Highly skilled and highly qualified Pasifika people

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is working with other education agencies to contribute to the achievement of educational and career goals for Pasifika students. NZQA's Pasifika Strategy 2009-12 clarifies our role for Pasifika students. It was launched by Sue Suckling, the chair of the NZQA Board on 30 April 2009, together with Ben Taufua on behalf of the Pasifika Advisory Group of the Ministry of Education.

The Strategy will contribute to ensuring that New Zealand qualifications have a high level of relevance both to the needs of Pasifika learners and to their employers. Achieving greater numbers of qualifications at high levels will contribute to greater economic and social wellbeing for Pasifika. The Pasifika Strategy aims to contribute to Pasifika learners becoming highly skilled and highly qualified.

The Strategy is guided by five principles which:

1. acknowledge the importance of Pasifika succeeding as Pasifika
2. recognise Pasifika participation in their own communities, New Zealand and the world
3. acknowledge Pasifika peoples' right to participate at all social and economic levels in New Zealand
4. recognise the languages of Pasifika communities as a critical knowledge base
5. identify and celebrate learner success.

Some examples of work that will arise from the Strategy are:

• review existing, and registration of new, Pasifika tradition and culture standards (e.g. Tongan and Niue tradition and culture standards)
• provide support to Pasifika private training establishments and other tertiary education organisations
• continue, as requested, to support secondary schools in the Cook Islands and Niue to use NCEA and other National Qualification Framework qualifications
• make Pasifika resources more accessible on NZQA's website and through other channels.

The Strategy document includes profiles of a range of Pasifika students and teachers who illustrate how the National Qualifications Framework helps learners follow a pathway to their chosen career.

At the launch of NZQA's Pasifika Strategy: (from left to right) Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Karen Poutasi, Chief Executive of NZQA, Jennifer Tapu, Post Primary Teachers Association representative for the Pasifika Advisory Group, Sue Suckling, chair of the NZQA Board, Ben Taufua, New Zealand School Trustees Association representative for the Pasifika Advisory Group and Lesieli Tongati'o, Senior Manager, Pasifika Education, Ministry of Education.