FALE NEWS
ISSUE 3—2010 August—October 2010
Message from the Board Chairman...
Talofa Lava!!.....Pasifika Education Cen-
tre has been kept busy with the ongoing
work in progress throughout our Pasifika
communities. In our last issue you would have read that
PEC’s Advanced Samoan Tutor, Tofaeono Tanuvasa Ta-
vale was honoured by Human Rights Commission. Joris
de Bres and Sam Sefuiva were on hand to acknowledge
Tanuvasa’s achievements in championing the Samoan
Language in education. Pasifika Edcuation Centre marked
the occasion with the presentation at our Lambie Drive
premises with notable guests including Tagaloa Peggy
Fairburn Dunlop and members of Tanuvasa’s family as
well as community Elders representative of our local
churches.
Working alongside AUT as part of their Advisory Group,
PEC is actively involved in evaluating the existing ‘Agents
of Change programme’ – a University sponsored youth
outreach programme currently being operated by the AUT
University recruitment team. The Agents of Change pro-
gramme cuts across a number of academic and progres-
sional areas namely; youth development, youth engage-
ment, social marketing and corporate social responsibil-
ity....watch this space.....
Adult Learners Week was once again a highlight on the
PEC calendar with Pasifika nations being celebrated on
individual days. The week held numerous opportunities for
visitors to immerse themselves in Paciific food, language,
dance and crafts.
Such was the success of the Adult Learners Week that
PEC plan to hold a follow-up Arts and Crafts week towards
Adult Learners’ Week 2010—Pasifika Style
Adult Learners’ Week is an international initiative that
honours, promotes and celebrates Adult Learners and
Adult Education. This year Adult Learners Week ran
from Monday 6 September through to Friday 10 Sep-
tember.
Adult Education in Pacific terms has a wide and varied defi-
nition with many choices and options. Firstly there are cate-
gories such as language, dance, art, handcrafts, fashion,
music and food. Multiply that by the number of Island cul-
tures such as Tongan, Samoan, Niuean, Cook Islands,
Fijian, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan etc. Add to that the everyday
customs and rituals such as gift-giving, greeting people of
importance , birthdays, weddings, funerals etc and you will
realize its grandness. It is for this myriad of possibilities that
Pasifika Education Centre is challenged to be the
“Authority”This year PEC rose to that challenge again as
the end of the year.
Community involvement for PEC also included the Celebra-
tion for the Elderly which was held in September. PEC has
collaboratively worked through the Pasifika Librarians Net-
work in ensuring this is a celebration to mark and pay respect
to our Elderly family members. With Glen Innes Library – Im-
raan and his team - buses were organised to bring families to
‘Southside’, taking in the Botanical gardens and sites in and
around Manukau City. In 2009 only a handful of Pasifika
families were able to attend this outing, however, this year
our Pasifika families were well in excess of one hundred.
Celebrations were held throughout the week with workshops
from different community organisations, festivities, cultural
and art displays culminating in the outing.
As with some areas in life...a chance meeting occurred
which has now seen PEC become part of the main team in
publications of Eleitino Paddy Walker’s childrens books. This
is a project which has opened a ‘pandora’s box’ in terms of
treasures which Eleitino Paddy Walker has had in her keep-
ing. PEC is proud to be able to work with Cognition, a re-
nowned Educational organisation in bringing these treasures
to the public for all to enjoy.....another...watch this space!
Our PAFT – Parents as First Teachers programme is being
utilised in the community and our PAFT Educators are work-
ing hard to ensure that PEC is able to assist and support our
families. Group meetings and outings have been held and
this is a programme which we are sure will only get bigger!
See you next month... Alofa tele!!
Clyde Young
Pasifika Education Centre Board of Trustees Chairperson
they did in 2009 and celebrated Adult Learners Week with the
community in a true Pasifika Style!! Each day of the week was
dedicated to an Island Culture, and for a few hours on that day
PEC “became” that Island paradise! Each day starting from
around ten am (whether bang on or as is fashionable in the is-
lands - 20 or 30 minutes after scheduled starting time) visitors
were treated to an array of displays, workshops and perform-
ances.
The Cook Islands heralded the start of Adult Learners Week
with a traditional opening. Each cormer of the room was set up
for a different taste of the Cook Islands. Traditional drums set
up in one corner, Tivaevae displays adorning an entire wall,
