Language Competency Consultation 2024 - Feedback Analysis Summary

Tālofa, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Kia orana, Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Noa'ia, Mauri, Tēnā koutou katoa and warm greetings to you all! 

The Teaching Council would like to acknowledge the diverse voices that have been shared throughout the review and consultation process. The collective voices from our Pacific communities and the willingness to share personal and professional experiences has enabled positive change to take place. This policy review has been informed and shaped by the needs and aspirations of Pacific akōnga | learners, as shared with us by Pacific kaiako | teachers, educational leaders, and communities.

We appreciate the responses that have been submitted, and respect the sacredness, value, and importance of Pacific languages.

We carefully considered the feedback we received during consultation and have chosen to adopt a staggered/phased approach for implementation of recommendations one and two.  

The first phase connects to  

Recommendation 2 - Expanding English language evidence criteria 

We are currently working towards updating the Language Competency for Teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand policy and aim to have the amendments published and made effective on our website by the end of October 2024. This will allow Pacific applicants to demonstrate their English language competency through their evidence of schooling in English medium settings, while living in the Pacific region.  

The second phase will connect to  

Recommendation 1 – Introducing a Pacific languages pathway 

Due to the complexities of recognising the wide variety of different Pacific languages, the Teaching Council acknowledges that we need more expertise in this area. We will be implementing this as a ‘future focused’ phase. We’ll update the profession once we have more information.

The talanoa | conversations and garue | work continues, and the Teaching Council strives towards reducing barriers for teachers, by creating pathways that strengthens the mana of teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Malo aupito, vinaka vakalevu, and fakaaue | thank you to those who have contributed to this consultation.

If you have any questions, please contact: Lynette Sosefo, lynette.sosefo@teachingcouncil.nz