Case studies of career development approaches, He rangahau whakapūaho mō ngā huarahi whakawhanake aramahi

A distinct Pacific approach to career development continues to take shape in Aotearoa. This growing body of engagement practice includes:

• Vā‑centred practice¹– nurturing relationships first
• ‘Aiga‑centred decision making – involving family where appropriate
• Narrative and storytelling – connecting identity to future pathways
• Strengths‑based guidance – recognising leadership, service, bilingualism and resilience
• Systems thinking – understanding the influence of church, culture, community and obligations

We acknowledge the current wide-ranging career delivery landscape. This includes:

• secondary schools, government, industry, tertiary and training
• pathway information and planning events
• university initiatives, education, training and industry events
• career expos, career info days, secondary school career information and advice, student-parent evenings and others.

However, to support and elevate good career practice that will enhance Pacific learner success and pathways we are highlighting 2 proven secondary school programmes – one from the North and one from the South Island – to help guide culturally responsive and affirming career practice and delivery.

PILOT began in Auckland 15 years ago as a programme to inspire and grow Pacific leadership in secondary schools. It was developed and co‑established under the leadership of its president, Seiuli Terri Leo‑Mauu.

PILOT is a Pacific careers programme delivered by Pacific role models for Pacific students across Tāmaki Makaurau.

It is grounded in Epeli Hauʻofa’s We Are the Ocean quote, “We are not defined by the size of our islands, but by the greatness of our oceans.”

PILOT uses a unique partnership model across tertiary education providers and government agencies, delivered over 2 days and finishing with an information evening for parents and ‘aiga. It has been successful due to the emphasis on resilience, leadership and goal setting as keys for future success. Participants are encouraged to embrace their cultural roots and take pride in their Pacific heritage.

The programme also highlights the value of hard work, practise and perseverance as essential components of achieving success. By participating in the PILOT programme, Pacific students gain valuable insights into their educational and career pathways, empowering them to make informed decisions and pursue their dreams.

In addition, there is normally an interactive and culturally embracing parent evening on the second day so they can understand their child’s NCEA learnings, and how to best support their career aspirations.

Following are exemplars of successful PILOT delivery in Auckland.

Year 13 Pasifika Students Attend PILOT Day at AUT

Auckland campus hosts Pacific Island Leaders of Tomorrow workshop - Massey University

Pacific Island Leaders of Tomorrow (Southern Cross Campus)

P.I.L.O.T Conference - Green Bay High School

SPACPAC stands for ‘SPACIFICALLY Pacific’, a programme organised by the Ministry of Education in partnership with local Canterbury secondary schools and the Pacific community.

It aims to nurture academic excellence and holistic growth among Pacific students, providing opportunities for leadership development, cultural celebration and career exposure.

SPACPAC delivers a range of established initiatives, including the Leadership Summit, Canterbury Polyfest, Youth Awards, Pacific Careers Expo, Pacific Innovate, Pacific Speech Festival, Pacific Leaders’ Breakfast, and the Memea Cultural and Service Leadership Awards.

SPACPAC has made a sustained and measurable difference to Pacific students in Canterbury by strengthening identity, belonging, leadership and pathways. Over many years, it has become a key regional anchor for Pacific education, culture and youth development.

Through initiatives like the Leadership Summit, Leaders’ Breakfast and Memea Awards, SPACPAC has developed emerging Pacific leaders, created visible role models and strengthened youth voice (leo) in schools and community settings.

This leadership pipeline supports long‑term educational and workforce aspirations.

Both these regional and longstanding cultural career events and initiatives help Pacific students explore pathways that honour who they are and where they come from.

Our Team | Empower Pacific Youth Today — SPACPAC Canterbury

Canterbury Pacific students find inspiration at SPACPAC expo - Ara

Community Scoop » Canterbury Pacific Students Find Inspiration at SPACPAC Expo

Canterbury Pacific students off to a fresh and energetic start with SPACPAC – Education Gazette

Author: Hana Seumanu, 2026