Ni Bula Vinaka,

E vakarautaka tiko na matanitu e na gauna oqo e dua na i dusidusi vou ni vuli torocake (Tertiary Education), ka kerei mai kina na noda nanuma na lewenivanua. E na sogo tale tiko na noda vakasama na lewenivanua e na Vakaraubuka oqo. E nanumi ni sa ka bibi me da vakaraitaka na noda nanuma, ka sa mani vakau toka yani oqori e dua na kena i lavelave me baleta na i vavakoso e Mt Roskill, Okaladi ka rawa ni koni la’ki veisautaka se vakuria me vakacurumi kina na veika koni gadreva. Au sa na waraka na nomuni nanuma me yacova na yakavi ni mataka.

E sa na rawa talega ni koni vakauta vakadodonu ki na Tabacakacaka ni Vuli e na email: strategy@minedu.govt.nz.

Loloma bibi

Sireli Kini

Auckland

Tertiary Education Strategy

2010 – 2015

Background

The New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Education has released a draft Tertiary Education Strategy and invited members of the community for their responses to the following questions. The response closes on Friday 6^thNovember 2009. Members of the Fiji Methodist Church in Auckland are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important exercise.

• Will the proposed approach to targeting, improving system performance, and supporting high quality research, help realise the Government’s 3-5 year priorities?

• Do the Government’s expectations of providers and industry training organisations accurately and fully reflected contribution these sub-sectors and the sector as a whole, can make to realising this strategy?

• Will the early indicators of progress provide an accurate indication as to whether or not the system is making progress towards Government’s goals for tertiary education?

The Fiji Methodist Church in Auckland considers education in general and indeed tertiary education critical for the well being of its members. Through successful completion of tertiary education, people are able to enter into the job market at a higher level with higher economic returns. Empirical experience and evidences show the opposite for those that enter job market without tertiary qualifications.

The Fijian People

In 2006 the Fijian People in New Zealand is one of seven profiles on Pacific peoples based on the results from the 2006 Census. The subject population for this profile is the usually resident populations of Fijians at the time of the 2006 Census. Fijians are defined as those who specified Fijian as a response to the ethnicity question.

The 2006 Census showed that the Fijians were the fifth largest Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand, making up 9,864 or 4 percent of New Zealand’s Pacific population (265,974). The Fijian population increased by 40 percent (2,820) between 2001 and 2006. The median age of the Fijian population (half are younger and half are older than this age) was 24 years. By comparison, the median ages for the Pacific and total New Zealand populations were 21 years and 36 years, respectively. Fijians born in New Zealand account for 44 percent (4,251) of the total Fijian population. This was a 3 percentage point decrease since 2001.

Eighty two percent (82%) or 4995 of Fijian adults have a formal educational qualification (secondary school or post-school qualification). The comparable figures for the total Pacific and New Zealand populations were 65 percent and 75 percent, respectively. 59 percent (5,847) of the Fijian population live in the Auckland region, which is an increase of 1 percentage point since the 2001 census.

The Tertiary Education Commission plays a pivotal role in assisting to establish comprehensive education pathways that meet the learning needs of all New Zealanders, including all who identify as Pacific peoples. Pacific peoples are now an established and integral group within New Zealand’s population. Statistics New Zealand report of the 2001 Census showed that one in 16 people in New Zealand were of Pacific ethnicity at the time of the 2001 Census of Population and Dwellings (Statistics New Zealand). The Pacific peoples population will also continue to grow at a faster rate than the total New Zealand population. Even though this growth rate will slow in the next 20 years, medium term projections by Statistics New Zealand estimate that New Zealand’s Pacific population will reach 414,000 by 2021 – an increase of about 58 percent (Statistics New Zealand, 2003).

Given this trend, it is logical to take pre-emptive steps to in order to gain maximum benefit. The Pacific existence and contribution to New Zealand is important when addressed positively to avoid opportunity cost.  An independent report by the New Zealand Institute for Economic Research projects revealed that if the education and training levels of the current generation of Pacific children can be accelerated to match current levels attained by non-Pacific children, then by 2021 New Zealand’s economy would benefit by $4-$5 billion.* (NZIER Pacific Peoples Economic Participation Report – Implications for the New Zealand Economy)

Tertiary Education Strategy issues:

The median age of the Fijian people in New Zealand is 24. While the TES targets young people under 25, it is important to consider the plight of teenage mothers in the Strategy.

