Abstract:
This leadership story is presented as a duo-narrative of two Pasifika academics engaged in early childhood teacher education and leadership. Utilising talanoa and tuatua (Vaioleti, 2006; Ravlich, 2016; Smith, 2014) we explore the tensions for Pasifika early childhood education in the current political and social climate. The intention for this dialogue engages in problematising key concerns for Pasifika early childhood leaders, particularly issues of marginalisaton and underrepresentation in education. What emerges regarding the future of Pasifika early childhood education is the urgent attention required in leadership to navigate the neoliberal climate that has perpetuated a market driven sector. Our dialogue engages with such tensions; to question and conceptualise the complexities of leadership for Pasifika early childhood programmes, including initial teacher education. The journey of Pasifika early childhood education past and present is explored and drawing from cultural aspirations, insights and experiences we attempt to reconceptualise Pasifika leadership for the future of Pasifika early childhood education in Aotearoa.