NZ Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA) Meeting

Photo: Penina – MoE Samoa, Paula – Principal Fairburn, Corinne – Leadership Advisor, Karl – Principal Rowandale, Jenny – Principal Birdwood, Jason – Principal Otahuhu, Faatili – Principal Sutton Park, Riki – Principal Newton Central, Fatu – Principal PASS, Saane – Principal Weymouth, Mel – Principal Te Uho o te Nikau, Sonia – Principal Roscommon, Michelle – Principal Ngaiwi, Mary – Principal Manurewa East, Allison – Principal Ruapotaka, Christina – Incoming Principal Glenbrae School 


Today we held the NZ Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA) Executive and Auckland Regional Meetings at Otahuhu Primary School in Auckland. The Executive met from 9:30am – 12:30pm and then we held the Auckland Regional Network Meeting from 1pm – 4pm. In between meetings we enjoyed the amazing hospitality and yummy food of our Otahuhu Primary Hosts.

Photo: Steve – Auckland Regional Manager ERO
As part of the Auckland regional meeting we had two speakers talk to our group. Steve who is the Auckland Area Manager for the Education Review Office (ERO) spoke to our group about some of the things ERO are working on right now:
  • Talked about EROs Pasifika Strategy and how this was launched recently 
  • Showcased the “Bullying in schools Report” – which includes criteria and standards to encourage best practice in schools
  • Showcased the “Keeping children engaged in writing Report” – includes examples of what schools are doing to engage students in writing 
  • ERO is currently undertaking a national evaluation of science years 5-8 and 9-11 and once completed a Report will be published 
  • As part of the review process ERO have moved away 
  • from awarding return times for reports  
  • Then Steve engaged in an honest and robust session and we provided him with feedback on our experiences and feelings about ERO reviews 
Photo: Corinne – Leadership Advisor – Evaluation Associates 
Then we had Past NZPPA Member and Principal Corinne Hansell who is now a leadership Advisor for Evaluation Associates talk to us about her work with Principals. 
  • There were 7 Leadership Advisors appointed at the end of 2018 and she was one of them 
  • There was 426 beginning principals across NZ in January and this has grown to almost 450 
  • There are 95 Beginning Principals in Auckland alone
  • Once Principals finish their 2 years support programmes for FTP there is now an opportunity for PRINCIPALS in their 3rd or 4th year and beyond (once they’ve completed their BP programme) for  FREE Service “Specific Support” in specific areas like BoT Relationships, Property, Staffing etc …
  • There is also Principal Professional Learning Groups to enhance and encourage Professional Learning Groups among our colleagues if they do not already belong to one. – Peer support
  • She is currently working with 5 Pasifika Principals’ for FTPs
Photo: Auckland NZPPA Talanoa Session
Then our group had a Talanoa Session where we went around the table and shared what was on top for us and here was the main points:
  • Emphasised that no matter how many years of experience we have its important to surround ourselves with a network of support to ensure we get the support  we need. 
  • Recent positive experience with ERO and looking forward  to what their reviews will help them discover as part of their self review.
  • With recent events related to violence some communities are feeling volnerable and unsafe.
  • Positive Samoan Language experiences and looking forward to the Year 5-8 speech contests.
  • Very positive feeling about some of the things that need to be done in their schools and the challenges that lie ahead.
  • Wellbeing is very important and having time to look after ones self.
  • Staffing issues related to recruitment and retention and serious lack of quality applications. 
  • Strengthen our support networks and getting political about our NZEI Collective Agreement
  • Real complexities and challenges in our schools and the need to take time for ourselves to recharge and refocus.
Photo: NZPPA Executive Members – Stephanie – Principal Mangere Bridge, Sose – Principal Russell School, Faatili – Principal Sutton Park … Other Executive Members not in photo – Karl – Principal Rowandale, Saane – Principal Weymouth, Jason – Principal Otahuhu, Helen – Principal Target Rd, Geoff – Principal Shirley Intermediate 
We also heard from our Executive about the main work streams we represent our members in:
  • NZPF invited Jason to observe their work at their recent meeting in Wellington. Executive have decided to endorse Jason to stand at the next election.
  • NZPPA are currently Involved in discussions for a possible FTP Pasifika Programme in the Auckland region with the MoE
  • We need to consider registering as a PLD Provider for things like Pacific Achievement Initiative (Similar to MACs)
  • Discussion on NZPPA involvement and the need to be remunerated appropriately when providing our voices or Knowledge
  • We need to continue to build capacity of our members and ensure we are ready to put our hands up if needed
  • Office holders election and Changes to the Constitution will be table and made at the Term 4 2019
  • There are a Number of Principals who are Mentors and we need more Pacific Principals putting their hands up
  • Its important for our members to engage in the NZEI Collective Agreement negotiations and ensure our voice is included 
  • Huge work that our members have represented us on is coming to an end and watch this space for reports and feedback – Tomorrows Schools, Charter Schools, Curriculum, Progress and Achievement, Education Workforce and Strategy and pathways and progress workgroup 

Our Term 3 Meeting will be held in Wellington on 21-22 August. It is planned that principals from outside of Wellington and who are wishing to attend will fly in on Wednesday Night and book into a hotel in the city. We will then meet with MPs or MoE or another key agency to Talanoa about Pasifika Education and leadership. We will then fly out Thursday evening or Friday Morning. More details to follow soon.