Director's Message
 

Tautai o le Moana - Wayfinders of the Ocean is inspired by the Pacific wayfinding of our ancestors, where navigators charted their course across the ocean with wisdom, accuracy, and a profound understanding of their environment and their people. Our vision is to support educators to strengthen their leadership capabilities and improve outcomes for Pacific learners in New Zealand. We want our Pacific learners to be equipped to succeed, both in education and life.

We believe that success begins with strong, meaningful engagement. We are committed to supporting leaders to work alongside schools, learners, aiga, and Pacific communities to foster a collaborative environment where Pacific students feel supported, valued and empowered. By building stronger relationships, and creating open lines of communication, connection and collaboration, our aim is to not only see improved student attendance, but to also seek a sustainable culture of learning that respects and uplifts Pacific identity, values, and aspirations.

At the heart of our work is the belief that every Pacific learner has the potential to achieve greatness. Through targeted initiatives, cultural support and leadership development, we are focused on improving educational outcomes, addressing barriers to attendance, and creating pathways that enhance achievement. Our PLD journey emphasises the importance of family and community involvement, and student agency – ensuring that every learner has the tools and support they need to navigate their own path to success.

Our aim is to see Pacific learners not only equipped to excel academically, but also grounded in their cultural heritage and leadership potential. Tautai o le Moana is more than just an educational initiative, it’s a movement to elevate Pacific students, ensuring they thrive in all aspects of their education and beyond.

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Helen Varney

Director 

​Tautai o le Moana – Wayfinders of the Ocean