floral headwear, known as ‘ei katu’ demonstrations and even a
table showing the different stages of making the delicacy known
as ‘poke’. Lunchtime saw a traditonal Cook Island spread
Please Turn Over
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Adult Learners’ Week 2010—Pasifika Style (Continued)
offering fruit, poke and their popular version of Potato
salad known as Mayonaise or “Mainus”
Tuesday was devoted to the Island nation known as “The
Rock”. A troupe of performers from Hilary College greeted
the visitors with a rousing war dance before our Niuean
women demonstrated the art of embroidering pillow
cases. Lunchtime arrived, and as with the Cook Islands,
the Niueans nourished our guests with traditional dishes
such as takihi, alternating layers of sliced taro and paw-
paw soaked in Coconut cream and baked in an oven or
an umu, and a dish consisting of baked taro leaf parcels
of sausages, onions and coconut cream.
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka was the appropriate greeting for
Wednesday as it heralded the arrival of the Fijian commu-
nity. Guests were introduced to the Fijian art of tapa print-
ing known as ‘kesakesa’. Many members of the public
enjoyed the hands on experience of printing a design on a
patch of tapa cloth and taking it home as a keepsake.
Renowned Fijian singer, dancer, entertainer and poet
Sailasa Tora graced us with a 3-fold performance: 1) an
interpretation of a Fijian legend depicting the migration
and population of the Pacific Islands, 2) a War dance and
finally 3) a meke. Two cooking demonstrations followed
the cultural dance performance, the first, a demonstration
of Kokoda, which is the fijian take on the raw fish dish as
is common to other island groups. The second demon-
stration showcasing Fijian cuisine was the making of
Vakalolo, a sweet pudding dressed with Caramelised co-
conut sauce.
Samoa was the flavour of the house on Thursday and as
is fitting and deemed appropriate in their culture the wel-
come took place in the form of an ‘ava feiloaiga’, or a wel-
coming Kava Ceremony. The recipients made up of cul-
tural leaders, prominent community members and distin-
guished guests were invited to form the circle to receive
the token, a half coconut shell containing the ceremonial
brew. Immediately following that the visitors were treated
to ‘breakfast’ Samoan style which consisted of Koko laisa
(Cocoa Rice), Sua Fa’i (Sago and Banana porridge) and
toast with siamu popo, a coconut caramel spread similar
FALE NEWS
to jam. After breakfast our guests were treated to some cul-
tural craft workshops. The Elei designing was popular where
visitors learned how to place intrricate floral and cultural icons
onto fabric. Another workshop showed some of the various
crafts that could be fashioned out of coconut and palm
leaves. While a pair of female dancers entertained the audi-
ence with some traditional Samoan siva, the aroma of Sa-
moan food wafted into the room as lunch was being pre-
pared. Diners feasted on a lunch of Sapa Sui (Chop Suey)
and moa (Chicken) covered the table with side dishes such
as taro and cooked green bananas.
Last year our Tongan Community kicked off our ALW week-
long celebrations with a bang! This year they were chosen to
close off our week and they did only as they know how: on a
grand scale! From the moment one walked in the door, one
felt as though he had walked into a tongan village. The deco-
rations, the ornaments, the wall hangings were so im-
macualate. The walls were covered from floor to ceiling with
mats and tapa cloths. There were speeches, dance perform-
ances and awards given to prominent leaders from each is-
land community who had helped make the ALW celebrations
at PEC a success. A group of women who meet at One-
hunga Community Centre attended en masse and performed
a Zumba exercise routine for the audience. Lunchtime arrived
and the visitors were treated to an Island feast of Pork, beef,
chicken, chop Suey, Potato Salad, ‘hopa’ – A type of plantain
banana - and for dessert some faikakai – coconut caramel
dumplings. A large bowl of tropical fruits and some ‘otai’ – an
apple juice based fruit punch - were also on hand to wash it
all down.
The week was a busy one and was finally over! Pasifika Edu-
cation Centre would like to thank all who contributed to its
success. It is estimated that during the 5 days we celebrated
Pasifika Adult Learners Week up to 300 visitors walked
through our doors!!
Adult Education is important in our eyes and plays an impor-
tant part in the lives of Pacific people. We tip our hat to all
who are still involved in Education, what ever form that may
be. We stand proudly behind the adage that one is never too
old to learn. Learning is a cradle to the grave process…take
 Page 3

