa Ako programme innovation COVID-19 (.pdf)  
• Fast response of Talanoa Ako COVID-19 (.pdf)  

Order hard copies of the poster pack 

You can order hard copies of the Mana of the Pacific poster pack. 

• Schools – order from Down the Back of the Chair, using reference MOEA0301 
• Communities – send an email request to Talanoa.Ako@education.govt.nz 

Publisher 

 Mana of the Pacific (2021) by A. Movono & R. Scheyvens. Published by Potton & Burton.