Toolkit to empower early childhood educators for Pacific well-being

A new Pacific-led resource, has been designed to nurture identity, well-being, and cultural confidence among four-five year olds in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in New Zealand.

Research Fellow Dr Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia and a team of ECE teachers will launch the Nesian Narratives Toolkit at the New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) Conference at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland on 18 November.

Dr Veukiso-Ulugia is a leading Pacific researcher and educator whose work bridges health, education and cultural identity. Her research focuses on culturally responsive pedagogy, well-being and equity for Pacific learners.

A recipient of the Sir Thomas Davis Kite Rangi Ariki Health Research Fellowship from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, she has led projects integrating Pacific values and worldviews into curriculum design.

Her expertise lies in relationship and sexuality education, social work, and community-led research, making her a powerful advocate for systemic change in education.

“A key feature of designing this toolkit has been working closely with Pacific ECE educators and community knowledge holders; their insights have helped to design a resource that is accessible and practical to support tamariki,” says Veukiso-Ulugia.

Pacific children represent one of the fastest-growing populations in Aotearoa, yet they often face systemic barriers in education and health she says.
“The toolkit addresses these gaps by embedding Pacific values, languages, and worldviews into everyday teaching practice.

“It equips kaiako to foster critical thinking, decision-making, and interpersonal skills while promoting respect, consent and body positivity in age-appropriate ways.”

She says co-designing the toolkit with Pacific ECE educators, Ms Ang Mizziebo and Ms Amelia Ah Mann, was pivotal in developing the resource. Their insights helped shape the toolkit’s overall design, ensuring the needs of young children were at the forefront.

“Teachers asked for exemplar lesson plans, step-by-step guides, and professional learning support and that’s where the toolkit can deliver. As a resource designed collaboratively, this signals a partnership for real change, as we look ahead to the future.”

Veukiso-Ulugia says the toolkit was significant for the ECE sector given early childhood is a critical stage for identity formation.

“When tamariki feel a sense of belonging and see their cultures reflected in learning, they thrive. This toolkit empowers kaiako to create safe, inclusive spaces where Pacific and non-Pacific children learn together, building empathy and resilience.”

She emphasises that the toolkit’s impact can extend beyond the classroom.

“It’s about recognising the inherent strengths of our Pacific children, families and communities. By working with educators, we ensure tamariki arrive at school confident, culturally grounded, and ready to succeed.

“We are moving toward equity, cultural integrity, and well-being in education. The Nesian Narratives Toolkit is a bold step toward this vision.”