New PEC Staff Members

Naomi Patterson is PEC’s
new Learning Manager. Her
mother hails from Nikau-
para, Aitutaki and her fa-
ther is a New Zealander,
Papa`a. Alongside the cul-
tural values she was raised
with she has a whakapapa
that begins in Taranaki.
Naomi has been involved in the tertiary education
sector for a number of years. Within the sector
she has been a student, a student politician, a
tutor, an advisor and a manager. The role of
Learning Manager will benefit from the broad
range of skills that Naomi brings to PEC, but more
importantly they will add to strong foundations
that have been built by the people who have gone
before her.
Temukisa Lemoa is PEC’s Pastoral
Care Administrator and is excited
to be in her new role.
Born and raised in Vailoa Faleata,
Apia, “Kisa” migrated to New
Zealand to continue her studies.
Her past work experience has
included working as an administrator in the IT and
Banking industries.
Now happily married and a mother to 4 children,
Kisa’s motherly instincts match neatly with her
duties as a liaison with PEC’s many students who all
have differing abilities and backgrounds.
“My passion is to empower Pacific people so that
they can broaden their horizons and rise to their
potential. When our people believe in themselves
they can achieve great dreams”

We welcome Naomi and Temukisa to our team!!

Page 4
Samoan Mothers lead the way
Long after their class has ended and their fellow class- course.
mates have gone home, Samoan mothers, Tofi
Taimalie and Sofaea Asiono can be found labouring Tofi had also completed computer studies as part of
away in the computer lab, practising skills learned in her sewing job, but it was very basic and outdated.
class that day and working on exercises that will This time around she delights in the fact that she now
prepare them to pass important assessments. Such is knows how to connect to the internet and send
the dedication to their studies that they can also be emails, “just like my sisters can do!” She adds
found in the lab working in the hours before their
“I knew I had to take this free opportunity because I
course starts and also on their days off!
know I can do more like stepping up to the next level
“I don’t have a computer at home so I need to come after this one is finished!”
here and make use of these free computers here” says
Sofaea says she isn’t so amazed now when she sees
mother of 7, Tofi Taimalie
ladies older than herself working with computers in
Originally from Vaoala in Vailima, Tofi had worked in jobs such as office reception and in shops such as NZ
the sewing and embroidery industry upon arriving in Postshop, because she is confident she could also do
New Zealand up until 2 years ago when a family death what those ladies are doing! Her most important skills
meant her brother’s young family needed extra help she has learned on the course thus far are how to use
and care. With new-found time on her hands Tofi the Microsoft Office Programs Excel and Access.
decided it was time to further her studies. After
The two mothers both agree the ethnic mix in the
finding a pamphlet in her mail box advertising free
class creates a great learning atmosphere making it
English language and Computer courses, Tofi enrolled
interesting to attend each day. Sofaea adds “We have
into the Level 2 Computing course at Pasifika
a great kaiako and he’s not too strict on us, and we all
Education Centre.
laugh together and mix and mingle and enjoy each
Mother of 4 boys, Sofaea Asiono’s path to PEC was a other’s company. We love each other – It’s like we are
little different. As a single mother, her first priority a big family!”
has always been her sons. Rather than work in full or
To their fellow Pacific Island females the two mothers
part time employment she has always preferred to be
have a message: Take Advantage! “I have been telling
a stay at home mother to be directly involved with
all my friends at church about the courses so
her sons’ learning. Although Sofaea had previously
hopefully they will join a course next year” says Tofi.
completed a Short Course in Computing at Manukau
Sofaea encourages mothers who are at home during
Institute of Technology she was still unsure about a lot
the day to take advantage of these courses while they
of things and was left wanting more. Sofaea spotted
are free “Drop the kids at school in the morning and
an ad in the Samoan Newspaper advertising the free
then go to a course! It’s better than staying at home
Computing Level 2 course at Pasifika
Education Centre and subsequently enrolled into that doing nothing!”

