Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025

In the third term of 2025, members of the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA) executive and wider network gathered in Ōtepoti – Dunedin for our termly meeting. This was a particularly significant event, as it was the first time in nearly 15 years that our association had convened in this region. The gathering brought together 19 principals and leaders from across New Zealand to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen our collective kaupapa.

As an organization dedicated to advancing Pasifika education, the NZPPA is guided by three core principles:

• Whakamana Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Upholding the principles of Partnership, Protection, and Participation.

• Pasifika Learner-Centred Approach: Ensuring our decisions, actions, and directions are centred on the needs of Pasifika learners.

• Professional Advocacy: Advocating for and supporting the professional status and rights of our members.

We were privileged to have the following members and leaders in attendance:

• Tuifaasisina Bert Iosia (Kelston Intermediate School, Auckland)

• Jason Ataera (Tairangi School, Porirua)

• Maria Lyne (St Joseph’s School, Levin)

• Graeme Norman (Rowley School, Christchurch)

• Dallas Wichman (St Anne’s School, Christchurch)

• Matt Tofia (Sara Cohen School, Dunedin)

• Emma Knopp (Bradford School, Dunedin)

• Helen Varney (Director – Tautai O Le Moana)

• Sepora Mauigoa (Facilitator – Tautai O Le Moana)

• Jenny Bernard (Otahuhu Primary School, Auckland)

• Parehuia Enari (PASS Secondary School, Auckland)

• Karl Vasau (Rowandale School, Auckland)

• Mary Takatainga (Manurewa East School, Auckland)

• Vasati Vaoiva (SEHCS Junior School, Auckland)

• Estear Peautau (SEHCS Middle School, Auckland)

• Carol Leota (Tamaki Primary School, Auckland)

• Jaz Greig (Yendarra Primary School, Auckland)

• Jacqui Yearsley (Richmond Rd School, Auckland)

• Meritiana MacShane (Mayfield School, Auckland)

Day 1: Connection and Community

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Scenic Hotel Foyer

The gathering began as members traveled to Dunedin. Our local hosts, Matt Tofia (Sara Cohen School) and Emma Knopp (Bradford School), extended a warm welcome and ensured we had a wonderful venue for our meeting. Holding these termly gatherings in different parts of the country is crucial, as it allows more of our members to connect and contribute their voices. Matt and Emma did an outstanding job, providing a fantastic venue and planning a delicious meal and local activities that set a collaborative and welcoming tone for the days ahead.

Day 2: Professional Learning and Student Voice

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Te Whirika – Sara Cohen Specialist School

We were honoured to begin our second day with a powerful welcome at Te Whirika – Sara Cohen Specialist School. Principal Matt Tofia, a long-serving NZPPA member, shared his journey and the transformative changes at the kura over the past decade. His presentation offered invaluable insights into the realities of Specialist Schools, providing us with a deeper understanding of how we can better support our ORS and neurodiverse learners in mainstream schools.

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Barb Dinnissen

The visit continued with Deputy Principal Barb Dinnissen, who showcased their school’s journey with their curriculum, assessment practices, and reporting to parents. Her presentation on the “F Words” — a framework to strengthen connections with parents and understand the needs of each tamaiti — was a true highlight.

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Tour of Te Whirika

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Tour of Te Whirika

The most heart-warming moment of the visit was the Whakatau welcome from the students themselves, followed by a tour of their magnificent new building. This state-of-the-art facility is truly a taonga for generations to come. Interacting with the students and staff allowed us to feel their aroha and gain a richer understanding of how specialist teachers support learning, providing us with new ideas to strengthen our own practices.

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Talanoa with senior Pasifika Secondary Students

After an excellent lunch, we moved to Otago Boys’ High School, where we were hosted by Pasifika secondary students from four Dunedin high schools:

• Otago Boys’ High School (OBHS)

• Otago Girls’ High School (OGHS)

• Logan Park High School

• Bayfield High School

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Talanoa with senior Pasifika Secondary Students

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Talanoa with senior Pasifika Secondary Students

Photo: NZPPA Dunedin Gathering 2025 – Talanoa with senior Pasifika Secondary Students

This was a profound opportunity to engage in talanoa and connect with these students, asking them key questions about their school experiences, what makes a quality teacher, how parents can be better included, and their dreams for the future. Their honest and humbling insights were incredibly valuable, enriching the knowledge and experience of all the principals in attendance.