Watch and listen to the organic voices of Pacific learners, parents, and key stakeholders.

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

Select links for video and transcript, or see all four videos in the  Talanoa Ako media gallery.

Leaupepe Rachael Karalus MNZM 

Rachel Karalus has a number of concerns for Pacific learners, including racism within the education system, the system's lack of cultural responsiveness, and the need to focus on enabling Pacific parents' engagement. She sees success as Pacific learners as "being who they are 100% of the time" and calls for Pacific learners to have the same educational opportunities as those with "sounder financial backgrounds".

Leaupepe Rachael Karalus MNZM (9:38)

Professor Emeritus Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop CNZM

Professor Emeritus Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop comments on the current state of education. She shares her thoughts about reducing and bridging the gap, understanding and engaging in systems, negotiating time, and the benefits of learning the basics.

Professor Emeritus Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop CNZM (13:18)

Reverend Tevita Finau QSM

Rev. Finau calls for an education system that recognises a range of student gifts and provides opportunities for learners to discover, explore, and build off their strengths. He touches on the importance of family, identity, culture, and keeping the language alive.

Rev. Tevita Finau QSM (11:00)

Reverend Professor Dr Uili Fele Nokise

Rev. Nokise explores spirituality – a value that binds together all other values – and its significance to Samoans. He explains the importance of relationships, with both people and the environment. He calls for efforts to bring a common understanding of things, such as how the home and school environments can complement each other and how we express care for each other.

The Reverend. Professor Dr Uili Feleterika Nokise (10:25)