A recent review of educational investments supporting Pacific priorities has led to significant funding cuts, raising alarm among community leaders and education experts. According to information received through an Official Information Act request, the Ministry of Education has drastically reduced its budget for Pacific Bilingual Language programs from $2.6 million (US$1.46 million) in 2023-2024 to $1.2 million (US$677,000) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, a reduction of 54 percent.
The Ministry characterized these cuts as minor adjustments within a broader investment strategy for Pacific learners, yet critics, including Labour’s Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni, denounced the decision as indicative of a lack of regard for Pasifika languages and cultures. Sepuloni expressed her disappointment, stating that it reflects the government’s failure to truly value the importance of cultural identity and language in the success of Pasifika children. She emphasized that children confident in their identity and with access to their language are more likely to thrive academically.
Leali’ie’e Dr. Tufulasi Taleni, a Pacific education expert at Canterbury University, called the cuts “disheartening,” stressing that Pacific languages are integral to community identity and reducing support for their teaching represents a major setback. He pointed out that maintaining the teaching and learning of these languages was already a challenge, and the funding reduction exacerbates this issue. Taleni also noted that the cuts contradict the Ministry’s own Pacific Education Plan, which aimed to ensure participation and achievement for all Pacific learners.
The funding cuts will impact various crucial programs designed to support Pacific education, including the Pasifika Early Literacy Project, Pacific Instructional Series, Pacific Bilingual eBooks, and bilingual mathematics resources. Despite the Ministry’s assurances that Pacific language learning remains a priority, the lack of consultation with schools and Pacific communities prior to implementing these reductions has bred skepticism regarding the government’s commitment.
Moreover, data from the 2018 Census reveals a troubling decline in the number of Pacific language speakers in New Zealand, where 37 percent of Pacific people can speak their native languages despite making up over eight percent of the population. Experts warn that if the government does not act to address these issues, the risk of losing these vital languages—for future generations—could become a reality.
While these cuts present significant challenges to Pacific education, community advocates are hopeful that the heightened awareness and concerns expressed by leaders and educators can spark renewed efforts to support and promote Pacific languages, thereby preserving cultural heritage and improving educational outcomes for Pasifika children. As emphasized by Taleni, strong leadership is necessary to combat these setbacks and ensure that Pacific children see their cultures reflected in their education, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Leave a comment