Pacific

Pasifika students in NZ get new language resources

15:43 pm on 6 December 2016

Pasifika new entrant students in New Zealand now have access to new resources in five Pasifika languages.

Students in Auckland take part in the Aha mentoring programme which uses music to combat bullying. Photo: Supplied/ Pasifika Foundation

The dual language resources include 100 dual-language flip books, audio and online resources in Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan, Cook Islands Māori and Niuean - as well as English, along with supporting materials for teachers and parents.

The Education Minister Hekia Parata said the materials are designed to build on the strengths of Pasifika new entrants' existing language skills to support the development of their English language and literacy skills.

She said for these students maintaining their language and using it alongside English would help Pasifika children reach their full potential.