Future Ready: AI for Pasifika and Māori Educators 🌟

Recently alongside the leadership team from Homai, I attended the Future Ready conference hosted by Lalanga in South Auckland. This learning opportunity came to me via our Tatupu Cluster convenor, Sonia Johnston.   While we cannot always attend every single event ourselves, sharing these opportunities across our networks is so important for keeping us all connected and growing.  Fa'afetai tele le fa'asoa Sonia!

The conference itself focused closely on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future of Pasifika and Māori education. A core part of our Manaiakalani network is our commitment to Learn, Create, and Share. Staying open to new learning, stepping outside our daily routines, and connecting with others helps us keep our mahi fresh.

It was affirming to see how much of our daily classroom practice already aligns with these national conversations, especially around equity and student empowerment. At the same time, seeing other ways of doing things gave us fresh perspectives and sparked new ideas on how we can continue to use AI in culturally responsive, safe, and exciting ways.

Thank you to our Tatupu Cluster convenor for passing on this invitation, to Lalanga for hosting, and to the Homai leadership team for their great companionship. We return to our schools ready to explore these digital tools together! 

The image below is from a piece completed by Tagata Pasifika.  Click on image to find the full article. 

Pasifika@Manaiakalani Conference 2026

 What an incredible day we had on July 7th at the Te Oro Music and Arts Centre in Glen Innes as we gathered for this year’s Pasifika@Manaiakalani Conference! It was deeply inspiring to welcome 80 passionate teachers and educators, all dedicating their valuable holiday time to reflect, connect, and champion our learners.

The day kicked off with an empowering keynote address from David Riley, "The Reading Warrior." David highlighted the vital role teachers play in making a way for our learners to fully engage in their learning. He challenged us to truly know and understand what our students love to do, using those authentic interests as powerful hooks to ignite learning—a message that resonates right at the heart of the Manaiakalani kaupapa.  Malo fa'afetai tele Tavita mo lou tāpena ma fa'asoa i lenei aso! 

Following the keynote, attendees immersed themselves in a rich selection of insightful workshops, diving into practical strategies, shared expertise, and meaningful discussions to take back to their schools and classrooms.

Another highlight of the day was our delicious brunch, lovingly prepared and served by Tāmaki College ex-students who are now leading the Tāmaki College hospitality course and building hands-on experience out of the Rise UP Trust. Seeing our former students step into leadership and serve our teaching community was a powerful, beautiful example of community and learning in action!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Manaiakalani Education Trust, TRC (Tāmaki Regeneration Company), and Community Kids Early Learning Centres for their invaluable financial support. 

A special thank you also goes to PBTech, Mena International Ltd, and Laupapa Trust for their generous donations of spot prizes, which brought so much extra joy and excitement to our attendees.

A huge fa'afetai to all of our dedicated workshop presenters for sharing their wisdom, and a massive fa'afetai tele lava to every teacher who attended. Your presence, energy, and unwavering commitment to our Pasifika learners made the day an absolute success.

Fa'afetai tele lava to everyone who contributed to making this year's Pasifika@Manaiakalani Conference so memorable and impactful. We look forward to continuing this journey together and hosting you again next year!

🌺Fa'afetai to 'The Five Stars' who own the track 'Pua Samoa' I have used in this reel.