Tapasā: Strengthening Pacific Cultural Competencies

Tui Tuia ki Tapasā is a culturally sustaining, fully-funded professional learning and development programme that inspires, uplifts and supports teachers of Pacific learners, their families and communities. It is designed to be flexible, reflective and responsive to the needs of individual schools, Early Learning Services (ELS), and educators. We recognise the importance of tailoring our approach to make the greatest impact using collaborative relationships, leadership and tools.

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We have been contracted by the Ministry of Education to provide Tapasā support to all schools and Early Learning Services in the North Island. In 2025, our areas of focus will educators in schools and Early Learning Services in Tamaki Mākaurau | Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau | Northland.

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Watch the video below of Mayfield Kindergarten and Sancta Maria College sharing their inspiring journeys collaborating with our Tui Tuia kī Tapasā team of Pacific-Led Education specialists.

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We use three Ngā Turu (core competencies) to enhance your cultural capability and teaching practice.

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Turu 1 : Asks teachers to show awareness of the different ethnic-specific identities, languages and cultures of Pacific learners, parents, families, and communities.

Turu 2 : Asks teachers to develop and demonstrate collaborative and respectful relationships and behaviours that enhance the learning, understanding, and wellbeing of Pacific learners, parents, families, and communities.

Turu 3 : Asks teachers to implement pedagogical approaches that are effective for Pacific learners, parents, families, and communities.

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As additional support, we will run a series of online Navigate webinar sessions throughout the course of the year. We use this time to connect with teachers, leaders, centres and schools involved in the Tapasā project to celebrate Pacific success, share effective practices and address issues that surface from our mahi (work).

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Check out our Navigate Webinar playlist below!

Our teaching method will be facilitated through a blended mode of in-school or in-centre support, regional face-to-face workshops, and online delivery.

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The PLD will be co-designed and tailored to meet the needs of each Early Learning Service and school. By engaging in Tui Tuia ki Tapasā, you will benefit from a learning community that grows together using the four PLD approaches outlined in the diagram below:

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FREE of charge. This PLD is fully-funded by the Ministry of Education.

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If you would like information about Tui Tuia ki Tapasā, please send an enquiry or email us at tuituia.pasifika@auckland.ac.nz.