The Strategy therefore must consider that New Zealand has one of highest teenage pregnancy rates in the developing world, with about 50 teenage girls in every 1000 falling pregnant.  This pregnancy rate puts us behind the United States, but at a similar level to that of England and Wales. European countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are considerably lower.

While reasons for our national status are continually debated, there are definite trends within New Zealand which highlight ‘at risk’ teenagers. It is widely acknowledged that children who were born to teenage parents are more likely to become teenage parents themselves, and that teenagers in low socio-economic groups are also more at risk. Maori and Pacific Island teenagers have a higher fertility (completed pregnancy) rate than European, and their abortion rate is higher also. There are of course teenagers who fall pregnant outside of the ‘high risk’  groups, and questions about sex education and self-esteem come in to play.

Juggling study with parenting is difficult, no matter what the circumstance, but for teenagers who fall pregnant while still at school, even basic level education can be difficult to maintain. While the introduction of teen parent’s schools has helped address this issue, teenage parents still suffer disruption to their education during pregnancy and in the months following their child’s birth. In areas where there is no teen parent’s school available, education for teen parents is difficult, and while some continue their education through correspondence or other forms of distance learning, many simply drop out all together.

The targeting of young people (aged under 25) therefore should be pursued together with other approaches such as sex education, values and appreciating and accepting the role of the Church and spiritual in developing and sustaining the well being of people.

Tertiary education stakeholders such as the Government, students, and their families devote significant resources to tertiary education. Their expectations are sure that qualifications are of high quality and relevant for their requirements. It is noted that the Government alone invests $3.7 billion every year.

Given the enormous level of investment and expectations, it is imperative that the goals are achieved. Tertiary education providers should be made strictly accountable in every aspects of the journey from entry to successful completion. In the quest to increase participation, some small providers are using promotion and marketing techniques that are aimed at increasing higher entrance numbers with less emphasis on success and quality completion.

Some of those small institutions are enrolling students from Fiji for courses that cost $14,000 per year. Students were told to pay $7,000 upfront and the balance to be paid while they are studying in New Zealand and working for 20 hours per week. It is a great concern that some of those students who were lured to study in tertiary institutions under this system are struggling to study and pay for their living let alone paying for the balance of $7,000 let alone successfully completing their courses. A quick analysis of this arrangement reveals that it almost impossible to pay the balance of the cost let alone completing the course. We need to continue to support students to study full-time, as this is a big factor in completion rates. The system should also monitor what information tertiary institutions disseminate in their promotion and marketing campaigns.

The Government should put in place and implement stringent quality assurance measures to ensure that tertiary education providers are consistently accountable for the quality and outcome of educational services. The system should provide students and the tertiary education industry confidence in the quality assurance framework. The quality assurance should start from recruiting/enrolment right through to completion. On the other hand the public tertiary providers need to ensure they are financially viable so they can provide quality education on an ongoing basis. The evaluation findings and reports should be made public.

We therefore suggest:

• Stringent quality assurance system
• Government to recognise and accept the Church as a partner in Tertiary Education
• Government to be aware and deal with small providers that lures student to study and work.

This submission generally reflects the opinions of members of the Fiji Methodist Church in Auckland that worship in Mount Roskill. Draft copies of the submission have been sent to other members of the Fijian community in other churches and centres in New Zealand to include their views and to submit directly to the Tertiary Education Commission.

Ban on using a hand-held mobile phone while driving isn’t the only change on NZ roads coming into force this weekend.

Transport officials are keen to ensure motorists are up to speed with the alterations to current driving laws from Sunday.

The new road rules will include bikers using headlights at all times, increased restrictions on using bus lanes, and limits on towing speeds.

“The changes cover road use by drivers, motorcycle riders, cyclists and pedestrians,” says a spokesperson from the NZ Transport Agency.

“All of the changes are being introduced to make New Zealand’s roads safer and more efficient to use.

“Poor visibility is a contributing factor in many multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes, and daytime headlamps will help make motorcycles more visible to other road users.

“And setting a nationally consistent maximum distance for special lanes makes the requirements clearer for drivers and makes enforcement easier.”

