NZ Pasifika Principals AGM Christchurch

Photo: Principals – Karl (Rowandale School), Sose (Russell School), Mike (St Patrick’s College), Saane (Weymouth School), Helen (Target Rd School), Jenny (Birdwood School), Matthew (Sara Cohen School), Riki (Newton Central School), Brian (Halfway Bush School), Mary (Manurewa East School), Jason (Otahuhu School), Michelle (Nga Iwi School), Sepora (Glendene School), Allison (Ruapotaka School), Christina (Glenbrae School), Parehuia (PASS Academy), Geoff (Shirley Int), Falefatu (PASS Academy)

The NZ Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA) held their Annual General Meeting on the 12-13 March 2020 in Christchurch. It was the first time we had held it in the garden city and it was an awesome opportunity for us as a group to connect with Pasifika Principals and educators from the South Island and around the country.

PHOTO: Some Auckland Principals arriving in Christchurch

PHOTO: NZPPA AGM – Geoff Siave welcoming our group

Most of the Principals arrived in Christchurch on the Thursday evening and then we headed straight into our AGM. It was a very successful meeting where we were able to complete all the agenda items but most importantly make very important edits and additions to our constitution. One important change was now we have clarified and defined the category of Associate Member. Non Pasifika Principals are now able to join our association as Full members as long as they support and believe in our kaupapa but they are not able to hold an executive position.

Congratulations to the following members elected as the 2020/21 NZPPA executive:

Jason – Auckland/ Otahuhu
Saane – Auckland/ Manurewa
Helen – Auckland/ North Shore
Karl – Auckland/ Manurewa
Stephanie – Auckland/ Mangere
Faatili – Auckland/ Mangere
Sose – Wellington/ Porirua/ Lower Hutt
Geoff – Christchurch
Brian – Dunedin

PHOTO: NZPPA AGM – IBIS Hotel Christchurch

PHOTO: NZPPA AGM – Christchurch Dinner – Original Sin

After the AGM we shared a very yummy meal together at one of Christchurch’s top restaurants called Original Sin. It was a great way to reconnect with our Principal colleagues we had not seen in a while and also carry on the Talanoa.

PHOTO: NZPPA AGM – Christchurch Dinner – Original Sin

On Friday we carried out school visits and we were joined for this by Pasifika Teachers and Trainee teachers from across Christchurch. It was a great opportunity to see some of the ways schools cater for their Pasifika students and also to network and meet some of the future Pasifika Leaders in Education.

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to Riccarton Primary School – Principals, Pacific Teachers and students

Our first school we visited was Riccarton Primary School and we were welcomed, entertained and hosted by their Principal Matua Paul and his students, staff and community. Riccarton Primary School is a full primary (300 Years1–8 pupils) their children are valued for their differences and individuality. It’s a school where learners are supported to become; Respectful, Responsible, Real Learners – Kia haepapa kia whakakoha ā tātau ākonga. We enjoyed some yummy pineapple pie and coconut buns.

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to Riccarton Primary School

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to Riccarton Primary School – Principals and PI Teachers connecting

We finished our Christchurch school visits at West Rolleston School where one of our very own members, Mrs Sylvia Fidow is Principal. Their Vision is “We will nurture our learners to grow” and currently their school roll is 601. We were treated to more amazing entertainment and yummy as lunch. The school is less than 7 years old and is amazing!

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School – Lollie Leis

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School – Welcome

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School – Sylvia welcoming our group

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School – Jason responding and thanking

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School – The man himself Kose

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School – Principals and PI Teachers connecting

PHOTO: NZPPA visit to West Rolleston School – Principals and PI Teachers connecting

Currently we are aware of 67 Pasifika Principals across the country and of them 47 are financial members, the largest number of members our association has ever had. With the changes to our membership categories this will only continue to rise and for us this works towards helping us to achieve all of our NZPPA goals and objectives:

Proactively advance the cause of Pasifika education
Promote principalship and career development programmes for Pasifika Teachers and increase the number of Pasifika Principals
Promote the development of its members professional leadership and provide ongoing collegial support for Pasifika Principals, Middle Managers and Teachers
Actively represent the unique interests of its members in Pasifika education and as a professional organisation
Maintain a liaison with kindred organisations.