Sofaea Asiono (left) and Tofi Taimalie enjoy their time on the computers

PEC and Aotearoa Autism
On Monday 27th September 2010 Autism Aotearoa
organised a family day which enabled families with
children who have Autism to attend a movie
screening. The Glenbrook Vintage Railway gener-
ously donated a free train ride.
Pasifika Education Centre was invited by Autism
Aotearoa to participate in this special occasion. To
show our gratitude and enthusiasm to be involved
in such a cause PEC donated PEC bags and PEC
t-shirts which were autographed by Dr Jeremy
Stanley, a former All Black rugby international and
now an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Auckland Hospital,
but more importantly a father!
Tracey Gayner is the founder of Autism
Aotearoa . She works tirelessly in trying to provide
information regarding support to families who have
children with Autism. For this wonderful event to
take place, Tracey had to gain permission from the
original producers of Thomas and the Magic
Railroad in America before being able to go ahead
with the screening. Acknowledgement was given to
Glenbrook Vintage Railway for kindly providing a
free train ride for the children.
It is through community engagement and
Lemuelu Schuster, aged 4, enjoying Family Day
Aotearoa Autism is about raising awareness and understanding of Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorders. Aotearoa Autism aims to
provide safe and welcoming environments for families to be able to experience activities together. Aotearoa Autism supports
diverse communities through information, education and research.
If you would like more information please contact :
Tracey Gayner
021 0700 349
aotearoaautism@gmail.com
Page 5
colleagues such as Tracey Gayner, that Pasifika
Education Centre are able to participate in such
events. The screening of the movie was not
straight forward.....a Sensory Screening – is where
the lights are left on, captions/subtitles (if avail-
able) are on, the volume is lowered and families
can bring their own food to accommodate for the
children’s diet. Tracey also arranged ‘preparation
visits’ to the venue to lower the children’s anxiety
of being in unfamiliar surroundings.
Tracey has been involved in feedback parent
panels, community consultation, ASD events, pilot
ASD programs, advocacy and raising awareness
about Autism and International Autism Advisory
Board. Today, 1 in 100 individuals are diagnosed
with Autism and the condition is too often referred
to as an ‘invisible’ disability. Tracey notes it re-
spectfully
“It is difficult for children and adults who have an
autism spectrum disorder to make sense of the
world. They look the same as other people, yet
have a life-long developmental disability affecting
social and communication skills”
 Pasifika Education Centre is the “Parents as First Teachers” provider for the Auckland Central Region

Coffee Time!!
Our first PAFT Group outings were held on Wednesday 6th October 2010 and also on Thursday 7th October 2010. The
aim of these outings was first and foremost to provide a social environment in which mothers and their babies could meet
other mothers and babies for ‘coffee time’ and secondly to allow mothers the opportunity to meet the PEC PAFT Team –
Educators Beverly Manetoa and Evelyn Stanley and Coordinator, Cecily Mantell. It was decided to hold the same event
over two days to allow mothers the choice of which day they could attend.

The venue – Parents Inc, - was spacious allowing room inside for mothers with pushchairs and prams and the comfort of
being able to breastfeed without feeling uncomfortable or causing distress to others. The cafeteria offered fresh and
healthy snacks and food with a selection of coffees and teas at reasonable prices.

The play areas for the children were also spacious with an array of toys for the children from babies to toddlers through to
the 3+ age group. The areas were bright, warm and cosy for the children as well as the parents.

The informal nature of the meeting allowed the mothers to feel relaxed and although the time frame was set from 11am to
1pm, the two hours flew by!

The PAFT team at PEC would like to thank all the mothers and their babies who attended the “Coffee Time” Morning Tea
and look forward to their next social outing— a picnic in the warmer weather of November! See you then!

Left: Cousins Tzipora Thomas and Oscar Stanley pose

next to their native Niuean greeting
Right: Some of the PAFT mothers and their children at
“Parents Inc.”

PAFT IN THE COOK ISLANDS

This is a contribution from Anna Savage, PAFT
Coordinator for Rarotonga, whose parents recently visited
Pasifika Education Centre and took back resources for Anna to
use in the Cook Islands.

It happens so quickly. In no time parents find their children have finished

school and are ready for the next step. How can parents help? What about the
workforce? Is tertiary study the right thing? What about the variety of careers
out there today? Above: Storytime outside the Library, with
Anna (Centre) and mothers Selena and Eloise.
There is help for parents as they face these questions. The Ministry of Educa-
tion’s itinerant Career Counsellor, Robyn Cannell and Te Kakaia Coordinator, Below: Parents’ Workshop at Tereora
Anna Savage teamed up this term to provide a series of four hour-long, free
workshops for parents entitled “Careers for your teens”, “Is tertiary study right
for my teen?”, “Work” and “Tips for parents - how to support your teens”. Par-
ents were able to find out the top ten skills employers are looking for, to dis-
cover the huge influence they have on their children’s careers, to listen to
some inspiring stories of positive parental influence and to hear and learn
some simple and practical ways to support their children.

Parenting is a job. Up skilling is vital. Parental feedback has been positive.

These workshops will run again next year to equip and support parents and
grandparents in their most important role as the first teachers of their children.

Thanks Anna—PEC wish you and your team the best!!