We’ve seen steady increases in Pasifika participation and achievement in our universities, increasingly at higher levels of qualifications, underpinned by evidence-based initiatives that aim to build capability, expand the knowledge base of our society and achieve positive outcomes.
Improving outcomes for Pasifika is an ongoing priority for the universities. The universities, through their research, teaching and learning initiatives and student support activities are helping to meet government priorities for Pasifika achievement as expressed through Priority 3 of the Tertiary Education Strategy 2014-2019 and Challenge 2 of the Blueprint for Education System Stewardship (2016).
Komiti Pasifika was established in 2018 to advance and promote the collective national interests of New Zealand universities for any matters relating to the advancement of Pasifika.
Some key facts
- 13,010 Pasifika students (9% of domestic students): 8,665 females (67%) and 4,330 males (33%). This is an increase of 33% from 2010. 1
- 17% of Pasifika students studying at postgraduate level across the university sector (up from 14% in 2010). 1
- 10,055 Pasifika EFTS (Equivalent Full-Time Students) in New Zealand universities - an increase of 35% since 2010. 1
- 9% of all domestic university EFTS. 1
- Average Pasifika EFTS load (EFTS/Student Enrolments) increased from 0.76 in 2010 to 0.77 in 2019. 1
- Pasifika bachelor degree EFTS have increased by 44% in the universities since 2010. 1
Related news
- 29 January 2019: "What would it take to achieve parity?"
- 5 July 2017: (Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand) "New evidence of personal and social benefits of university education for Māori and Pacific Peoples".
- 13 April 2017: "Universities concerned over persistent UE disparity for Māori and Pasifika".
- 31 March 2016: “Online toolkit initiative could see more Māori and Pasifika go to University”.
Resources
- Success for Pasifika in Tertiary Education: Highlights from Ako Aotearoa-supported research
- Ministry of Education, 2013. “An analysis of recent Pasifika education research literature to inform and improve outcomes for Pasifika learners”.
Want to know more?
[1] Education Counts 2019 tertiary statistics – Participation. Updated May 2020.