Here is a full list of the changes:

• Motorcyclists and moped riders must use headlamps or daytime running lamps during daylight hours. This requirement applies to riders of all mopeds or motorcycles made after 1 January 1980.
• Drivers crossing special vehicle lanes (i.e. bus lanes) to turn left or get to a parking space may only enter a special lane when they are less than 50 metres from where they will turn off, and that they complete the manoeuvre in the minimum length of lane necessary.
• Drivers must give way to pedestrians who are ‘obviously waiting’ to cross at a pedestrian crossing (the current requirement is to give way to pedestrians on a crossing).
• Vehicles towing another vehicle without a rigid towing system (i.e. using a tow rope) will be limited to a maximum of 50km/h

For more information visit :

www.nzta.govt.nz/publications/road-user-amendment-2009

22 October 2009

Media Release

Resource to help people cope with financial stress

The Ministry of Health today published a brochure providing practical advice and information about support services for New Zealanders who are suffering from stress because of the tougher economic times.

“Research has shown that people who have lost their jobs or are experiencing financial hardship are at greater risk of suffering from mental health problems such as anxiety or depression,” Director of Mental Health Dr David Chaplow said.

“This brochure offers practical advice for coping with stress and looking after family members during times of financial hardship. It also provides information on the telltale signs of anxiety or depression and the available support services,” according to Dr Chaplow.

“People who are adversely affected during times of adversity because of job loss or tight finances are encouraged to seek help early. There is help, if they need it.”

Copies of the brochure called “Coping with Financial Stress: Looking after yourself and your family/whanau during tough economic times” will be distributed nationwide for use in Work and Income service centres and general practices. The brochure can also be downloaded or ordered from the Ministry of Health website (http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/coping-with-financial-stress).

A number of epidemiological studies have shown a link between financial stress and mental health. Research has also shown that early intervention approaches are effective in helping reduce the potential adverse impacts from financial stress.

ENDS

For media queries, please contact: Luz Baguioro, Media Advisor (04 496 2349, 021 802 622)
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Title: “Fiji & the Commonwealth : Where to from here!”

Location: Wellington, New Zealand; Venue: Level 2, James Smith Building, Cuba St, Wellington. Date: 23 October 2009

Description: Organized by: Luvei Viti Think Tank Social group @ My Victoria & Fiji Truth Commission Movement.

All are invited to a Commonwealth Conversation Forum with Fiji as the main Focus.

http://www.thecommonwealthconversation.org

PROGRAMME

Start: 2.30pm – 5.30pm;

The programme for the event will be as follows, pending minor changes

• Welcome
• Short DVD on Commonwealth Conversation
• Speaker:         Sai Lealea [also facilitator]
• Speaker:         Darryl Stevens – President, Commonwealth Trust NZ
• Short DVD on Fiji
• Poem on Fiji
• Speaker:         Dr Teresia Teiwa – Lecturer Pacific Studies, Victoria University of Wellington
• Open Forum/Plenary session
• Wrap -up
• Reflections on Fiji ‘DVD’
• End

Regional Facilitation Meeting on Tertiary Education

Facilitated by WELTEC

Ni Bula Vinaka,

For your information and your networks please.

It would be good to have a Fiji rep at this meeting.

Venue:

• WelTec Petone site, Room C116;

When:

• 22 October 2009

Time:

• Starts at 6pm

All queries to be directed to keresi.manueli@weltec.ac.nz

Purpose of meeting:

To seek responses, through discussions, to the attached questions which are based on the objectives of Regional Facilitation  in relation to tertiary education.

Background Information

The Tertiary Education reforms are seeking to develop a responsive tertiary education system in which tertiary education providers:

• Have a better understanding of the tertiary education needs expressed by key stakeholders;
• Are able to respond more effectively to meet those needs; and
• Are able to demonstrate that their provision is matched to demand and represents good value for money.

Regional Facilitation is the process by which Institutes of Technology and Polytechs (ITP) facilitate development of a shared understanding of the education and training needs in their region. The process acknowledges that stakeholders’ needs do not emerge in tidy ways once evry three years, and as a result, Regional facilitation is a dynamic on-going process.

The key objectives of Regional Facilitation in relation to tertiary education are to:

• Build a shared understanding of regional needs, gaps and priorities for tertiary education;
• Develop capability at a regional level through collaborative relationships between providers;
• Deliver better outcomes for learners and other stakeholders; and
• Offer efficiency and value for money benefits for stakeholders and providers alike.

Tertiary education needs survey

Warm Pacific Greetings

Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Work and Income and Inland Revenue would like to cordially invite you to a workshop aimed at helping you learn more about the services available to help you and your community.

Where

Wellington

Level 2, ASB Building, 101-103 The Terrance

When

Date:  Monday, 31 August 2009

Time: 6.30 to 7.30pm

RSVP

RSVP essential to Ruta Lealamanua by 5pm Monday, 26th August 2009.

