Pasifika Education: Historical themes

Abstract

What is the role of state education in sustaining of identity, language and culture? What makes the biggest difference – socio-economic status or excellent teaching? What is the role of leadership and planning in education transformation? How has our current education system developed in response to migrant learners? This chapter addresses these questions through exploring the history of Pasifika education. The focus is on the development of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and school education from the early missionary initiatives in New Zealand-based Pasifika education in the 1850s, to the expansion of curriculum, delivery, education research, policy, and teacher education in more recent times. We show what has happened in New Zealand education for Pasifika learners in broad terms and through a case analysis of Pasifika ECE. This historical overview highlights significant themes associated with Pasifika education and outcomes. It is in this exploration of the distant and recent past that we hope to generate enthusiasm for longer term visioning and exploring of better education futures. This is of relevance to Pasifika and all learners. At its core, improving Pasifika education outcomes is about having a high quality New Zealand education system that is equitable, responsive and empowering to all; playing its key part in developing a strong economy and healthy society.