MonitoringReport2004 Engagement with Pasifika Communities
 

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A key focus of this strategy is increasing the connection and accountability of the tertiary education system to Pasifika communities to build the skills important to the development of communities in the Pacific and New Zealand.

The 2005 to 2007 profiles of TEOs provide a view of how TEOs are currently engaging with Pasifika communities in New Zealand and internationally and the areas where they are planning further development1.

Some universities addressing relationship development

Only five out of the eight universities specifically mentioned relationship development with Pasifika communities in their profiles. Two of these institutions already had extensive international relationships with Pacific countries and had recognised the need to build relationships with local communities as well.

The focus of engagement was largely on providing support to Pasifika students within the institution. Two universities had, or were planning development of, bridging programmes to meet the needs of Pasifika students and one was looking to develop specific programmes for Pasifika communities. Only one institution included reference to the development of research to address the needs of Pasifika communities.

Auckland University of Technology working with communities to support Pasifika student success
The Auckland University of Technology is encouraging Pasifika participation through a range of initiatives which include scholarships, community and school partnerships and mentoring. The university is pursuing initiatives to provide access to students in Manukau, an area with a high Pasifika population.
The university has established an Office of Pasifika Advancement to enhance its accountability and relevance to Pasifika communities. The Centre for Equity Development monitors and promotes initiatives to enhance Pasifika outcomes.
A number of qualifications have a Pasifika focus (e.g. the National Diploma in Teaching research projects and Early Childhood Education (Pasifika)). The university is working with the University of the South Pacific to make available programmes that address the curriculum needs of Pasifika students.
From: Auckland University of Technology, Profile 2005–07

Wide variation in engagement by polytechnics

There is wide variation in the levels of engagement with Pasifika communities expressed in the polytechnics’ profiles:

  • three had no reference to engagement with Pasifika communities, on the basis of a low population proportion in their region
  • seven have limited plans for engagement, mostly in terms of building relationships with local communities to provide better support for Pasifika students
  • five have more substantial plans for engagement, which in some cases included looking forward to the development of teaching and learning programmes to address the needs of Pasifika communities. Two of these five are in areas of low Pasifika population, but nonetheless recognised Pasifika people as an important community group
  • two have well-established relationships with Pasifika communities and offer a range of education programmes for these communities, which they plan to build on further.

Canterbury Tertiary Alliance — Pasifika Education Forum
The Canterbury Tertiary Alliance is a collaboration of Canterbury University, Lincoln University, Christchurch College of Education and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.
The Alliance has established a Pasifika Education Forum with Pasifika community representatives from the region. Through the forum, the members of the Alliance can liaise with the Pasifika community and discuss ways to improve access and participation and be responsive to the needs of the community.

Both of the remaining Colleges of Education had reference to liaison with Pasifika communities. One is strongly involved with teacher training in the Pacific and is also planning to develop programmes to meet the needs of Pasifika communities in New Zealand.

ITOs planning to consult Pasifika stakeholders

Most ITOs are at the point of planning to consult, and/or develop relationships, with Pasifika stakeholders. Their main areas of focus are on promoting opportunities in their industry to Pasifika communities and identifying any barriers to participation. In most cases, plans for consultation are supported by analyses of Pasifika participation in industry and industry training.

Three ITOs are looking to develop programmes or qualifications to meet specific needs of Pasifika businesses within their industry.

There are some ITOs that have no plans set out in their profiles to engage with Pasifika communities.

 

1 See Engagement of TE Os with Industry for Skills Development for further information on the analysis of profiles. (↑)

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