Tel: 0800 443 334 email ruta.lealamanua@mpia.govt.nz

We look forward to seeing you, and if you have any questions regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact Yara Gaunavinaka on 09 262 6828 at

Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs

Hosted by: MPIA, Work & Income NZ & IRD

The Conchus Season

Season: Tuesday 18 – Saturday 29 August (no show Sun/Mon)
Time: 7pm
Tickets: $16 full / $13 concession, Ask the Box Office about School Matinees.

Book now! ph: (04) 802 4175  book@bats.co.nz

Nina Nawalowalo, artistic director of the Conch and  creator of the ground breaking ‘Vula’, which last year enjoyed a sell out season  London’s Barbican Centre comes back to the Bats theatre where that journey began to launch a new initiative ‘The Conchus Season’.  showcasing an exciting crop of emerging Maori and Pacific performers.

The Conch has assembled an impressive team of mentors to work with performers Kristyl Neho, Princess te Puea Whioke and Fijian New Zealander Kasaya Manulevu. Alongside Conch co founders  Nina Nawalowalo Tom McCrory-   Briar Grace Smith as dramaturg, Sarah Foster and Canadian dancer Andrea Tutt as dance mentors , design by Robyn Yee, Costume by Sue Prescott, and last year’s Chapman Tripp lighting designer of the year 2008 Lisa Maule make up the artistic team. This broad range of skills reflects the dynamic diversity of the pieces themselves which move from an explosive cocktail of Tap, Hip Hop and Kapa Haka, through Magic and illusion and impressive writing and multi character story telling. Audiences are guaranteed a night of vision and variety.  Are you Conchus?

Some things can’t be Healed by Bandages
by Princess Te Puea Whioke An explosive one woman solo combining Hip hop, Tap and storytelling, exploring the highly charged subject of violence against children.

Yalewa
by Kasaya Manulevu Photographs and objects may be all that we have left when someone leaves us. When these objects are of cultural significance our sense of loss and dislocation can be doubled as our living connection to them passes away. Object animation and illusion combine in this visually rich solo.

Te Mahara -The Memory
by Kristyl Neho Following a Grandmothers journey into Alzheimer’s and memory loss in Hastings, Kristyl plays over ten different characters to sometimes hilarious sometimes heartbreakingly poignant effect.

Fiji’s Roving Ambassador and career diplomat Ross Ligairi died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital at 12.05am today. Ligairi, over 50 years of age, was wheeled into the CWMH emergency unit at around mid-night by family members and straight into the mini-operation theatre where doctors and nurses tried to revive him. Moments later a woman’s cry was heard from within the theatre as one of his sons stood outside teary eyed.

Nurses at the hospital could not find any medical records of Ligairi since, as his wife Losalini Kasetimaibau highlighted; he had never visited the public hospital. Ligairi’s private doctor is expected to provide details of Ligairi’s illness later today and hopefully avoid a post mortem examination. The family has also been informed that all mortuaries in the greater Suva, Nausori and Navua areas are filled to capacity. Ligairi is survived by his wife and their three sons. He has four brothers and four sisters and is the second eldest in the family.

He hails from Nabalebale Village in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu and attended Queen Victoria School. Ligairi joined the civil service in 1978 and has been a diplomat for most of his career. But, before that he had wanted to be a professional boxer and when studying in India held the All-India Universities middleweight title from 1973 to 1977.  Later in England, he held the British Universities middleweight title from 1979 to 1980.  He had 79 amateur fights, losing three on points. In 1980, Ligairi was posted to the permanent mission at the United Nations as Second Secretary and Vice Consul.

His diplomatic engagements include, being media spokesman for Foreign Affairs from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, he was posted to the Fiji Embassy in Wellington as charge d’affaires. From September 1993 to August 1994, he was the principal assistant secretary and head of policy research and assessment unit. He also worked under Sitiveni Rabuka as the PM’s private secretary before he was transferred as Counsellor to the Fiji Mission to the European Union in 1997.  In 2001, he was transferred back to the Foreign Affairs office in Suva to the position of chief assistant secretary for political treaties and later ascended to the position of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary.

In September last year, Ligairi was appointed the new Roving Ambassador for the South Pacific replacing Ratu Finau Mara. Following his new appointment, Ligairi trekked around the region trying to win friends for Fiji. One of his recent engagements, in March this year, was to convey to the Japanese Government Air Pacific’s withdrawal of its Narita service.

Fijian People in New Zealand