Fono o Faiako Pasifika: Strengthening Collective Support for young pasifika through support of our Faiako

Fono o Faiako Pasifika, 14 November 2025

Recently, Tula’i was honoured to host our first Pasifika Teachers Fono – Fono o Faiako Pasifika, bringing together Pasifika teachers, school leaders, and community practitioners from across West Auckland, as an outcome of our PPF Impact Forums.

This inaugural fono created a culturally grounded space for connection, reflection, and talanoa—by Pasifika, for Pasifika—recognising the vital role Pasifika educators play in supporting learner success, wellbeing, and identity.

Why This Fono Matters

Pasifika teachers often work at the intersection of education, culture, and community. Alongside their teaching roles, many provide pastoral care, cultural leadership, and advocacy for Pasifika learners and their aiga. While this contribution is significant, it is often under-recognised and carried in isolation.

The Fono o Faiako Pasifika was intentionally designed to:

• Provide a culturally safe and affirming space for Pasifika educators

• Strengthen relationships across schools, communities, and organisations

• Share lived experiences, challenges, and strengths

• Explore collective approaches that support positive outcomes for Pasifika learners

The fono reinforced a shared understanding that when Pasifika educators are supported and connected, learners and communities benefit.

Talanoa at the Centre

At the heart of the fono was talanoa—open, respectful, and values-based dialogue. Participants shared insights from their classrooms and schools, reflected on systemic challenges, and discussed what enables Pasifika learners to thrive.

Key themes included:

• The importance of culturally responsive and relational teaching practice

• The additional emotional and cultural labour often carried by Pasifika teachers

• The need for stronger partnerships between schools, whānau, and community organisations

• The value of collective voice, shared learning, and advocacy

These conversations highlighted common experiences across schools and a strong appetite for collaboration and solutions developed with Pasifika communities.

Collective Wisdom and Shared Purpose

The fono reflected Tula’i’s belief in collective, community-led approaches—often described as the “it takes a village” principle. By bringing educators together, the collective knowledge in the room became a source of encouragement, validation, and forward-looking strategy.

Participants spoke of the value of connecting with others who understand both the professional and cultural dimensions of their roles, and of the importance of sustaining spaces where Pasifika voices help shape pathways for change.

Alignment with the Tula’i Kaupapa

The Pasifika Teachers Fono aligns with Tula’i’s wider commitment to intergenerational leadership development, Pasifika wellbeing, and community-informed solutions. Our rangatahi spend a significant part of their lives within education settings, and strong partnerships between educators and community organisations are essential to supporting long-term success.

The fono also builds on insights gathered through Tula’i’s PPF Impact Forums, reinforcing calls for greater collaboration, shared learning, and systems that better reflect the realities of Pasifika communities in West Auckland.

Looking Ahead

This first Fono o Faiako Pasifika marks the beginning of an ongoing journey. Participants expressed interest in:

• Regular Pasifika teacher fono and networking opportunities

• Continued cross-school collaboration

• Stronger links between educators, community organisations, and whānau

• Collective advocacy focused on Pasifika learner success

Tula’i looks forward to nurturing this space and exploring how the fono can continue to grow as a platform for connection, learning, and impact.

Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere thanks to all Pasifika educators who attended and contributed their time, insights, and lived experience. Your commitment to Pasifika learners and communities is deeply valued.

Fa’afetai tele lava, vinaka vakalevu, malo ‘aupito.

— Team Tula’i