Pasifika in the Bay Trust

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Talanoa Ako

Empowering Pacific Families, Learners and Educators in the Bay of Plenty

Welcome to Talanoa Ako, a Pacific-led education programme proudly delivered by Pasifika in the Bay Trust. We support Pasifika families, learners, educators, and communities across the Bay of Plenty to achieve educational success, celebrate cultural identity, and build strong community connections.

What is Talanoa Ako? A Pacific Learning Initiative

Talanoa Ako, meaning “talking about learning” in Pacific languages, is a Ministry of Education-backed initiative. Our programme equips Pacific parents, whānau, and youth with practical tools to champion education. From NCEA mentoring to leadership workshops, we weave Pacific values into academic achievement. Learn more about Talanoa Ako from the Ministry of Education here.

Workshops and Sessions for Pacific Education

  • Reading, Writing, and Study Habits: Experienced teachers will share easy-to-understand techniques to enhance your child’s literacy and study skills.
  • NCEA Basics: We demystify the New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s (NZQA) National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and school reports, empowering you to better support your child’s progress.
  • Career and Subject Choices: In a no-pressure setting, we discuss how to guide your child in selecting the right subjects and planning for their future.

Family Activities

  • Talanoa Ako App: Download our app for interactive family quizzes and scavenger hunts that make learning enjoyable. Available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
  • Bring the Whānau: Children are welcome, and we provide a warm, friendly environment with good food, conversation, lotu, cuppa, snacks, and breaks for relaxation.
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Talanoa Ako was really informative and helped me learn more about how schools work. My daughter really enjoyed the Talanoa Ako App Family Fun Quiz!
A Happy Mother.
The wellbeing component of Talanoa Ako was really good to make me think about regulating my emotions and the importance of sleep! LOL!
Father.
Connecting with other parents helped me to learn more about Pacific events, programmes and people to connect with regarding my kids learning
Mother.

What to Expect

When you join Talanoa Ako, you’ll be welcomed into a warm, friendly environment where good food and good conversation go together. We start with a little lotu and then dive into easy-going discussions about school life and learning. Expect plenty of breaks for a cuppa, a snack, and a bit of fun to keep you feeling relaxed and supported.

When is the next programme?

The upcoming Talanoa Ako sessions start in Katikati in 2025.

Can I bring the kids?

Yes, we welcome families to join in the fun!

How long is the programme and the sessions?

The programme runs for 5 weeks, with each session lasting about 2½ hours.

Contact Us

Get Involved with Talanoa Ako

Join us today! Contact us at [email address] or visit our contact page to learn more and sign up.

Download the Talanoa Ako App